Importing Auto Parts from China: Duties & HTS Codes 2026
Auto parts from China pay about 52.5% in total US duty in 2026 — 25% Section 301 plus the 25% Section 232 auto-parts tariff on top of MFN. USMCA-compliant parts from Mexico enter at 0%; EU, Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese parts pay 15% all-in.
EV batteries: Chinese propulsion batteries pay 53.4% (3.4% MFN + 25% Section 301 + 25% Section 232 auto parts). The $7,500 federal clean-vehicle credit ended on 30 September 2025, so the price gap now falls entirely on the importer.
Auto Parts from China — US Import Duty Table 2026
| Product | HTS | MFN | §301 | Forced-labor / §232 | 2026 Total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engines (spark ignition, >1000cc) | 8407.34 | 2.5% | 25% | — | 52.5% | List 3 25% + §232 auto parts 25%; complete engines |
| Gear boxes / transmissions | 8708.40 | 2.5% | 25% | — | 52.5% | List 3 25% + §232 auto parts 25% |
| Brake systems (discs, calipers) | 8708.30 | 2.5% | 25% | — | 52.5% | List 3 25% + §232 auto parts 25% |
| Suspension parts (shock absorbers) | 8708.80 | 2.5% | 25% | — | 52.5% | List 3 25% + §232 auto parts 25% |
| EV motors / traction motors | 8501.53 | Free | 25% | 12.5% | 37.5% | List 1 25% + 12.5% forced-labor; EV drivetrain |
| Lithium-ion EV batteries | 8507.60 | 3.4% | 25% | — | 53.4% | Four-year review 25% + §232 auto parts 25% (EV propulsion battery) |
| Exhaust systems / mufflers | 8708.92 | 2.5% | 25% | 12.5% | 40% | List 3 25% + 12.5% forced-labor |
| Wheels / rims (steel) | 8708.70 | 2.5% | 25% | — | 52.5% | List 3 25% + §232 auto parts 25% |
| Airbag systems / safety restraints | 8708.95 | 2.5% | 25% | — | 52.5% | List 3 25% + §232 auto parts 25%; NHTSA compliance also req'd |
| Headlights / auto lighting | 8512.20 | 2.5% | 25% | — | 52.5% | List 3 25% + §232 auto parts 25% |
| Auto seats | 9401.20 | Free | 25% | — | 50% | List 3 25% + §232 auto parts 25%; FMVSS compliance req'd |
| Catalytic converters | 8421.32 | Free | 25% | — | 50% | List 1 25% + §232 auto parts 25%; EPA emission compliance |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the import duty on auto parts from China in 2026?
Most auto parts from China pay about 52.5%: 2.5% MFN + 25% Section 301 (List 3 for most 8708 parts, List 1 for some) + the 25% Section 232 auto-parts tariff in force since May 2025. Parts under Section 232 don't pay the 12.5% forced-labor tariff. Parts that are not on the Section 232 list — mufflers (8708.92) or EV traction motors, for example — pay 25% Section 301 + 12.5% forced-labor instead: 37.5–40%.
Are EV batteries from China subject to Section 301?
Yes. Lithium-ion batteries (8507.60) from China pay 3.4% MFN + 25% Section 301 (four-year-review rate). Propulsion batteries for passenger vehicles are also Section 232 auto parts (+25%), for 53.4% in total; other Li-ion batteries pay the 12.5% forced-labor tariff instead, for 40.9%. The federal $7,500 clean-vehicle credit ended for vehicles acquired after 30 September 2025, so its battery-sourcing rules no longer affect new sales.
Can I get a Section 301 exclusion for auto parts from China?
Only for narrowly described products. USTR's Section 301 exclusions are product-specific, and the handful still active have been extended in stages; check USTR's current exclusion list for your exact 10-digit code. An exclusion removes only the Section 301 list duty — the 25% Section 232 auto-parts tariff (or the forced-labor tariff) still applies.
What NHTSA regulations apply to importing auto parts from China?
Auto parts that constitute safety systems require NHTSA compliance. This includes airbags (FMVSS 208), seat belts (FMVSS 209), tires (FMVSS 139), brake hoses (FMVSS 106), and headlights (FMVSS 108). Non-compliant parts cannot legally be installed in US-registered vehicles. Some parts also require DOT markings. Always verify FMVSS compliance requirements with your customs broker before importing safety-critical components.
Which countries offer cheaper auto parts than China?
Mexico and Canada: USMCA-compliant parts are exempt from both Section 232 and the forced-labor tariff, so they enter at 0% (they must meet USMCA regional value content rules). The EU, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan pay 15% all-in on listed parts under their deals; the UK 10%. Other origins such as India, Vietnam or Thailand pay MFN + 25% Section 232 on listed parts — around 27.5% against 52.5% from China. Mexico remains the main alternative because of proximity and USMCA.
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