87089500
VEHICLES OTHER THAN RAILWAY OR TRAMWAY ROLLING STOCK, AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF›Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705
Safety airbags with inflator system; parts thereof
Subcodes (3)
Classification of airbags CN 870895
CN code 870895 covers safety airbags with inflater systems and their parts, intended for motor vehicles under headings 8701 to 8705. Airbags are a critical passive safety element protecting occupants from injuries during collisions. This code classifies frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags, curtain airbags (head protection), knee airbags, and airbags built into seat belts. The code covers complete airbag modules with gas generators, airbag fabric and housings, as well as individual components. Importing airbags is subject to stringent requirements due to pyrotechnic charge content. Duty rates should be verified in the TARIC or ISZTAR system.
Regulations and safety requirements for airbags
Importing airbags into the EU is subject to strict safety regulations. Airbags must comply with UNECE regulations on occupant protection in frontal (No. 94) and side (No. 95) collisions. Gas generators in airbags contain pyrotechnic materials classified as dangerous goods under ADR Class 1.4S, requiring special transport procedures, packaging, and documentation. EU Regulation 2019/2144 mandates that new vehicles be equipped with airbags at all seating positions. Importing aftermarket airbags requires particular caution - counterfeit or defective airbags pose a direct threat to life. Customs authorities inspect airbag imports for authenticity and compliance with safety standards.
Airbag market and innovations
The airbag market grows alongside tightening vehicle safety requirements. Manufacturers are developing new airbag types - centre airbags (between front seats), pedestrian protection airbags mounted under the bonnet, and external airbags protecting the vehicle side. Leading manufacturers - Autoliv, ZF-TRW, Joyson Safety Systems - dominate the OEM market. The aftermarket airbag market is limited due to safety requirements and the need for professional installation. The defective Takata gas generator issue, which caused the largest automotive recall in history, has increased regulatory oversight of airbag quality. Importing airbags from unauthorised sources poses serious risk and is subject to enhanced customs inspection.
Safety airbags - UNECE R94/R95 and import rules
Importing safety airbags (CN 8708 95) into the EU requires EU type-approval under Regulation (EU) 2018/858. The MFN duty rate should be verified in the TARIC database. Customs clearance requires an EORI number and a correct declaration. Preferential rates may apply under FTAs such as EU-Korea, EU-Japan EPA, or CETA. National import VAT is charged at the destination Member State rate.
Frequently asked questions
Is airbag import subject to ADR regulations?
Yes, gas generators in airbags contain pyrotechnic materials classified as dangerous goods under ADR Class 1.4S. Transporting airbags requires appropriate packaging, labelling, and transport documentation. The consignor must hold a dangerous goods declaration. Air transport is additionally subject to IATA DGR regulations. Storage of airbags is governed by regulations on storing pyrotechnic materials in the relevant EU member state.
Are aftermarket airbags legal in the EU?
Import and sale of aftermarket airbags are legal in the EU provided they meet safety standards and are compatible with the vehicle's safety system. Airbag installation should be performed by a qualified service centre. Counterfeit airbags pose a threat to life - they may fail to deploy in an accident or explode with excessive force. Customs and market surveillance authorities conduct operations against counterfeit airbag imports across the European Union.
How to classify a driver airbag module built into the steering wheel?
A driver airbag module, even when built into the steering wheel, is classified under CN code 870895 as a safety airbag with inflater system. The essential character of this component is the airbag's protective function, not the steering wheel function. If a complete steering wheel with built-in airbag module is imported, classification depends on which element gives the essential character - typically the steering wheel is classified under CN 870894.
What requirements apply when importing safety airbags CN 8708 95?
Importing safety airbags (CN 8708 95) requires EU type-approval under Regulation (EU) 2018/858, an EORI number and customs declaration. The MFN duty rate should be verified in the TARIC database. Import VAT applies.
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