HS 851290 Parts
Quick Answer: Parts for electrical lighting or signalling equipment for cycles and motor vehicles, and parts for electrical equipment for the vehicles of heading 8711, imported under HS 851290, enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.20% (most favored nation), and the US at 2.5% (most favored nation), with certain countries receiving duty-free entry. This classification encompasses components such as lenses, housings, and wiring harnesses specifically designed for these vehicle lighting and signaling systems. Importers and customs brokers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on country of origin and specific trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8512909000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8512900000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8512901000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8512900000 | — | — | — |
| 8512901000 | 2.20 % | — | — |
| 8512909000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8512902000 | 2.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 8512906000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 851290 | — | — | — |
| 8512904000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 8512907000 | 2.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8512.90?
Imports of Parts may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 16 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 851290 cover?
This subheading covers parts and accessories specifically designed for use with goods classified under HS heading 8512, which includes electrical lighting or signaling equipment, windshield wipers, defrosters, and anti-foggers for vehicles. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes components such as bulbs, lenses, housings, mounting brackets, and wiring harnesses intended solely for these automotive lighting and related systems. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that only parts exclusively for these specified items fall within this category.
What falls outside HS 851290?
The following products are excluded from HS 851290: general-purpose electrical components not exclusively designed for heading 8512 items, such as standard electrical wire or generic fasteners, which would be classified elsewhere based on their inherent characteristics. Additionally, complete lighting units or signaling devices that are not merely parts, as well as accessories for other vehicle components (e.g., engine parts or interior trim), are classified under their respective headings. For instance, a complete headlight assembly would not be classified here, nor would a separate horn if it's not part of the signaling equipment covered by 8512.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 851290?
A common error is classifying generic electrical components or accessories that are not specifically designed for the lighting and signaling equipment of heading 8512. For example, a universal LED bulb or a standard rubber grommet, while potentially usable in such equipment, would not be classified under 851290 if they lack specific design features for automotive lighting or signaling. This often arises from misinterpreting General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 851290?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 851290 involves a thorough examination of the product's intended use and design. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the part or accessory is exclusively intended for use with electrical lighting or signaling equipment, windshield wipers, defrosters, or anti-foggers for vehicles, as defined in heading 8512. Consulting the official Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 851290?
A set of 10 automotive headlight bulbs, weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $3.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($50 USD × 0.07 = $3.50). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, where parts of lighting equipment under 8512 are subject to this MFN rate.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 851290?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 851290, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying parts originating from Mexico or Canada can be imported duty-free. For example, a qualifying automotive headlight bulb from Canada would have a preferential rate of Free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Other agreements, like the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, may also offer preferential rates for qualifying goods originating from the UK or EU, often requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 851290, specifically for 'Parts' of lighting or signalling equipment for cycles or motor vehicles?
Import duty rates for HS code 851290 vary significantly by country. For example, the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 2.5% ad valorem. The EU's TARIC system may have rates such as 2.00% or 2.20% ad valorem, depending on the specific part and origin. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varying rates, with some lines at 2.70% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact rate applicable to your goods. Some trade agreements may offer preferential duty rates, including duty-free access for certain origins (e.g., under agreements with Australia (AU), Chile (CL), or Singapore (SG), where rates can be Free).
How is the import duty for HS code 851290 calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for HS code 851290 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the imported goods. For instance, if a shipment of parts for motor vehicle lighting has a customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable duty rate is 2.5% (U.S. MFN rate), the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.025 (Duty Rate) = $250 USD. Always ensure your customs value is correctly determined according to the relevant valuation rules (e.g., WTO Customs Valuation Agreement).
What classification criteria determine if a part falls under HS code 851290?
HS code 851290 covers 'Parts' for electrical lighting or signalling equipment for cycles or motor vehicles. To classify a part under this code, it must be specifically designed or adapted for use with goods classified under HS heading 8512 (e.g., headlamps, direction indicator units, stop lights, and other signalling equipment). The part itself should not have a more specific classification elsewhere in the HS nomenclature. For example, a complete headlamp assembly would be classified under 8512, while a replacement bulb or a lens specifically for a motor vehicle tail light would likely fall under 851290, provided it meets the criteria and isn't more specifically classified.
What documentation is typically required for importing parts classified under HS code 851290?
Standard import documentation for HS code 851290 typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the parts; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be required, especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement (FTA). Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or product literature to substantiate the classification if requested by customs authorities. Compliance with any specific product safety or marking regulations for automotive parts in the destination country is also essential.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 851290, and what are some examples of eligible origins?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often including duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 851290. Examples include agreements between the U.S. and countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), and Singapore (SG), where the duty rate can be Free. The EU has agreements with numerous partners (e.g., South Korea (KR), Canada (CA)) that may offer reduced or zero duties. The UK also has a network of FTAs. To benefit from these preferential rates, importers must ensure the parts originate from an eligible country as defined by the specific agreement and possess the required proof of origin, such as a certificate of origin or origin declaration.