Chapter 87 covers vehicles and their parts and accessories in the Harmonized System, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. This chapter includes motor vehicles (such as tractors, passenger vehicles, trucks, special-purpose vehicles), non-motor vehicles (such as bicycles, horse-drawn carriages), as well as trailers and semi-trailers. The core lies in complete "land transport vehicles" or unfinished items having the essential character of a vehicle, but the chassis of motor vehicles depends on the specific subheading. This chapter also includes parts specially or principally used for vehicles, but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from general-purpose parts of Chapter 84, Chapter 85, etc. Heading 8716 includes trailers and semi-trailers (for transporting goods or persons), and other non-motor vehicles not elsewhere specified (such as hand carts, sledges, etc.). Its core characteristics are "non-motor" and "being towed or pushed." Trailers and semi-trailers are usually used in conjunction with towing vehicles for road transport. This heading also covers containers (but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from Chapter 86, Chapter 39, etc.), as well as parts of trailers and semi-trailers. However, motor vehicle chassis, engines, etc. are not classified under this heading. First 2 digits 87: indicates Chapter 87, i.e., vehicles and their parts and accessories, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. Digits 3-4, 16: indicates heading 8716, i.e., trailers and semi-trailers, other non-motor vehicles. Digits 5-6, 39: indicates subheading 871639, i.e., "Other trailers and semi-trailers." This subheading is a residual subheading under the subdivisions of 8716.31 (tank trailers and semi-trailers), 8716.39 (other trailers and semi-trailers), etc. Specifically, 8716.31 is tank trailers and semi-trailers; 8716.39 is other trailers and semi-trailers, including box trailers, flatbed trailers, container trailers, etc., but excluding 8716.40 (other trailers and semi-trailers)? Note: In the actual HS, 8716.40 is "Other trailers and semi-trailers," but based on the code 871639 provided by the user, it may refer to 8716.39. Here it is interpreted as 8716.39: this subheading covers all trailers and semi-trailers other than tank trailers and semi-trailers. The goods are trailers or semi-trailers, and are not of the tank type, therefore classified under 8716.39 rather than 8716.31 (tank trailers). At the same time, they do not belong to 8716.40 (other trailers and semi-trailers)? Actually, 8716.40 is "Other trailers and semi-trailers," but the user has given 871639, which may be a specific national subheading. According to the HS code structure, 8716.39 generally refers to "Other trailers and semi-trailers," while 8716.40 is a further subdivision of "Other trailers and semi-trailers"? It needs to be confirmed: In HS2017, 8716.31 is tank trailers, 8716.39 is other trailers and semi-trailers, 8716.40 is other trailers and semi-trailers? Actually, 8716.40 is "Other trailers and semi-trailers," and 8716.39 is a subheading of "Other trailers and semi-trailers"? To avoid confusion, we follow the user-provided 871639 as the standard, i.e., "Other trailers and semi-trailers," distinguished from tank trailers and camping trailers, etc.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers vehicles and their parts and accessories in the Harmonized System, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. This chapter includes motor vehicles (such as tractors, passenger vehicles, trucks, special-purpose vehicles), non-motor vehicles (such as bicycles, horse-drawn carriages), as well as trailers and semi-trailers. The core lies in complete "land transport vehicles" or unfinished items having the essential character of a vehicle, but the chassis of motor vehicles depends on the specific subheading. This chapter also includes parts specially or principally used for vehicles, but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from general-purpose parts of Chapter 84, Chapter 85, etc.
Heading
Heading 8716 includes trailers and semi-trailers (for transporting goods or persons), and other non-motor vehicles not elsewhere specified (such as hand carts, sledges, etc.). Its core characteristics are "non-motor" and "being towed or pushed." Trailers and semi-trailers are usually used in conjunction with towing vehicles for road transport. This heading also covers containers (but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from Chapter 86, Chapter 39, etc.), as well as parts of trailers and semi-trailers. However, motor vehicle chassis, engines, etc. are not classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 87: indicates Chapter 87, i.e., vehicles and their parts and accessories, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. Digits 3-4, 16: indicates heading 8716, i.e., trailers and semi-trailers, other non-motor vehicles. Digits 5-6, 39: indicates subheading 871639, i.e., "Other trailers and semi-trailers." This subheading is a residual subheading under the subdivisions of 8716.31 (tank trailers and semi-trailers), 8716.39 (other trailers and semi-trailers), etc. Specifically, 8716.31 is tank trailers and semi-trailers; 8716.39 is other trailers and semi-trailers, including box trailers, flatbed trailers, container trailers, etc., but excluding 8716.40 (other trailers and semi-trailers)? Note: In the actual HS, 8716.40 is "Other trailers and semi-trailers," but based on the code 871639 provided by the user, it may refer to 8716.39. Here it is interpreted as 8716.39: this subheading covers all trailers and semi-trailers other than tank trailers and semi-trailers.
Classification Basis
The goods are trailers or semi-trailers, and are not of the tank type, therefore classified under 8716.39 rather than 8716.31 (tank trailers). At the same time, they do not belong to 8716.40 (other trailers and semi-trailers)? Actually, 8716.40 is "Other trailers and semi-trailers," but the user has given 871639, which may be a specific national subheading. According to the HS code structure, 8716.39 generally refers to "Other trailers and semi-trailers," while 8716.40 is a further subdivision of "Other trailers and semi-trailers"? It needs to be confirmed: In HS2017, 8716.31 is tank trailers, 8716.39 is other trailers and semi-trailers, 8716.40 is other trailers and semi-trailers? Actually, 8716.40 is "Other trailers and semi-trailers," and 8716.39 is a subheading of "Other trailers and semi-trailers"? To avoid confusion, we follow the user-provided 871639 as the standard, i.e., "Other trailers and semi-trailers," distinguished from tank trailers and camping trailers, etc.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "box trailer," "flatbed semi-trailer," etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods. Brand Type: Fill in the brand attribute, such as "no brand," "domestic independent brand," "foreign brand (OEM production)," etc. Model: Fill in the vehicle model or specification, such as "XYZ-123"; if no model, fill in "none." Total Vehicle Weight: Fill in the maximum permissible gross mass of the trailer or semi-trailer, in kilograms. Brand: Fill in the actual brand name, such as "CIMC," "CIMC," etc.; if no brand, fill in "none." Specifications and Model: Fill in the main dimensions or specifications of the vehicle, such as length, width, etc., or fill in "no specifications." Use: Fill in the main use of the vehicle, such as "goods transport," "container transport," etc. Whether Motorized: Fill in "non-motorized," because trailers and semi-trailers themselves have no power. Product Name: Box semi-trailer; Brand Type: Domestic independent brand; Model: XYZ-123; Total Vehicle Weight: 40000 kg; Brand: CIMC; Specifications and Model: length 13.5 m, width 2.5 m, height 2.7 m; Use: Goods transport; Whether Motorized: Non-motorized. Mistakenly declaring trailer parts as complete vehicles, leading to classification errors. Failing to distinguish tank trailers from other trailers, incorrectly classifying under 871631. Ignoring the declaration of total vehicle weight, affecting customs valuation and statistics.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "box trailer," "flatbed semi-trailer," etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in "trailer" or "semi-trailer" without distinguishing the type.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand attribute, such as "no brand," "domestic independent brand," "foreign brand (OEM production)," etc.
⚠️ Omitting or incorrectly filling in as "other."
Model
Fill in the vehicle model or specification, such as "XYZ-123"; if no model, fill in "none."
⚠️ Confusing the model with the chassis number.
Total Vehicle Weight
Fill in the maximum permissible gross mass of the trailer or semi-trailer, in kilograms.
⚠️ Filling in the curb weight instead of the gross mass.
Brand
Fill in the actual brand name, such as "CIMC," "CIMC," etc.; if no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Mistaking the manufacturer for the brand.
Specifications and Model
Fill in the main dimensions or specifications of the vehicle, such as length, width, etc., or fill in "no specifications."
⚠️ Incomplete filling or inconsistent with the actual condition of the vehicle.
Use
Fill in the main use of the vehicle, such as "goods transport," "container transport," etc.
⚠️ Filling in too vaguely, such as "transport."
Whether Motorized
Fill in "non-motorized," because trailers and semi-trailers themselves have no power.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in as "motorized."
Example： Product Name: Box semi-trailer; Brand Type: Domestic independent brand; Model: XYZ-123; Total Vehicle Weight: 40000 kg; Brand: CIMC; Specifications and Model: length 13.5 m, width 2.5 m, height 2.7 m; Use: Goods transport; Whether Motorized: Non-motorized.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring trailer parts as complete vehicles, leading to classification errors.
Failing to distinguish tank trailers from other trailers, incorrectly classifying under 871631.
Ignoring the declaration of total vehicle weight, affecting customs valuation and statistics.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the goods are non-motor vehicles; 2. Whether they are designed to be towed or pushed; 3. Whether they are used for transporting goods or persons; 4. Whether they have a trailer or semi-trailer structure. If they are motor vehicles, they should be classified under 8701-8705, etc.; if they are railway vehicles, under Chapter 86. The key characteristics of trailers and semi-trailers are that they are unpowered, rely on towing by a tractor, and have a load-bearing structure. 871631 Tank trailers and semi-trailers: Specially used for transporting oil and liquids, with a tank structure; while 871639 is other types, such as box type, flatbed, etc. 871640 Other trailers and semi-trailers: In some HS versions, 871640 is "Other trailers and semi-trailers," which may overlap with 871639 and must be distinguished according to national subheading notes. 870790 Motor vehicle chassis: Motor vehicle chassis with an engine or cab are classified under 8707; trailers have no power and are classified under 8716. 860900 Containers: Containers are standardized transport equipment and can be classified separately under 8609; while trailers are vehicles, and even if carrying containers, they are still classified under 8716. 871680 Other non-motor vehicles: Such as hand carts, luggage carts, etc., which are not of trailer structure and are not used for towing by tractors. Is the vehicle unpowered? Is it specially designed to be towed? Is it used for goods transport? Does it have a trailer or semi-trailer structure? Are special types such as tank trailers and containers excluded?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the goods are non-motor vehicles; 2. Whether they are designed to be towed or pushed; 3. Whether they are used for transporting goods or persons; 4. Whether they have a trailer or semi-trailer structure. If they are motor vehicles, they should be classified under 8701-8705, etc.; if they are railway vehicles, under Chapter 86. The key characteristics of trailers and semi-trailers are that they are unpowered, rely on towing by a tractor, and have a load-bearing structure.
Confused Codes：
871631 - Tank trailers and semi-trailers
Specially used for transporting oil and liquids, with a tank structure; while 871639 is other types, such as box type, flatbed, etc.
871640 - Other trailers and semi-trailers
In some HS versions, 871640 is "Other trailers and semi-trailers," which may overlap with 871639 and must be distinguished according to national subheading notes.
870790 - Motor vehicle chassis
Motor vehicle chassis with an engine or cab are classified under 8707; trailers have no power and are classified under 8716.
860900 - Containers
Containers are standardized transport equipment and can be classified separately under 8609; while trailers are vehicles, and even if carrying containers, they are still classified under 8716.
871680 - Other non-motor vehicles
Such as hand carts, luggage carts, etc., which are not of trailer structure and are not used for towing by tractors.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the vehicle unpowered?
✓ Is it specially designed to be towed?
✓ Is it used for goods transport?
✓ Does it have a trailer or semi-trailer structure?
✓ Are special types such as tank trailers and containers excluded?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between HS code 871639 and 871631? 871631 specifically refers to tank trailers and semi-trailers, used for transporting liquids or gases; 871639 is other trailers and semi-trailers, such as box type, flatbed, container, etc. If your trailer has a tank body, it should be classified under 871631; otherwise, under 871639. Which code should trailer parts be classified under? If trailer parts are specially used for trailers, they are generally classified under 871690 (parts of trailers and semi-trailers); if they are general-purpose parts, they are classified under other chapters according to material. For example, trailer-specific axles are classified under 871690, while general-purpose bolts under 7318. How to check the import tariff rate for 871639? The tariff rate depends on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the CCPIT, or professional customs brokers. Note that rates may change; it is recommended to use the latest "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" as the standard. How should "Total Vehicle Weight" be filled in during declaration? Total vehicle weight refers to the maximum permissible gross mass of the trailer or semi-trailer itself, including curb weight and payload, usually in kilograms. Refer to the vehicle nameplate or technical parameter sheet. Is there a difference in classification between semi-trailers and full trailers? In HS codes, both semi-trailers and full trailers are classified under 8716, but must be distinguished according to specific subheadings. 871639 covers both, but if it is a tank trailer, it is classified under 871631. Attention must be paid to structural differences during classification, but the code may be the same. What certification is required for exporting trailers to the EU? Trailers exported to the EU must comply with EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) or relevant directives, such as 2007/46/EC. Specific requirements should be consulted with certification bodies, and products must comply with technical regulations. Does 871639 include camping trailers? Camping trailers (caravans) are usually classified under 871610 (trailers and semi-trailers for housing or camping). 871639 does not include camping trailers, only other freight or special-purpose trailers. How to avoid classification errors during customs declaration? It is recommended to provide detailed product information, such as structure diagrams, use, technical parameters, and refer to the "Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System." If in doubt, you may apply to customs for advance classification.
Q: What is the difference between HS code 871639 and 871631?
A: 871631 specifically refers to tank trailers and semi-trailers, used for transporting liquids or gases; 871639 is other trailers and semi-trailers, such as box type, flatbed, container, etc. If your trailer has a tank body, it should be classified under 871631; otherwise, under 871639.
Q: Which code should trailer parts be classified under?
A: If trailer parts are specially used for trailers, they are generally classified under 871690 (parts of trailers and semi-trailers); if they are general-purpose parts, they are classified under other chapters according to material. For example, trailer-specific axles are classified under 871690, while general-purpose bolts under 7318.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 871639?
A: The tariff rate depends on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the CCPIT, or professional customs brokers. Note that rates may change; it is recommended to use the latest "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" as the standard.
Q: How should "Total Vehicle Weight" be filled in during declaration?
A: Total vehicle weight refers to the maximum permissible gross mass of the trailer or semi-trailer itself, including curb weight and payload, usually in kilograms. Refer to the vehicle nameplate or technical parameter sheet.
Q: Is there a difference in classification between semi-trailers and full trailers?
A: In HS codes, both semi-trailers and full trailers are classified under 8716, but must be distinguished according to specific subheadings. 871639 covers both, but if it is a tank trailer, it is classified under 871631. Attention must be paid to structural differences during classification, but the code may be the same.
Q: What certification is required for exporting trailers to the EU?
A: Trailers exported to the EU must comply with EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) or relevant directives, such as 2007/46/EC. Specific requirements should be consulted with certification bodies, and products must comply with technical regulations.
Q: Does 871639 include camping trailers?
A: Camping trailers (caravans) are usually classified under 871610 (trailers and semi-trailers for housing or camping). 871639 does not include camping trailers, only other freight or special-purpose trailers.
Q: How to avoid classification errors during customs declaration?
A: It is recommended to provide detailed product information, such as structure diagrams, use, technical parameters, and refer to the "Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System." If in doubt, you may apply to customs for advance classification.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.