Chapter 87 covers all motor vehicles for the transport of goods or persons other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, trailers and semi-trailers, etc. Within the chapter, headings are divided by power type, use and structure, from tractors of heading 8701 to trailers of heading 8716, forming a complete classification system for transport vehicles. This chapter does not include railway vehicles (Chapter 86), aircraft (Chapter 88) or ships (Chapter 89), nor does it include machinery specially designed for fixed installations (Chapter 84). Heading 8716 includes various trailers and semi-trailers (box-type, tank-type, flatbed, etc. for the transport of goods), as well as other vehicles not mechanically propelled (such as hand carts, luggage carts). However, it does not include motor vehicles for the transport of persons or goods (8702-8704), special purpose vehicles (8705) or self-propelled motor vehicles. The core characteristic of this heading is that the vehicle itself has no power and must be towed or pushed by another vehicle. First 2 digits 87: Chapter 87, representing motor vehicles for the transport of goods or persons and their trailers. Digits 3-4, 16: heading 8716, specifically referring to trailers, semi-trailers and other vehicles not mechanically propelled. Digits 5-6, 31: subheading 871631, further limited to 'box-type trailers and semi-trailers', i.e., trailers with an enclosed box structure used for the transport of general goods. Note: 871631 differs from 871639 (other trailers) in whether it has an enclosed box body; it differs from 871640 (other vehicles not mechanically propelled) in whether it is a trailer. Box-type trailers and semi-trailers have an enclosed box body, are specially used for the transport of goods, and have no power of their own, so they must be towed by a tractor. This conforms to the definition of 'trailers and semi-trailers' under heading 8716, and subheading 871631 explicitly includes box-type structures. If the vehicle is self-propelled, it is classified under 8704; if it is for special purposes (such as refrigerated or tank-type), it may be classified under 8705 or other subheadings of 8716; if it is a dedicated container chassis, depending on its structure it may be classified under 871639.

Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the vehicle type, such as 'box-type semi-trailer' or 'box-type trailer'. Brand type: Fill in the vehicle brand, such as 'CIMC' etc.; if there is no brand, fill in 'none'. Model: The specific model or specification code of the vehicle, used to distinguish different configurations. Vehicle use: Clearly state the type of goods transported, such as 'general goods transport', 'cold chain transport', etc. Box body material: Describe the main material of the box body, such as 'steel', 'aluminum', 'composite material', etc. Total mass: The maximum permissible total mass of the vehicle when fully loaded, in kilograms. Kingpin specification: For semi-trailers, fill in the kingpin diameter (e.g., 2 inches or 3.5 inches); for trailers, fill in the connection method. Brand (Chinese and foreign language): Provide both Chinese and foreign language brand names; if there is no brand, fill in 'none'. Product name: box-type semi-trailer; brand type: CIMC; model: ZCZ9400XXY; vehicle use: general goods transport; box body material: steel; total mass: 40000kg; kingpin specification: 2 inches; brand (Chinese and foreign language): CIMC/CIMC. Confusing a box-type trailer with a box truck, resulting in incorrect classification under 8704. Ignoring the kingpin specification; the declaration elements for semi-trailers and full trailers are different. Filling in total mass as curb weight, affecting customs judgment of the vehicle type.

The core basis for classification is the description of 8716 in the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes: the vehicle itself has no power, must be towed by another vehicle, and has an enclosed box body for carrying goods. Reference is also made to the definition of 'box-type' in the Tariff Explanatory Notes, i.e., having a fixed roof and side walls, with doors at the rear or side, forming an enclosed space. If the vehicle is equipped with a refrigeration unit, it may be classified under 8705 or other subheadings of 8716; if it is a dedicated container transport vehicle, it must be judged according to whether the box body is detachable. 8704 Motor vehicles for the transport of goods: Vehicles under 8704 are self-propelled and can run independently; 871631 is a non-powered trailer and needs to be towed. If the vehicle has a cab and engine, it should be classified under 8704. 8705 Special purpose motor vehicles: 8705 covers motor vehicles with special functions (such as refrigerated trucks, tank trucks), which are self-propelled; while 871631 is an ordinary box-type trailer, non-powered and without special functions. 871639 Other trailers and semi-trailers: 871639 covers non-box-type trailers, such as flatbed trailers, skeleton trailers, tank trailers, etc. If the trailer has no enclosed box body, it is classified under 871639. 871640 Other vehicles not mechanically propelled: 871640 includes hand carts, luggage carts and other non-trailer vehicles, without towing devices, not used for road transport. 871631 specifically refers to box-type trailers for road use. 8609 Containers: 8609 covers containers, which have standardized dimensions and corner fittings and can be used alone as a transport unit; 871631 is a trailer, which has a running gear and towing device, on which containers can be loaded. Is the vehicle self-propelled? Does it have an enclosed box body? Is it specially used for road goods transport? Is the towing method semi-trailer or full trailer? Does it contain special equipment (such as a refrigeration unit)?

How are box-type trailers and box trucks distinguished in HS codes? Box trucks are self-propelled, have a cab and engine, and are classified under 8704; box-type trailers are non-powered, must be towed by a tractor, and are classified under 871631. When declaring, information such as whether the vehicle has an engine and whether it has a cab must be provided. What is the difference in declaration between semi-trailers and full trailers? A semi-trailer is connected to the tractor through a kingpin, and part of its weight is borne by the tractor; a full trailer is connected through a drawbar, and all its weight is borne by itself. When declaring, a semi-trailer must indicate the kingpin specification, and a full trailer must indicate the drawbar type, but both are classified under 871631. If a box-type trailer is equipped with a refrigeration unit, which code should it be classified under? If the refrigeration unit is permanently installed and the vehicle is mainly used for cold chain transport, it may be classified under 8705 (special purpose motor vehicles) or other subheadings of 8716 (such as 871639). However, if the refrigeration unit is only auxiliary and the vehicle remains an ordinary box-type, it is still classified under 871631; the specific determination depends on the function. How can I check the import tariff rate for 871631? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. The rates include MFN rate, general rate, value-added tax and consumption tax (if applicable), and may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest tariff. What are the consequences of filling in the total mass incorrectly during declaration? Total mass is an important parameter for determining the vehicle type. Incorrect entry may lead to classification errors, thereby affecting tariff rates and regulatory conditions. If discovered by customs, it may result in supplementary tax payment, fines or even administrative penalties. It should be filled in strictly according to the vehicle announcement or certificate data. What certifications are required for exporting box-type trailers to the EU? Exporting to the EU requires compliance with EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) or individual approval, including requirements for braking, lighting, emissions, etc., and the CE mark must be affixed. In addition, a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and technical documents are required. For details, consult a professional certification body. For cross-border e-commerce sales of box-type trailer models, which code should be used? If it is a scale model, it should be classified under 9503 (toys) or 9705 (collectibles); if it is a real vehicle, it is classified under 871631. Judgment should be based on size, function and use; models usually have no actual transport function. How can confusion between 871631 and 871639 be avoided during customs declaration? The key is whether there is an enclosed box body. 871631 specifically refers to box-type, with a fixed roof and side walls; 871639 covers others, such as flatbed, skeleton, tank-type, etc. When declaring, the vehicle structure should be described in detail, and photos or drawings should be provided as supporting explanation.