HS 870333 Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 2 500 cm3
Quick Answer: Motor vehicles with spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating or rotary piston engines, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 2,500 cm3, enter the UK at 10.00%, the EU at 10.00%, and the US at 2.5% (MFN). This classification specifically applies to passenger cars and other vehicles primarily designed for the transport of persons, but with engines larger than 2.5 liters. Importers should be aware of potential variations in preferential duty rates, particularly in the US where several free trade agreements offer duty-free entry for qualifying originating goods. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in trade compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8703330000 | — | — | — |
| 8703331100 | 10.00 % | — | — |
| 8703331900 | 10.00 % | — | — |
| 8703339000 | 10.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8703330000 | 10.00 % | — | — |
| 8703331100 | 10.00 % | — | — |
| 8703331900 | 10.00 % | — | — |
| 8703339000 | 10.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87033301 | 2.5% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 8703330110 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8703330130 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8703330145 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8703330185 | — | — | ["No."] |
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 8703.33?
Imports of Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 2 500 cm3 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 870333 cover?
This subheading covers motor vehicles for the transport of persons, including station wagons and racing cars, specifically those propelled by compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel), with a cylinder capacity exceeding 2,500 cm³. As per the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes a wide range of passenger vehicles designed for road use, provided they meet the engine displacement threshold. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database further define these vehicles as primarily intended for carrying passengers, with specific exclusions detailed in the broader heading 8703.
What falls outside HS 870333?
The following products are excluded from HS 870333: vehicles primarily designed for the transport of goods (classified under heading 8704), vehicles with a cylinder capacity of 2,500 cm³ or less (classified under HS 870332), and vehicles propelled by electric motors or other means not specified. For instance, heavy-duty trucks, specialized construction vehicles, and passenger vehicles with gasoline engines exceeding 3,000 cm³ (classified under 870323) would not fall under this specific subheading, even if they are passenger vehicles.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 870333?
A common error is misinterpreting the "cylinder capacity exceeding 2,500 cm³" criterion, leading to the incorrect classification of vehicles with smaller engines under this code. Another mistake involves confusing passenger vehicles with those designed for goods transport, which are classified under heading 8704. Adherence to 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, is crucial to avoid these errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 870333?
The correct procedure for classifying vehicles under HS 870333 involves first confirming that the vehicle is designed for the transport of persons and is propelled by a compression-ignition internal combustion engine. Subsequently, the exact cylinder capacity of the engine must be verified; it must exceed 2,500 cm³. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the specific wording of subheading 8703.33 to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 870333?
A 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC, equipped with a 2,925 cm³ diesel engine and declared at a customs value of $60,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,800. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 8703.33.10. The calculation is: 3.0% × $60,000 = $1,800.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 870333?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 870333. For vehicles originating from Canada or Mexico, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can result in a duty rate of Free, provided the rules of origin are met and a self-certified origin statement is provided. Similarly, vehicles from the United Kingdom may benefit from reduced duties under the UK-US Free Trade Agreement (if enacted and applicable to this category), potentially leading to Free entry with a UK Certificate of Origin. The specific preferential rate and required documentation vary by agreement and origin country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 870333?
HS code 870333 falls under 'Motor vehicles for the transport of persons, including station wagons (estate cars) and racing cars, other than those of heading 8702'. Specifically, it covers vehicles of subheading 8703.3, which are 'Other motor vehicles, with spark-ignition internal combustion piston or rotary engine'. The crucial differentiator for 870333 is that the cylinder capacity of the engine must exceed 2,500 cm3. This technical specification is paramount for correct classification.
What is the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 870333, and how are preferential rates applied?
The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 870333 is generally 10.00% ad valorem. However, many countries offer preferential duty rates under various trade agreements. For example, under agreements with countries such as Australia (AU), Canada (CA), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), the duty rate can be Free (0.00%). Importers must provide valid proof of origin to claim these preferential rates, such as a Certificate of Origin or a declaration on the invoice, depending on the specific trade agreement's requirements.
Can you provide an example of how the duty is calculated for a vehicle classified under HS 870333?
Certainly. Let's assume a vehicle with a cylinder capacity exceeding 2,500 cm3 is imported from a country with a 10.00% MFN duty rate. If the customs value of the vehicle is $30,000, the ad valorem duty would be calculated as: 10.00% of $30,000 = $3,000. The duty amount is $3,000. If the vehicle were from a country with a Free trade agreement and valid proof of origin was provided, the duty would be $0.
What documentation is typically required for importing vehicles under HS code 870333?
Key documentation for importing vehicles under HS code 870333 typically includes: a commercial invoice detailing the vehicle's description, value, and origin; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates); and potentially a manufacturer's certificate of origin or compliance, depending on the importing country's regulations regarding safety and emissions standards. Specific import permits or licenses may also be required.
Which common trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 870333?
Several trade agreements offer reduced or eliminated duties for vehicles classified under HS 870333. Notable examples include agreements with Australia (AU), Canada (CA), South Korea (KR), Mexico (MX - under USMCA), and Singapore (SG), where the duty rate is often Free (0.00%) upon presentation of valid proof of origin. It is crucial for importers and brokers to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and the relevant trade agreement to confirm eligibility and requirements for preferential treatment.