Importing Car Parts from China: Complete US and EU Duty Rate Guide

After two decades of sourcing auto parts from China, I've seen too many importers blindsided by unexpected duty costs. The reality is that tariff rates vary widely by component and destination, and knowing them upfront can save you thousands. Whether you're importing bumpers or brake pads, this guide breaks down the exact duty percentages for both the EU and US markets so you can plan your margins with confidence.

Import car parts from China – duty rates

EU tariffs on car parts from China

Every importer should be interested in duty regulations. In the case of the auto parts market, the past trade relations between the EU and China cast a shade on the present state of affairs. In 2008, WTO Appellate Body voted in favor of Western countries when they entered a dispute with China about auto part tariffs. Beijing established relatively high duty rates on car parts, so now the EU also uses several tariffs, which depend on the type of car parts. Some of those tariffs are presented below:

• Plastic cover for filling the space between the fog lights and the bumper (8708101010) – 3%
• Inflatable safety cushion of high strength polyamide fibre (8708951020) – 3%
• Steering wheels (8708943590) – 4.5%
• Silencers (mufflers) and exhaust pipes (8708923500) – 4.5%
• Aluminium cooler using compressed air with a ribbed design (8708913510) – 4.5%
• Wheels of aluminium fitted with pneumatic tyres (8708705015) – 4.5%
• Automatic gearbox with a hydraulic torque converter (8708402030) – 3%
• Non-asbestos organic brake pads (8708301060) – 3%
• Safety seat belts (87082110) – 3%

US tariffs on car parts from China

The tariffs on car parts from China in the US are higher because of the additional China tariff.

• Bumpers of aluminum (8708.10.30.30) – 2.5% + 25%
• Inflaters and modules for airbags (8708.95.20.00)- 2.5% + 25%
• Steering wheels, steering columns and steering boxes (8708.94.50.00)- 2.5% + 25%
• Mufflers and exhaust pipes (8708.92.50.00) – 2.5% + 25%
• Radiators for vehicles (8708.91.50.00) – 2.5% + 25%
• Front windscreens, windshields (8708.22.00.00) – 2.5% + 25%
• Gearboxes (8708.40.11.00) – 2.5% + 25%
• Road wheels of aluminium (8708.70.45.46) – 2.5% + 25%
• Safety seat belts (8708.21.00.00) – 2.5% + 25%

The key takeaway: even with higher US tariffs, Chinese auto parts remain cost-competitive if you factor in the right duty codes and supplier reliability. Before you commit to an order, verify your supplier's product classification and quality with a professional inspection. At China-Check, we help you confirm HS codes, check factory credentials, and inspect goods before shipment so you avoid costly surprises at customs.