About HS Code 8487
HS Code 8487 covers 'Machinery parts; not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features, n.e.c. in this chapter.' This heading serves as a residual classification for non-electrical parts of machinery that are not specifically provided for elsewhere in Chapter 84. It's designed to capture the vast array of mechanical components that contribute to the function of machines but do not have a dedicated 'parts' heading within the chapter and lack significant electrical characteristics. The 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere specified) clause is crucial, meaning that if a part can be classified under a more specific heading (e.g., 8431 for parts of excavating machinery or 8409 for parts of internal combustion engines), it should be. The exclusion of electrical features ensures a clear distinction from Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment; parts thereof). This classification is vital for trade compliance as it helps maintain the integrity of the HS nomenclature, providing a 'catch-all' for general mechanical parts, which are ubiquitous across all industrial sectors. It underscores that parts are, wherever possible, classified with their parent machines or in specific parts headings, with 8487 acting as the final resort for unspecialized mechanical components.
Products Under This Code
Gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, cranks, connecting rods, non-electrical bearings, metal machine housings, structural machine frames, levers, cams, rollers, hydraulic cylinders (without electrical controls), pneumatic cylinders (without electrical controls), mechanical clutches, mechanical brakes, non-electrical valves for machinery, gaskets (non-electrical), seals (non-electrical), fan blades for machinery, impellers for pumps (non-electrical), tool holders (mechanical), machine guards (non-electrical), mounting brackets (non-electrical), counterweights for machinery, precision-machined metal components, plastic molded parts for machinery, conveyor rollers, chain links (non-electrical).
Real World Examples
A German manufacturer exports a consignment of precision-machined steel gears and shafts to an assembly plant in Mexico for use in industrial robots, typically via sea freight across the Atlantic. A Chinese factory produces generic metal machine frames and housings, exporting them in bulk to various machinery manufacturers in Southeast Asia and Europe, primarily by sea container. An Italian company ships a batch of specialized mechanical clutches and brakes to an agricultural machinery producer in Brazil, often using a combination of air freight for urgent parts and sea freight for larger volumes. A US company imports a large order of non-electrical hydraulic cylinder components from India for its heavy equipment manufacturing line, transported by ocean vessel. A Japanese firm exports various non-electrical mechanical linkages and levers to a packaging machinery manufacturer in Thailand, usually by sea freight.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassification errors under 8487 involve failing to apply more specific parts headings within Chapter 84 (e.g., 8431 for parts of excavating machinery, 8409 for parts of internal combustion engines, 8414.90 for parts of fans). Traders often incorrectly classify parts with electrical components here, which should instead go to Chapter 85 (e.g., 8503 for parts of electric motors, 8538 for parts of electrical apparatus). The key is the 'not containing electrical features' clause and the 'n.e.c. in this chapter' rule; if a part has an electrical function or is specifically designed for a machine with a more specific parts heading, it belongs elsewhere.
Subheadings 2
Industry
This code belongs to the Electronics & Electrical Equipment industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of goods under 8487 include China, Germany, USA, Japan, Italy, and South Korea, owing to their strong and diversified manufacturing bases. Importers are global, reflecting the widespread use and repair of machinery across all industries, with significant volumes going to countries with robust manufacturing and assembly sectors. Tariff rates for 8487 can vary but are often subject to general industrial goods rates. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) frequently offer reduced or zero duties on such parts, facilitating international supply chains and supporting the global manufacturing ecosystem by reducing the cost of components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 8487?
HS code 8487 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery parts; not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features, n.e.c. in this chapter. HS Code 8487 covers 'Machinery parts; not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features, n.e.c. in this chapter.' This heading serves as a residual classification for non-electrical parts of machinery that are not specifically provided for elsewhere in Chapter 84. It's designed to capture the vast array of mechanical components that contribute to the function of machines but do not have a dedicated 'parts' heading within the chapter and lack significant electrical characteristics. The 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere specified) clause is crucial, meaning that if a part can be classified under a more specific heading (e.g., 8431 for parts of excavating machinery or 8409 for parts of internal combustion engines), it should be. The exclusion of electrical features ensures a clear distinction from Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment; parts thereof). This classification is vital for trade compliance as it helps maintain the integrity of the HS nomenclature, providing a 'catch-all' for general mechanical parts, which are ubiquitous across all industrial sectors. It underscores that parts are, wherever possible, classified with their parent machines or in specific parts headings, with 8487 acting as the final resort for unspecialized mechanical components.
What products fall under HS code 8487?
Gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, cranks, connecting rods, non-electrical bearings, metal machine housings, structural machine frames, levers, cams, rollers, hydraulic cylinders (without electrical controls), pneumatic cylinders (without electrical controls), mechanical clutches, mechanical brakes, non-electrical valves for machinery, gaskets (non-electrical), seals (non-electrical), fan blades for machinery, impellers for pumps (non-electrical), tool holders (mechanical), machine guards (non-electrical), mounting brackets (non-electrical), counterweights for machinery, precision-machined metal components, plastic molded parts for machinery, conveyor rollers, chain links (non-electrical).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8487?
Common misclassification errors under 8487 involve failing to apply more specific parts headings within Chapter 84 (e.g., 8431 for parts of excavating machinery, 8409 for parts of internal combustion engines, 8414.90 for parts of fans). Traders often incorrectly classify parts with electrical components here, which should instead go to Chapter 85 (e.g., 8503 for parts of electric motors, 8538 for parts of electrical apparatus). The key is the 'not containing electrical features' clause and the 'n.e.c. in this chapter' rule; if a part has an electrical function or is specifically designed for a machine with a more specific parts heading, it belongs elsewhere.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 8487?
Major exporters of goods under 8487 include China, Germany, USA, Japan, Italy, and South Korea, owing to their strong and diversified manufacturing bases. Importers are global, reflecting the widespread use and repair of machinery across all industries, with significant volumes going to countries with robust manufacturing and assembly sectors. Tariff rates for 8487 can vary but are often subject to general industrial goods rates. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) frequently offer reduced or zero duties on such parts, facilitating international supply chains and supporting the global manufacturing ecosystem by reducing the cost of components.
How is HS code 8487 structured?
HS code 8487 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (87) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.