HTS code for auto parts (2026)
Most auto parts for passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks fall under heading 8708, which covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. The general (column 1) rate for the majority of 8708 lines is 2.5%, with free rates available under programs including A, AU, B, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, and SG. The single attribute that most often shifts a part to a different heading is whether the item is sold not mounted as friction material (brake pads or linings), in which case heading 6813 applies instead of 8708.
Electrical parts such as starter motors, alternators, and their components fall under heading 8511, also at a general rate of 2.5%, with a higher column 2 rate of 35% compared to 25% for most 8708 lines.
Candidate HTS lines for auto parts
| Code | Line | General rate | Special rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8708.30.50.40 | Mounted brake linings (No.) Brakes and servo-brakes; parts thereof: › For other vehicles Use when: The product is a mounted brake lining for a passenger car, SUV, or light truck (vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705 other than agricultural tractors). | 2.5% | Free (A*,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
| 8708.30.50.30 | Brake rotors (discs) (No.) Brakes and servo-brakes; parts thereof: › For other vehicles Use when: The product is a brake rotor (disc) fitted to a passenger car, SUV, or light truck under headings 8701 to 8705. | 2.5% | Free (A*,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
| 8708.30.50.20 | Brake drums (No.) Brakes and servo-brakes; parts thereof: › For other vehicles Use when: The product is a brake drum for a passenger car, SUV, or light truck under headings 8701 to 8705. | 2.5% | Free (A*,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
| 8708.30.50.90 | Other (No.) Brakes and servo-brakes; parts thereof: › For other vehicles Use when: The product is any other brake or servo-brake part not separately described (not a mounted brake lining, rotor, or drum) for vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. | 2.5% | Free (A*,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
| 6813.81.00.50 | Other (No.) Not containing asbestos: › Brake linings and pads Use when: The product is a brake lining or pad that is not mounted, contains no asbestos, and is not for civil aircraft use. | Free | |
| 6813.20.00.15 | Other (No.) Containing asbestos › Brake linings and pads: Use when: The product is a brake lining or pad that is not mounted, contains asbestos, and is not for civil aircraft use. | Free | |
| 8708.10.30.20 | Of steel (No.) Bumpers and parts thereof: › Bumpers › Stampings: Use when: The product is a steel stamping bumper for a passenger car, SUV, or light truck under headings 8701 to 8705. | 2.5% | Free (A,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
| 8708.10.30.50 | Other (No.) Bumpers and parts thereof: › Bumpers Use when: The product is a bumper (non-stamping construction) for a passenger car, SUV, or light truck under headings 8701 to 8705. | 2.5% | Free (A,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
| 8708.10.60.50 | Other (No.) Bumpers and parts thereof: › Parts of bumpers Use when: The product is a part of a bumper (not the complete bumper itself, and not a stamping) for vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. | 2.5% | Free (A,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
| 8708.91.50.00 | For other vehicles (No.) Other parts and accessories: › Radiators and parts thereof: › Radiators: Use when: The product is a complete radiator for a passenger car, SUV, or light truck under headings 8701 to 8705. | 2.5% | Free (A,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
| 8511.40.00.00 | Starter motors and dual purpose starter-generators (No.) Use when: The product is a starter motor or dual-purpose starter-generator for use with a spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engine. | 2.5% | Free (A*,AU,B,BH,C,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
| 8511.50.00.00 | Other generators (No.) Use when: The product is an alternator, dynamo, or other generator (not a starter motor) for use with a spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engine. | 2.5% | Free (A,AU,B,BH,C,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
Chapter 99 duties and claims that attach to these lines today
Section 301 China
- 9903.88.03 Section 301 China, +25%, applies to 8708.30.50.40, 8708.30.50.30, 8708.30.50.20, 8708.30.50.90, 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50, 8708.91.50.00, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00 9903.88.03 Explained: Section 301 China List 4, 25% Duty Rate
- 9903.88.69 Section 301 Exclusion Claims, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8511.40.00.00 9903.88.69: Section 301 Exclusion Claim Heading Explained
Section 301 Brazil
- 9903.05.05 Section 301 Brazil Exemptions, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
Consolidated Metal 232
- 9903.82.05 Consolidated Metal 232, +15%, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50 9903.82.05 UK Derivative Metals 232: Rate, Scope, and Stacking
- 9903.82.06 Consolidated Metal 232, +10%, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50 9903.82.06 Consolidated Metal 232: Rate, Scope, and Stacking
- 9903.82.09 Consolidated Metal 232, +25%, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50 9903.82.09 Consolidated Metal 232: Rate, Scope, and Stacking
- 9903.82.15 Consolidated Metal 232, +10%, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50 9903.82.15 Consolidated Metal 232: Russian Copper Articles
- 9903.82.16 Consolidated Metal 232, +25%, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50 9903.82.16 Consolidated Metal 232: Russian Copper and Derivative Steel
Aluminum 232
- 9903.85.68 Consolidated Metal 232, +200%, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50 9903.85.68 Russian Aluminum Derivatives: 200% Duty, Scope, and Stacking
Autos 232
- 9903.94.05 Autos 232, +25%, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00 9903.94.05: Section 232 Auto Parts Tariff Rate, Scope, and Stacking
- 9903.94.32 Autos 232, 10%, applies to 8708.30.50.40, 8708.30.50.30, 8708.30.50.20, 8708.30.50.90, 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50, 8708.91.50.00, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00 9903.94.32: UK Autos 232 Parts Deal Rate, Scope, and Stacking
- 9903.94.62 Autos 232, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
- 9903.94.63 Autos 232, 15%, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00 9903.94.63 Explained: South Korea Auto Parts 232 Combined 15% Rate
- 9903.94.66 Autos 232, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
- 9903.94.67 Autos 232, 15%, applies to 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00 9903.94.67 Explained: Taiwan Auto Parts 232 Combined 15% Rate
MHDV 232
- 9903.74.08 MHDV 232, +25%, applies to 8708.30.50.40, 8708.30.50.30, 8708.30.50.20, 8708.30.50.90, 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50, 8708.91.50.00, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00 9903.74.08 Explained: MHDV 232 Parts, 25% Duty Rate and Scope
Russia
- 9903.90.08 Russia, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8708.30.50.40, 8708.30.50.30, 8708.30.50.20, 8708.30.50.90, 8708.10.30.20, 8708.10.30.50, 8708.10.60.50 9903.90.08 Explained: 35% Russia Column 2 Duty for Importers
Civil Aircraft
- 9903.96.01 Civil Aircraft Exemption, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
- 9903.96.02 Civil Aircraft Exemption, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
Other Chapter 99 provisions
- 9903.05.88 Section 301 Forced Labor, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00 9903.05.88: Civil Aircraft Section 301 Forced Labor Exemption
- 9922.52.02 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
- 9922.52.04 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
- 9922.52.06 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
- 9922.52.08 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
- 9922.52.10 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
- 9922.52.12 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 6813.81.00.50, 6813.20.00.15, 8511.40.00.00, 8511.50.00.00
Each applicable Chapter 99 heading is reported as its own line beside the classification. Its duty is separate from the general rate above; most programs charge it on top, and a heading's own text says how it is assessed.
What decides the line
The first question is whether the article is friction material that is not mounted. Unmounted brake linings and pads, regardless of whether they will ultimately be used on a motor vehicle, are classified in heading 6813, not 8708. Within 6813, the decisive split is asbestos content: parts containing asbestos go to 6813.20.00.15, while asbestos-free brake linings and pads go to 6813.81.00.50. Both carry a Free general rate. If the brake lining or pad is already mounted (attached to a backing plate or shoe assembly), it leaves 6813 entirely and enters 8708.30.50.40 at 2.5%.
For parts that are clearly motor vehicle parts and accessories under headings 8701 to 8705, the classifier next identifies the specific function. Brake system hardware (rotors at 8708.30.50.30, drums at 8708.30.50.20, other brake parts at 8708.30.50.90) and bumpers (8708.10.30 subheadings for complete bumpers, 8708.10.60 subheadings for bumper parts) each have dedicated subheadings. Bumper stampings are further split by material: steel at 8708.10.30.20, aluminum at 8708.10.30.30, and other at 8708.10.30.40.
Cooling system parts (radiators) go to 8708.91.50.00 for complete units and to 8708.91.75.10 or 8708.91.75.50 for radiator cores or other parts, respectively. Body parts not elsewhere specified, such as door assemblies (8708.29.15.00), truck caps (8708.29.51.25), and tonneau covers (8708.29.51.50), sort into the 8708.29 subheadings. Electrical starting and charging components sort entirely out of 8708 into heading 8511, where starter motors are at 8511.40.00.00 and alternators or other generators are at 8511.50.00.00.
Once the correct classification line is confirmed, the importer must also determine which Chapter 99 provisions apply based on the country of origin and the nature of the goods, as each applicable Chapter 99 heading is reported separately and its duty is added on top of the general rate.
Common mistakes
- Classifying unmounted brake pads under 8708.30.50.40 (mounted brake linings) is incorrect: unmounted, asbestos-free brake pads belong in 6813.81.00.50, which carries a Free general rate rather than 2.5%.
- Classifying a complete bumper under 8708.10.60.50 (parts of bumpers) is incorrect: a complete bumper belongs in the 8708.10.30 subheadings, with the material of construction (steel at 8708.10.30.20, aluminum at 8708.10.30.30, other at 8708.10.30.40) determining the statistical suffix.
- Classifying an alternator under heading 8708 as a general motor vehicle part is incorrect: alternators and other generators for internal combustion engines belong in 8511.50.00.00.
- Filing only the base 8708 or 8511 line without separately reporting applicable Chapter 99 provisions (such as 9903.88.03 for Section 301 China at +25% or 9903.94.32 for Autos 232 at +10%) is incorrect: each applicable Chapter 99 heading must be reported as its own line on the entry, and its duty stacks on top of the general rate.
- Classifying body stampings for tractors suitable for agricultural use under the same 8708.29 subheadings used for passenger vehicle body parts is incorrect: tractor body stampings have their own dedicated subheadings at 8708.29.21.20 (steel), 8708.29.21.30 (aluminum), and 8708.29.21.40 (other), which carry a Free general rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the general import duty rate for most auto parts?
Most auto parts classified under heading 8708 (parts and accessories of motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705) carry a general (column 1) rate of 2.5%. Parts under heading 8511 (electrical ignition and starting equipment) also carry a general rate of 2.5%. Unmounted brake linings and pads under heading 6813 carry a general rate of Free. Confirm the applicable rate for your specific 10-digit subheading in the current HTSUS or with a licensed broker.
Which HTS code covers brake pads and brake linings?
The answer depends on whether the pads or linings are mounted or unmounted and whether they contain asbestos. Unmounted, asbestos-free brake linings and pads fall under 6813.81.00.50 at a Free general rate. Unmounted brake linings and pads containing asbestos fall under 6813.20.00.15, also at a Free general rate. Once a lining is mounted (for example, bonded to a shoe), it becomes a brake part for motor vehicles and is classified under 8708.30.50.40 at 2.5%.
What do the Chapter 99 provisions like 9903.88.03 and 9903.94.32 mean on auto parts entries?
Chapter 99 provisions are additional duty headings that stack on top of the regular general rate. For example, 9903.88.03 (Section 301 China) adds +25% for goods of Chinese origin, and 9903.94.32 (Autos 232) adds +10%. Each applicable Chapter 99 heading must be reported as a separate line on the customs entry; its duty is separate from and on top of the general column 1 rate. Some Chapter 99 headings, such as 9903.90.08 (Russia), are claim or exemption headings that carry no additional duty. Confirm which provisions apply to your shipment based on country of origin and product details.
Are there free trade agreement rates available for auto parts?
Yes. Many 8708 and 8511 lines list free rates in the special rate column for imports qualifying under programs including A, AU, B, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, and SG. Note that the special rate column indicator for some lines includes an asterisk (A*) rather than A, which affects eligibility for certain beneficiary countries. Confirm eligibility and origin requirements in the current HTSUS or with a licensed broker.
Does the HTS code change if the auto part is made of steel versus aluminum?
For bumpers, yes: steel stampings are reported under 8708.10.30.20, aluminum stampings under 8708.10.30.30, and other material stampings under 8708.10.30.40, all at the same 2.5% general rate. The material distinction matters separately because Consolidated Metal 232 Chapter 99 provisions (such as 9903.82.05 at +15%, 9903.82.06 at +10%, and 9903.82.09 at +25%) may apply differently depending on the metal content and country of origin. For most other 8708 brake and radiator parts, the statistical suffix does not split by material, but Chapter 99 surcharges may still vary.
What HTS code applies to a truck tonneau cover or truck cap?
Tonneau covers for trucks are classified under 8708.29.51.50 and truck caps under 8708.29.51.25, both at a general rate of 2.5%. Both subheadings carry Chapter 99 provisions including 9903.88.03 (Section 301 China) at +25%, 9903.74.08 (MHDV 232) at +25%, and 9903.94.32 (Autos 232) at +10%, among others, which apply based on country of origin and other factors.