Most auto parts ship as ordinary, non-hazardous cargo. What goes wrong is rust on metal parts, scratches on painted and machined surfaces, bent panels and miscounted small parts. At US customs, have a Certificate of Origin ready and classify each part carefully. Airbags and batteries are not covered here: they ship separately as dangerous goods (DG).
What this guide covers
Mechanical parts, electrical parts, accessories and assemblies for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and two-wheelers. Every shipment needs protection from damage and moisture, correct labels and accurate documents, especially when parts have coated surfaces or electronics.
Auto part categories
Mechanical Parts
Bearings, gears, shafts, brake parts
Body & Exterior Parts
Panels, bumpers, grilles, mirrors
Interior Components
Seats, dashboards, trim panels, knobs
Electrical & Wiring
Wiring harnesses, switches, sensors
Accessories
Floor mats, seat covers, infotainment housings
Shipping auto parts and accessories?
Get a quoteFive ways auto parts get damaged, and how to prevent them
Metal parts and fasteners corrode in damp conditions, and corroded parts may not perform.
- Apply an anti-rust coating or oil film where the part allows it
- Wrap parts in VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) film
- Keep cartons sealed and dry during loading
- Add desiccants for long sea voyages
- Corrosion is a major risk for precision auto parts shipped by sea.
Machined surfaces, painted panels and trim scratch easily.
- Layer foam sheets and bubble wrap
- Polybag smaller parts individually
- Keep painted surfaces off bare cardboard
- OEM and aftermarket buyers reject parts with cosmetic damage.
Large molded parts and panels deform or crack when crushed or hit.
- Use reinforced cartons and corner protectors
- Brace bumpers and body panels
- Stack nothing heavy on top
- Bumpers and trim panels often ship in oversized cartons so they don’t bend.
Fasteners and small mechanical parts get misplaced or mixed together.
- Pack in polybags or compartment boxes
- Label inner packs clearly by SKU or part number
- Seal inner packs inside the outer carton
- Vehicle assembly lines and workshops need exact counts.
Upholstery, foam and plastic interior parts can mold or deform in humidity.
- Polybag or vacuum-pack fabric parts
- Put desiccant pouches inside cartons
- Keep cartons off the container walls
- Controlling humidity protects fabric parts and interior trim.
Documents and shipping options
The two tables below list the paperwork customs and your buyer will ask for, and which shipping mode suits which kind of order.
Documents to prepare
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice & Packing List | Declares each SKU, its description and HS code |
| Certificate of Origin (COO): where the parts were made | Many markets require it to assess duty |
| Part number and model list | Lets customs and your buyer match parts to the invoice |
| SDS (Safety Data Sheet): only for chemically treated or lubricated parts | Needed when rust-prevention oils or other chemicals are used |
| Packaging declaration | Confirms how parts were packed for protection and safety |
Choosing FCL, LCL or air
| Mode | Best For |
|---|---|
| FCL (full container load) | Bulk shipments and OEM parts |
| Palletized LCL (shared container) | Mixed SKUs and aftermarket orders |
| Air freight | Urgent service parts for garages and OEMs |
Shipping auto parts and accessories?
Get a quoteRules by destination
- Certificate of Origin (COO) required
- Customs frequently checks how auto parts are classified
- Certificate of Origin (COO) required
- REACH chemical rules may apply to treated parts or plastics
- COO mandatory in most markets
- Spare parts are often inspected for authenticity and labeling
HS codes for auto parts
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 8708 | Parts and accessories of motor vehicles |
| 8714 | Parts for motorcycles & cycles |
| 8409 | Engine parts |
| 8512 | Vehicle lighting & signaling equipment (non-battery) |
These codes are indicative starting points, not a classification. Find the exact 10-digit line for your product in the HTS Code Finder. Getting the classification right is the importer of record’s legal responsibility.
Examples only: the final code depends on the part type and material. Estimate US import duties for these codes with our free tariff simulator.
Auto parts shipping FAQs
Only when they ship on wooden pallets or in wooden crates. The wood must then meet ISPM-15 heat-treatment rules.
No. Airbags and batteries are dangerous goods (DG) and are handled separately.
Wrap them in VCI film, add desiccants, and apply a rust-preventive oil film where the part allows it.
No. Brace them or box them so they can’t flex in transit.
We advise against it. Palletized parts are safer to handle and easier to track.
Shipping terms in this guide:Commercial InvoicePacking ListHarmonized System Code (HS Code)Certificate of Origin (COO)Full Container Load (FCL)Less than Container Load (LCL)
U.S. import duty on Automotive Parts & Accessories by country of origin
Total duty on the highest-value tariff lines in this category, by country of origin, calculated with our tariff engine and U.S. Census import values. Each page breaks down the duty components, how the rate has changed by entry date, and the landed-cost math.
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from Japan
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from Germany
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from Japan
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from South Korea
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from South Korea
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from South Korea
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from Japan
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from South Korea
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from Japan
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from United Kingdom
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from Japan
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from Sweden
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from Germany
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from United Kingdom
- Gear boxes from Japan
- Motor cars and other motor vehicles from Germany
46 more in this group. Rates are our tariff engine's total for a commercial entry today. Open a page for the duty lines behind a rate and how it changed by entry date, browse all import duty pages, or price your own shipment.
Not sure how to pack or ship your auto parts?
Tell us what you’re shipping. We help you choose the packing method, plan corrosion control, label by SKU, design pallets and arrange customs support.
Get a quote to ship auto parts and accessories
Tell us the product, where it ships from and to, and the container size or weight. We reply with the freight rate, the destination charges and the services included. The guide you were reading is already in the notes.