Car parts, engine components, EV batteries and accessories — automotive goods span Chapters 84, 85 and 87 depending on the specific part.
Automotive parts are classified across several chapters of the Harmonised System depending on their function. Complete vehicles fall under Chapter 87, but individual parts can be classified in Chapter 84 (mechanical components — engine parts, filters, pumps), Chapter 85 (electrical components — batteries, alternators, sensors), or Chapter 87 (parts of vehicles — heading 8708). The classification of an automotive part depends on its function, not its destination use: an oil filter is Chapter 84 (filters for machinery) whether it goes in a car, truck or industrial machine. EU import duty on automotive parts ranges from 0% to 6.5% depending on the heading. Dangerous goods rules (ADR/IATA) apply to lithium batteries, airbags and fluids.
Import duty rates shown for the EU (from non-EU), UK (from non-UK), and USA (from non-USA). Intra-EU shipments have 0% duty.
| HS Code | Product description | EU duty | UK duty | USA duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8407.34.10 | Spark-ignition piston engine, cylinder capacity > 1,000cc, for vehicles of Ch.87 | 2.7% | 0% | 2.5% | Complete petrol engines for cars — high value, check export controls |
| 8409.91.00 | Engine parts for spark-ignition engines (pistons, valves, etc.) | 2.7% | 0% | 2.5% | Pistons, connecting rods, cylinder heads for petrol engines |
| 8409.99.00 | Engine parts for compression-ignition engines (diesel) | 2.7% | 0% | 2.5% | Diesel engine parts — common for commercial vehicle aftermarket |
| 8421.23.00 | Oil filters for internal combustion engines | 3.7% | 0% | 0% | High-volume aftermarket part — exact heading varies by filter type |
| 8507.10.20 | Lead-acid starter batteries for motor vehicles | 3.5% | 0% | 3.5% | DG Class 8 (corrosive) — restricted in most courier services. Classified as dangerous goods. |
| 8507.60.00 | Lithium-ion batteries | 2.7% | 0% | 3.4% | EV battery packs and modules — DG Class 9 (UN3480/3481). Heavy carrier restrictions apply. |
| 8544.30.00 | Wiring harnesses for vehicles | 5% | 0% | 5% | Vehicle wiring looms — one of the most common EU-Portugal automotive exports |
| 8708.10.90 | Bumpers and parts thereof | 4.5% | 0% | 2.5% | Front/rear bumpers including brackets |
| 8708.29.10 | Parts of bodies — doors, bonnets, wings (pressed steel) | 4.5% | 0% | 2.5% | Sheet metal body panels |
| 8708.40.50 | Gearboxes for tractors and motor vehicles | 4.5% | 0% | 2.5% | Manual and automatic transmission assemblies |
| 8708.80.20 | Suspension systems (shock absorbers) | 4.5% | 0% | 2.5% | Dampers, springs, struts |
| 8708.99.97 | Other parts and accessories of motor vehicles NES | 4.5% | 0% | 2.5% | General catch-all for vehicle parts not classified elsewhere under 87 |
Duty rates are indicative based on standard MFN (Most Favoured Nation) tariffs. Actual rates may vary by country of origin and applicable trade agreements. Always verify with the official tariff database of the destination country.
Automotive parts face variable MFN duty: Chapter 87 parts (heading 8708) typically 4.5%; engine parts (8409) 2.7%; electrical components vary 2.7–5%. The EU-South Korea FTA, EU-Japan EPA and CETA give significant duty reductions on automotive parts from those origins. Portuguese auto parts manufacturers (active sector in PT) exporting within EU: 0% as intra-EU. Exporting to USA: 2.5% US duty applies; anti-dumping duties may apply on some categories from specific origins.
Post-Brexit UK Global Tariff: 0% on most automotive parts as the UK prioritised competitive tariffs for its major vehicle manufacturing industry (Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan Sunderland, Mini Oxford). UK-EU TCA: EU-origin parts qualify for 0% into UK under the TCA, subject to Rules of Origin — automotive products require 'sufficient processing' in the EU/UK.
US HTSUS: automotive parts under 8708 face 2.5% MFN duty. USMCA (formerly NAFTA) gives 0% for parts of Mexican, Canadian or US origin. EU-origin parts face 2.5% (or up to 25% under Section 232 tariffs on steel/aluminium if the parts are primarily those materials). Recent US tariffs: 25% tariff on imported vehicles and certain parts was proposed in 2025 — verify current rates before shipping as this is a fast-changing area.
Dangerous goods: lead-acid batteries (DG Class 8), airbag modules (DG Class 9, UN3268), fuel tanks with residual fuel, and lithium-ion EV batteries (DG Class 9, UN3480/3481) all require DG-compliant packaging, labelling and carrier handling. Most standard courier services will not accept these items.
EV battery packs: among the most restricted automotive items for courier shipping. High-voltage lithium battery packs (>100 Wh) face strict IATA DGR rules for air transport. Ground transport (road) is often the only practical option for large EV battery modules — specialist logistics providers are required.
Anti-dumping duties: some automotive components face EU anti-dumping duties based on country of origin (particularly from China). Verify origin and applicable ADD before shipping.
Portugal is a significant automotive parts manufacturer — wiring harnesses (Yazaki, Delphi/Aptiv in Portugal), stamped metal components, and plastic injection moulded parts are major exports. Intra-EU shipments are duty-free.
Second-hand/used parts: may require additional declarations about working condition and age. Some countries restrict used part imports to protect local aftermarket industries.
Value declaration for high-value parts (engines, gearboxes, complete assemblies): always declare the full commercial value — under-declaration on high-value automotive components is a red flag for customs authorities.
What HS code should I use for car parts?
It depends on the specific part. Body panels, bumpers, doors, suspension, gearboxes: heading 8708 (parts of motor vehicles). Engine parts (pistons, valves, cylinder heads): heading 8409. Oil/air filters: heading 8421. Batteries: heading 8507. Wiring harnesses: heading 8544. When in doubt, 8708.99.97 is the catch-all for vehicle parts not more specifically classified.
Can I ship a car battery by courier?
Lead-acid starter batteries are classified as Dangerous Goods Class 8 (corrosive). Standard parcel courier services generally do not accept them unless shipped in specific DG-approved packaging with MSDS documentation. Lithium-ion EV batteries are DG Class 9 — even more restrictive. Specialist DG freight services are required for batteries. Contact Cargosender for DG-capable carrier options.
What import duty applies to Portuguese auto parts exported to the USA?
EU-origin automotive parts face 2.5% MFN duty in the USA under HTSUS 8708. There is no EU-USA FTA, so no preferential rate applies. Note that proposed US 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and parts were active in 2025 — verify the current tariff schedule before shipping as this is subject to change under US trade policy decisions.
What HS code covers airbag modules?
Airbag inflator modules (the complete airbag assembly including the propellant) are classified under HS 8708.95 (safety airbags with inflatable system). These are Dangerous Goods Class 9 (UN3268 — airbag modules) and require DG handling, packaging and declarations. Separate airbag propellant canisters may be classified differently and face additional explosives regulations.
How are EV batteries classified for customs?
Lithium-ion battery cells are HS 8507.60.00. Complete EV battery packs are also typically 8507.60.00 (or 8507.80.00 for other batteries). EU import duty is 2.7%. For trade purposes, EV batteries are a highly sensitive political topic — anti-dumping investigations and countervailing duties are active against Chinese EV battery imports in the EU. Origin declaration is critical.
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