HS Code for Vehicle Body Shells
The HS Code for vehicle body shells is 870710. The MFN duty rate for importing to the US is 4%.
| HS Code (6-digit) | 870710 |
|---|---|
| US Duty Rate (MFN) | 4% |
| EU Duty Rate (MFN) | 4.5% |
| Chapter | 87 |
| Heading | 8707 |
| Last Updated | 2026-05 |
Description
Bodies for motor cars and passenger vehicles
HS Code 870710 covers vehicle body shells for cars and passenger vehicles with a US MFN duty rate of 4%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the material composition of a vehicle body shell affect its classification under HTS 870710?
Classification under HTS 870710 is primarily for complete, unassembled body shells for motor cars. If the shell is made predominantly of materials other than steel or aluminum, such as carbon fiber or composite plastics, it may be excluded and could potentially be classifiable elsewhere, such as in Chapter 39 for plastics. The essential criterion is whether the shell is a recognizable body designed for a passenger vehicle, regardless of material, but non-traditional materials can trigger classification reviews.
What are the specific customs inspection risks for importing HTS 870710 vehicle body shells that could lead to delays or penalties?
The primary risk is misclassification; bodies must be complete shells without engines, seats, or other components to qualify for this heading. Customs may inspect for signs of assembly, such as wiring harnesses or brake lines, which would reclassify the item as a more complete vehicle under a different HTS code. Incorrect classification can result in duty discrepancies, shipment holds, and financial penalties.
What additional costs beyond the customs duty should I budget for when importing vehicle body shells (HTS 870710)?
Beyond the standard duty rate, you must account for the 4% Section 301 tariff if importing from China, and you will likely incur Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF) based on the entered value. Since body shells are large and require specialized handling, substantial harbor maintenance fees and potential demurrage or storage charges at the port are common additional costs.
Classification of Vehicle Body Shells by Material
For HTS 870710, the material of the body shell is generally not a determining factor for classification, as this heading covers bodies for the motor vehicles of Chapter 87 irrespective of material. Shells made of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber composite, or plastic all typically fall here, provided they are complete body structures. However, unfinished or incomplete shells (e.g., mere body panels or sections) may be classified elsewhere, such as under 8708 for parts. The key distinction is whether the article is presented as a complete body shell, ready for mounting on a chassis, not its composition.
Alternative & Confused Classifications
Bodies for motor vehicles are classified separately from complete vehicles. The most common confusion is with complete vehicles in heading 87.03 (e.g., used car bodies). Bodies for trailers (87.16) and bodies for tractors (87.01) are also distinct. Additionally, note that the subheading 8707.10 is specifically for bodies for vehicles of headings 87.01 to 87.05; bodies for vehicles of 87.06 (chassis with engines) fall under 8707.90.
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