HS Code for Automotive Parts: Guide for Cross-Border Trade

The automotive industry has become one of the major industries nowadays. This is because of the necessity of human and goods mobility using many kinds of transportation modes such as cars, buses, trucks, and others. Therefore, the demand for automotive spare parts for vehicles has also risen significantly across the globe. In order to facilitate transnational trade, declaring the HS code for automotive parts is obligatory. This article will learn about the structure of the HS code for automotive parts, the major exporters and importers of automotive spare parts, and help you find the accurate HS code for automotive parts. 

Grasping the structure of the HS code for automotive parts

The Harmonized System (HS) code has been administered by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for the standardization of classifying products or goods globally. The existence of the HS code is essential to support the customs authorities around the world in identifying the imported products. This code is mandatory in international trade to allow customs to easily categorize the tariff rate and other restrictions for some products, as well as the implementation of tariff exemptions based on the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 

HS code that is recognized globally consists of 6 digits and is divided into three parts. The parts of the HS code are two numbers of the chapter, two numbers of the heading, and two numbers of the subheading. HS code for automotive parts is classified under Chapter 87, and it follows under the subheading 08, or the four-digit code is 8708. Subsequently, there are two additional digit subheading codes based on the specific automotive parts. Here is an explanation of the breakdown of the HS code for automotive parts, such as brake systems on vehicles under HS code 8708.30: 

• 87: Chapter for the type of vehicles other than tram or train.
• 08: Heading for vehicle parts or accessories under the code 8701-8705. 
• 30: Subheading for brakes, or servo brakes, or other similar parts. 

For more understanding, here is the list of six common-digit HS codes for automotive parts under the umbrella of HS code 8708: 

After the six-digit HS code, there are additional subheadings based on the unique code systems in the specific country. The full code is based on every country’s policy, or known as the commodity code. In the United States, this code can be called HTSUS or Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, which consists of 10-digit numbers. 

Challenges in finding the accurate HS code for automotive parts

Declaring the accurate HS code is important, and it is part of the compulsory international trade process. The declaration of an accurate HS code will have a huge impact on the customs process to determine the tariff rates and eligibility of a product for exemption from restriction based on the relevant Free Trade Agreement (FTAs). Therefore, we need to avoid declaring the incorrect HS code. 

However, declaring the HS code for automotive parts is challenging due to many aspects that should be included in the identification of products. Here is the list of challenges in finding the accurate HS code for automotive parts: 

• The dual-use products for automotive parts somehow make the classification of the HS code challenging. You need to take a closer look more about the function of your product, whether it is for automotive spare parts for decorative, or for transportation use. 
• The modification of automotive parts must be a consideration for the identification of the HS code because it most likely has two or more different materials within one product. 
• The automotive parts can be classified into advanced technology that evolves rapidly. Hence, the automotive products can be classified under different HS codes due to the regular updates from the WCO or the destination country. 

The 5 largest exporting and importing countries of automotive brake systems 

Before utilizing the structure of the HS code for automotive, we might need to know the top 5 largest exporting and importing countries for automotive parts, such as brake systems. This is the major exporter of automotive brake systems under the HS code 870830 in the world, based on data from the UN Comtrade Database in 2024. 

Source: UN Comtrade Database, retrieved December 8, 2025

As the data above, we can see that China is the largest exporter of automotive brake systems with a value of more than 8.2 billion USD. It is followed by Germany and Mexico in the second and third positions as the largest exporters of brake system components, respectively. Meanwhile, the fourth and fifth places are the United States and Italy. These figures show that the exporters of automotive brake systems under the HS code 870830 are from the developed countries. 

After understanding the largest exporting countries, we need to know where are destinations of the brake system products are. These are the figures of the largest exporting countries of automotive brake systems under the HS code 870830 in 2024, based on the data from the UN Comtrade Database. 

Source: UN Comtrade Database, retrieved December 8, 2025

This table demonstrates that the United States has become the biggest importer of automotive brake systems with a valuation of more than 7.4 billion USD. This country is followed by Germany and Mexico as the second and third biggest importers of brake system components, respectively. The fourth and fifth largest importing countries are Poland and Canada. This data shows that the biggest importers of automotive brake systems are from developed countries, similar to the exporters’ counterparts. 

Best way to find HS code for automotive parts using HS Code Match

Finding the HS code for automotive parts is quite challenging due to some changes in classifications. In order to find the HS code for automotive parts, especially brake systems, you can use a third-party application, such as HS Code Match. By using HS Code Match, you can easily find and match the best preference from the AI tools. Here is the step-by-step process for finding the HS code for automotive spare parts on the HS Code Match application. For example, we can choose the largest exporters and importers, such as China and Germany.  

• First step: Please open up the HS Code Match application by accessing hscodematch.com on your browser. Then, fill up the country of origin and destination as well as the product name on the HS Code Search. For this example, we can fill in Germany and China. 

• Second step: HS Code Match will show the best code for your products. However, you can select the HS codes that are closest to your product classifications. For this example, we can choose the HS code 8708301040 for the body of a disk-type brake. 

• Third step: After choosing one of the preferred HS codes, you will be directed to the HS Code Details. This page provides a detailed explanation of the HS code 8708301040 for the body of a disk-type brake. You can use it as a comparison with your products to check the accuracy of the HS code. 

• Fourth step: You might still be confused about the HS code and the regulation provided on the HS Code Details. No need to worry, you can ask the AI chatbot provided by HS Code Match to find the specific parts of the regulation documents or import procedures related to the HS code. 

These are examples of AI chatbot assistant answers for shipping brake systems under HS code 8708301040 from China to Germany: 

First question: What rules of origin are specified for products related to vehicles and parts thereof under the non-preferential regime? 

Answer: Automotive parts under HS code 8708301040 are subject to a non-preferential regime or Most Favoured Nations (MFN). These products are also subject to the rules of origin (RoO) with a minimum of 45% according to the EU regulation provisions regarding Regional Value Content (RVC). This regulation means that only the automotive parts under this code with a minimum 45% source of product originating from China can be classified under MFN, and it will be assessed by the customs authority in Germany. The principle of territorial is implemented in these products within trading bloc partners. These products is allowed the cumulation regime, which means the components can originate from other countries. Not only the brake system components, but this rule of origin is applied to other auto accessories as well. 

Second question: What are Partner Government Agencies that are responsible for ensuring the standard of automotive parts under HS code 8708301040? 

Answer: According to Annex IV of Council Regulation No. 1284/2009, the German Federal Constitution and Federal Administrative Court, as well as the EU, are not directly involved in ensuring the standardization of automotive parts under HS code 8708301040 in Germany. However, the parties responsible are from German national technical authorities. Even the courts or the export control agencies do not have the authority to check the standard of brake system components to enter German territory. Here is the detail of agencies in Germany that are responsible for importing automotive component products: 

Third question: Are there any import restrictions on auto parts under HS 8708301040 from certain countries? 

Answer: There are no specific document restrictions on automotive parts under HS code 8708301040 from other countries. However, the EU implements the import restriction on certain products or goods according the the Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, but the HS code 8708301040 is not mentioned. The only HS code for auto parts in that document is 870899, which relates to the license plates. Moreover, the rule of origin (RoO) is applied to the automobile and electronic components. Those products required proof of origin to ensure where they are coming from. Hence, there is no indication that auto parts under HS code 8708301040 are subject to bans or other restrictions because of the country of origin. Here is the explanation of the restriction in Germany: 

Conclusion

Declaring HS code for automotive parts ot other products is only the beginning process of international trade. However, this process cannot be neglected because it is needed by the customs authority to define the tariff rates, and also, you will miss the opportunity of tariff reduction based on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). To ease the complication of declaring HS code for automotive parts, including brake systems, you can use HS Code Match. This application offers the best preference codes for your products to reduce the tariff rate and gain profit. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HS code for automotive parts

1. What are the latest regulations for exporting the brake system from China to Germany?

In order to export brake systems from China to Mexico, these products will be subject to Most Favored Nation (MFN) treatment from the German government with a 3% duty rate. This duty is the only barrier for the importation of brake systems or other automotive products originating from China to Germany. 

2. What is the main structure of the HS code for the brake system components? 

HS code for the brake system is under Chapter 87, which covers all automotive parts. The full HS code for the brake system is 870830. This code can be classified into specific brake system products based on their material and types in each country. 

3. What are the largest exporting countries of brake system products?  

The largest exporting country for brake system products is China. Then, it was followed by Germany, Mexico, the United States, and Italy. However, the largest exporters are dominated by developed countries. 

4. What are the resources to find the updated HS code for automotive parts? 

You can access an explanation of the structure of the HS code for automotive parts from the WCO and government websites. In order to help you find the accurate HS code for automotive parts easily, you can try HS Code Match.  

5. How often is the HS code for automotive parts updated?

The update of the HS code for automotive parts or other products is mostly interval of 5 years. However, to avoid the incorrect declaration, you can check the HS code regularly before transferring products to other countries. 

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