Shipping Automotive Parts Internationally
Car parts span from simple plastic clips (no restrictions) to lead-acid batteries and brake fluid (dangerous goods) — knowing which category your part falls into is essential before booking.
Portugal has a significant automotive parts manufacturing sector, and many businesses ship car parts, motorcycle components and van accessories across the EU and internationally. Automotive parts are a complex category because the goods range from completely standard (rubber seals, fabric car mats, plastic trims) to seriously restricted (lithium EV batteries, leaded fuel additives, brake fluid, airbag modules). The key questions before shipping are: does the part contain flammable liquids, compressed gas, a lead-acid or lithium battery, or explosive components? If yes, dangerous goods (DGR) rules apply. If no, most parts ship as standard goods with HS codes from Chapter 87. Getting this classification right avoids carrier rejection, safety incidents and liability.
Carrier Acceptance
| Carrier | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Conditions apply | DHL Express accepts standard automotive parts. Dangerous goods (batteries, fluids) require full DGR documentation. DHL has dedicated automotive industry shipping solutions for high-volume OEM and aftermarket parts. Engine oil and lubricants accepted with DGR — UN1270 Class 3. |
| FedEx | Conditions apply | FedEx accepts automotive parts including some dangerous goods with proper documentation. Airbag modules (pyrotechnic devices) require special prior approval and DGR shippers certification. Lead-acid batteries accepted with DGR. Dry, unfilled airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners may be restricted. |
| UPS | Conditions apply | UPS accepts automotive parts. New dry lead-acid batteries accepted without DGR under some exemptions. Drained used lead-acid batteries require DGR. EV lithium battery packs require full DGR and prior approval. Standard parts ship as general cargo. |
| DPD | Conditions apply | DPD road accepts standard automotive parts within EU. Restricted items: DPD does not accept flammable liquids (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant), batteries (lead-acid or lithium), or pyrotechnic parts (airbags). Dry, non-hazardous parts accepted. |
| GLS | Conditions apply | GLS accepts non-hazardous automotive parts. Does not accept flammable liquids, batteries or pyrotechnics on standard services. Good option for spare parts — filters, belts, sensors, suspension components, body panels — that contain no hazardous materials. |
How to Pack Automotive Parts for Shipping
Identify hazardous components before packing
Before packing, confirm whether any part contains: flammable liquid (oil, fuel, fluid — drain completely), compressed gas (shock absorbers, gas struts — depressurise or ship as UN2990), lithium battery (EVs, hybrids), lead-acid battery, or pyrotechnic charge (airbags, pre-tensioners). Each hazardous component requires appropriate DGR packaging and documentation. Non-hazardous parts have no special requirements.
Drain all fluids completely
Used parts with residual engine oil, brake fluid, coolant or fuel must be drained completely before shipping. Even small residual quantities of flammable liquid can classify the entire shipment as dangerous goods. Use absorbent material in a sealed bag to clean parts, allow to dry, and double-bag in plastic before boxing. Document that parts are drained and cleaned on the shipping invoice.
Protect machined surfaces
Precision machined components (cylinder heads, brake discs, gear housings) must be wrapped in rust-inhibiting paper or VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) bags for international transit, especially if transit exceeds 5 days. Metal shavings from machined parts can damage other items in the parcel — wrap machined surfaces separately.
Pack heavy parts in small, sturdy boxes
Engine parts, brake calipers and gearbox components are very dense. Never exceed 25–30 kg per box for safe handling. Use double-walled corrugated boxes (minimum 7-ply for parts over 10 kg). Fill void space with foam or bubble wrap — metal parts shift in transit and can puncture thin boxes.
Protect fragile sensors and electronics
Modern vehicles contain many electronic sensors — MAP sensors, O2 sensors, ABS modules, ECUs. These are fragile electronic components and must be packed as such: anti-static bags, foam padding, rigid box. Treat automotive electronics the same as any electronic component.
Label clearly with part numbers
Include part numbers, OEM reference numbers and vehicle compatibility on the packing list and customs invoice. This helps customs classification and reduces misdelivery. For B2B exports, the receiver often needs part numbers to match incoming parts to purchase orders.
Customs & Declarations
Automotive parts HS codes (Chapter 87): engine parts — pistons, valves (8409), gearboxes and transmissions (8708.40), brakes and servo-brakes (8708.30), suspension including shock absorbers (8708.80), tyres (4011.10), filters — oil, air, fuel (8421), electrical equipment for vehicles — alternators, sensors (8511, 8512, 8543), body parts — bumpers, doors (8708.10, 8708.29), seats (9401.20). Motorcycle parts: 8714. Battery HS codes: lead-acid (8507.10), lithium-ion (8507.60). EU import duty on automotive parts: typically 3–6.5% MFN. Under EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement: 0% for UK-origin parts with Rules of Origin compliance (requires proof of UK origin). USA: most automotive parts 2.5–6.5% MFN duty. Brazil: automotive parts attract high tariffs — 14–20% base plus IPI (10–25% for imported parts), making total duties 40–70%. Key documentation: commercial invoice with HS code and part number, packing list, Certificate of Origin or EUR.1 for FTA duty preference, and for OEM exports — type approval documentation where relevant. For returns/warranty parts: include a warranty replacement letter stating 'No commercial value — warranty replacement' and the original shipment tracking number.
Pro Tips
The single most important question before shipping any used automotive part: does it contain residual flammable liquid? Brake fluid, engine oil, fuel and coolant are all flammable/hazardous. Drain completely and document as 'drained and cleaned' on the customs invoice.
For EV lithium battery packs: these are large-format, high-energy lithium batteries classified as Class 9 dangerous goods (UN3480 or UN3481). They require specialised DGR packaging, a UN-certified battery transport case and carrier pre-approval. Do not attempt to ship an EV battery pack as general cargo.
New lead-acid batteries (dry, unfilled) ship as standard goods. Filled/wet lead-acid batteries are DGR (UN2794). Drained and non-spillable VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead-Acid) batteries have a partial exemption — check with your carrier before shipping.
Airbag modules contain pyrotechnic ignition devices and are Class 1.4G explosives — among the most restricted items in courier shipping. DHL and FedEx can ship airbags with full DGR certification. Most road carriers (DPD, GLS) cannot accept them at all.
For Portuguese automotive suppliers exporting to the UK under the EU-UK TCA: 0% duty is available but only with proof of origin (EUR.1 or supplier declaration). Parts made with non-EU materials that don't meet Rules of Origin will not qualify. Check your bill of materials against Rules of Origin before claiming 0%.
Core returns: when shipping used cores (rebuildable parts) back to a remanufacturer, mark as 'Used cores for remanufacture — no commercial value'. Cores typically have a €0 or scrap value for customs purposes. Include the core exchange agreement or purchase order reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship used engine parts internationally?
Yes — used engine parts (cylinder heads, pistons, camshafts, crankshafts) ship as standard goods if they have been completely drained of oil and cleaned. On the customs invoice: declare as 'Used automotive engine components — drained and cleaned' at the correct value (scrap value for worn parts, market value for serviceable parts). Residual engine oil in an incompletely drained part makes the shipment flammable liquid DGR — drain thoroughly. Pack machined parts in VCI paper to prevent rust during transit.
What are the restrictions on shipping car batteries?
Battery type determines shipping rules. New sealed lead-acid batteries (dry, unfilled): ship as standard goods, no DGR. Wet/filled lead-acid batteries: DGR UN2794, requires DGR packaging and documentation. Non-spillable VRLA (most sealed modern car batteries): partial DGR exemption under IATA special provision A67 — allowed on passenger aircraft with reduced documentation. Lithium-ion 12V starter batteries (modern replacements for lead-acid): DGR UN3480/3481, Class 9. EV high-voltage battery packs: full Class 9 DGR with carrier pre-approval required. When in doubt: contact your carrier's DGR department before booking.
How do I ship a turbocharger or engine rebuild kit internationally?
Turbochargers and engine rebuild kits are non-hazardous standard goods (assuming drained of oil). HS code 8411.91 (turbochargers). For a full rebuild kit including gaskets, seals, bearings and machined parts: declare on a consolidated commercial invoice with individual part numbers and their HS codes. Pack machined parts in VCI paper, wrap in bubble wrap, and use a sturdy double-walled box. DHL Express, FedEx and UPS all handle high-value automotive parts well — compare rates on Cargosender. For UK exports: EUR.1 or supplier declaration of EU origin to claim 0% duty.
Do I need a commercial invoice to ship spare parts to a customer?
For EU-to-EU shipments: a commercial invoice is good practice but not legally required for B2B (for VAT reverse charge purposes, include VAT numbers). For non-EU destinations: a commercial invoice is mandatory for customs clearance. Include: description of each part, part number, OEM reference, quantity, unit value, total value, country of origin, HS code, and Incoterm. For warranty replacements: note 'Warranty replacement — no charge to customer' on the invoice but still declare the correct product value for customs (the replacement part's market value, not the transaction value of zero).
What is the cheapest way to ship automotive parts to Spain or Germany?
For Portugal to Spain: GLS or DPD economy road are typically the cheapest for standard non-hazardous automotive parts — 1–2 days transit, cost-effective for parts up to 30 kg. For Portugal to Germany: GLS and DPD at 4–6 days are most economical; DHL Express at 1–2 days for urgent OEM supply chain parts. For heavier consolidated automotive shipments (100+ kg): LTL (Less Than Truckload) road freight via a freight forwarder will be cheaper than parcels. Compare parcel rates for your specific weight and dimensions on Cargosender — heavy automotive parts often benefit from being split into optimally-sized 15–25 kg boxes.
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