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87

Tariff Chapter 87

Bodies (including cabs), for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705

What does heading 8707 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 8707 covers bodies (including cabs) for motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. This includes components for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses and special vehicles. EU duty rates range from 0% to 4.5%. Import is subject to type approval under Regulation (EU) 2018/858. Excise on vehicles may apply in some Member States. Heading 8707 is part of Chapter 87 (vehicles, aircraft and transport 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 8707 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 8707 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 8707

EU duty rates range from 0% to 4.5%. Import is subject to type approval under Regulation (EU) 2018/858. Duty rates range from 0% to 4.5%. Type approval under (EU) 2018/858 is required. Excise on vehicles may apply in some EU countries. Check certificate of conformity requirements. When importing goods under heading 8707 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 8707 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 8707 are subject to EU type-approval and technical controls. Required documentation includes: type-approval certificates, Certificates of Conformity (CoC), Euro 6/7 emission test documents. 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 8707 — key considerations

Heading 8707 covers bodies (including cabs) for motor vehicles of 8701-8705. Key: body as a separate component — not a complete vehicle. Includes truck cabs, bus bodies, and passenger car bodies. Common mistake: bumpers, doors, and fenders are 8708 (parts), not 8707.

Frequently asked questions

What are the EU duty rates for motor vehicle bodies (heading 8707)?
EU duty rates for bodies including cabs under heading 8707 are 4.5% across all subheadings. A uniform rate applies regardless of whether the body is intended for a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle. Bodies for passenger cars and truck cabs are classified under the same heading. Precise classification requires identifying whether the component is a complete body or merely a body panel, which may fall under a different tariff heading. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and regulations apply to importing vehicle bodies into the EU?
Importing vehicle bodies requires type approval under Regulation (EU) 2018/858. Bodies must meet safety standards for passenger protection, including crash test and crumple zone requirements. Manufacturer technical documentation, certificate of conformity, and material specification are required. Customs clearance necessitates a commercial invoice with technical description, transport document, certificate of origin, and type-approval documentation. Vehicle excise duty may apply. This applies to goods classified under heading 8707 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 considerations apply when importing vehicle bodies and cabs?
Body classification requires determining intended use — complete bodies ready for chassis mounting go under 8707, but individual body panels may fall under different headings. Passenger vehicle bodies must meet stringent passive safety requirements. Transport requires specialised protection against paint damage and deformation. Individual type-approval costs can be significant. Consider preferential rates under EU trade agreements and verify whether the body qualifies as an original or replacement part. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.