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84

Tariff Chapter 84

Spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines

What does heading 8407 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 8407 covers spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines (petrol engines). It applies to engines for vehicles, motorcycles, lawn mowers, boats, and other applications. Duty rates depend on engine capacity and application. Engines must meet applicable EU emission standards (Euro VI/VII for road vehicles). EU declaration of conformity and technical documentation are required. Poland imports petrol engines mainly as components for the automotive industry and as spare parts. Heading 8407 is part of Chapter 84 (machinery, mechanical and electrical equipment) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 8407 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 8407 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 8407

Duty rates depend on engine capacity and application. EU declaration of conformity and technical documentation are required. Poland imports petrol engines mainly as components for the automotive industry and as spare parts. Duty rates vary by capacity and application — check CN subheading. Road vehicle engines must meet current Euro VI/VII emission standards. EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and full manufacturer technical documentation required. Engines for boats and garden machinery are subject to different emission standards than vehicle engines. When importing goods under heading 8407 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 8407 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 8407 are subject to CE directive compliance (Machinery, LVD, EMC, RoHS). Required documentation includes: CE declarations of conformity, operating instructions, technical documentation, EMC and LVD certificates. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Classification of goods under heading 8407 — key considerations

Heading 8407 covers spark-ignition reciprocating piston engines (petrol/gasoline). The ignition type is decisive — spark, not compression (8408). Includes engines for vehicles, boats, and aircraft. Cylinder capacity determines the subheading. Wankel rotary engines are classified here. Common mistake: diesel engines belong in 8408, not 8407.

Frequently asked questions

What EU customs duty rates apply to petrol engines under heading 8407?
Customs duty rates for spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines under heading 8407 range from 0% to 6.2% depending on cylinder capacity and application. Aircraft engines (8407 10) benefit from the lowest rates at 0% or 1.7%. Outboard marine engines (8407 21) are subject to rates from 4.2% to 6.2%, while other marine engines (8407 29) carry a 4.2% rate. Vehicle engines (8407 31-34) typically attract 2.7%-3.5% duty. Correct CN classification requires specifying both displacement and intended use. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What certificates and documents are required for importing petrol engines into the EU?
Importing petrol engines into the EU requires a customs declaration, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and technical documentation. Engines must meet EU emission standards — Euro 6e for road vehicles, Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 (Stage V) for non-road mobile machinery. An EU declaration of conformity and CE marking are required. Vehicle engines need type-approval. Documentation must include power output, cylinder capacity, and emission level data. This applies to goods classified under heading 8407 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical aspects should be considered when importing petrol engines?
When importing petrol engines, correct CN subheading classification based on cylinder capacity and intended application is essential. Complete engines are classified differently from incomplete ones. Verify emission standard compliance — engines not meeting EU requirements cannot be placed on the market. Used engine imports face additional inspections. Consider logistics costs — engines require specialised packaging and transport due to weight and sensitivity. Fuel residue in used engines may trigger hazardous goods handling requirements. This applies to goods classified under heading 8407 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.