BMW Motorcycle Parts: US Tariff Codes & Duty Calculation Guide

Disclosure and disclaimer (February 2026): This article is provided by West Coast Shipping (WCS) as general informational and promotional content about WCS services. It is not legal, tax, import, customs, or compliance advice and does not create any client relationship. All tariff codes, duty rates, and regulatory references are illustrative summaries based on publicly available US government guidance and WCS’s experience as understood in February 2026, and they may change without notice. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), Section 232 measures, and CBP interpretations can change at any time. Before importing any BMW motorcycle parts, always verify current classifications and rates with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and a licensed customs broker.

For BMW riders and restorers, importing parts from Europe—especially Germany—often unlocks better prices, rare components, or Europe‑only accessories. But once a shipment hits a US port, CBP only cares about one thing: how the parts are classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and what duty and tariffs apply.

This article explains how US customs typically classifies BMW motorcycle parts, which HTS codes most often apply, and how duty is calculated in practice. It is written for collectors and shops who already understand the basics of the 25‑year rule and complete BMW imports and now want to dive deeper into the parts side. When you are ready to move from theory to quotes, the international motorcycle shipping rates page outlines how WCS crates, consolidates, and ships motorcycles and parts together.

Why Tariff Classification Matters for BMW Motorcycle Parts

Every BMW component—from a final drive housing to a set of handguards—enters the US under a specific HTS code. That code determines:

• Duty rate: The base percentage of customs value you will pay.

• Additional tariffs: Whether Section 232 or other country‑ or product‑specific duties apply.

• Eligibility for trade preferences: Whether agreements like USMCA can reduce or eliminate duty.

Using the wrong code can mean overpaying, underpaying (and facing penalties later), or delays in clearance. While most importers work through a broker, having a working knowledge of how BMW parts are typically treated helps you sanity‑check quotes and avoid surprises.

WCS’s article on motorcycle parts tariffs and repair cost surges explores how tariff changes have affected the wider parts market; this guide focuses specifically on BMW motorcycle parts classification.

Core HTS Framework: Where BMW Parts Fit in the Schedule

The starting point: Heading 8714

According to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule as of February 2026, most motorcycle parts fall under Heading 8714 – “Parts and accessories of vehicles of headings 8711 to 8713.” Within that heading, the primary line used for motorcycle‑specific parts is:

• HTS 8714.10.00 – “Of motorcycles (including mopeds)”

This heading is then subdivided into more specific statistical categories, including but not limited to:

• Saddles and seats
• Wheels
• “Other” parts and accessories

For BMW components that are clearly and exclusively motorcycle parts—such as GS crash bars, R‑series fuel tanks, brake rotors, final drives, and levers—brokers frequently start with 8714.10.00 and then choose the appropriate sub‑line based on the part type.

These classifications and duty treatments are based on HTS guidance as of February 2026 and are subject to change. Tariff policy, especially for vehicle parts, has been volatile in recent years. Always verify current HTS codes and applicable duty rates for each part type with CBP or your licensed customs broker before shipping.

What does “specifically designed for motorcycles” mean?

CBP guidance and published rulings indicate that, to fall under 8714.10.00, a part generally needs to be specifically designed and manufactured for use with motorcycles. In practice, that means:

• A BMW R1150GS swingarm designed only for that bike is a motorcycle part.

• A generic M8 stainless bolt used on many vehicles is likely classified under fastener headings, not as a motorcycle part.

This distinction matters because generic components may have different duty rates and could fall under other Chapters (for example, Chapter 73 for steel, Chapter 85 for electronics). When in doubt, your broker will look at design intent, marketing materials, and how the part is used in practice.

Because classification can be nuanced, importers who regularly bring in mixed shipments of BMW parts typically provide detailed part descriptions, BMW part numbers, and catalog screenshots to help brokers choose the correct codes.

Typical Duty Treatment for BMW Motorcycle Parts

General duty under HTS 8714.10.00

For many trade‑partner countries, the general rate of duty for motorcycle parts under 8714.10.00 has historically been “Free” in Column 1, meaning no base duty is charged under normal trade relations. However, the same HTS tables also reference potential Column 2 rates (for restricted countries) and note that some parts may attract additional tariffs under Section 232 or other measures.

In practical terms, as of early 2026:

• Many BMW motorcycle parts imported from Germany and other standard trade partners under 8714.10.00 can enter at a 0% base duty rate.

• Some parts may still face additional percentage surcharges under product‑ or country‑specific tariffs, especially those related to steel, aluminum, or particular trade disputes.

Because these layered tariffs can change quickly, always ask your broker to confirm not just the base HTS duty rate but also any extra percentages that might apply at the time of import.

When BMW parts fall outside 8714.10.00

Not every BMW‑related item is neatly covered by 8714.10.00. Examples that might be classified elsewhere include:

• Electronic modules, sensors, and ECUs: May fall under Chapter 85 electronics headings if their primary character is a generic electronic device rather than a motorcycle‑specific form factor.

• Batteries: Classified separately under battery‑specific codes, often with their own duty rates and environmental rules.

• Tyres and tubes: Typically classified under Chapter 40 (rubber), with duty rates that can differ from 0%.

• Riding apparel and luggage: Jackets, gloves, and soft panniers are usually classified under textiles or accessories, not as vehicle parts.

For multi‑line shipments that include both pure motorcycle parts and more generic items, it is common for multiple HTS codes—and therefore multiple duty treatments—to appear on a single customs entry.

Section 232 and Other Tariffs: How They Affect BMW Parts

The base HTS duty rate is only part of the story. Since 2018, various Section 232 tariffs and reciprocal trade measures have reshaped the landscape for vehicle parts imports.

Section 232 tariffs in a BMW context

According to WCS’s summary in Motorcycle Parts Tariffs: Repair Cost Surge & Solutions, US policy has, at different points, applied additional tariffs of around 25% to certain categories of imported motorcycle parts. Whether those surcharges apply to your BMW components depends on:

• The HTS code used (for example, 8714.10.00 vs. a different chapter).

• The country of origin (Germany vs. a third‑country manufacturer).

• Any exclusions or suspensions in effect when your shipment lands.

Because Section 232 measures and country‑specific tariffs are politically driven and frequently renegotiated, importers should treat any published percentage as a snapshot rather than a guarantee. Always ask your broker:

• Whether your planned HTS code currently attracts Section 232 or other additional tariffs.

• How those surcharges will appear on your customs entry and cost breakdown.

Trade agreements and preferential rates

Trade agreements (such as USMCA) can reduce or eliminate duty for parts that meet specific rules of origin. While many BMW motorcycle parts imported directly from Germany will not qualify under North American agreements, components manufactured in Mexico, Canada, or the US for BMW models may.

If you regularly import BMW parts from multiple sources, it may be worth:

• Structuring some sourcing through North American suppliers to benefit from preferential duty rates.

• Asking your broker to evaluate whether specific parts qualify for reduced rates under existing agreements.

Tariff policies and agreements evolve, so any strategy should be reviewed periodically with both your broker and your logistics partners.

How Duty is Calculated on BMW Parts Shipments

Even when duty rates look simple on paper, the actual duty calculation can feel opaque. Understanding the basic structure helps you read customs entries and check your landed‑cost assumptions.

Key elements of the customs value

For BMW parts imports, the standard customs value is usually based on CIF:

• Cost: The price you paid for the parts (ex‑works, FOB, or as invoiced).

• Insurance equivalent: Any declared coverage cost.

• Freight: The cost to move the shipment to the US port of entry.

CBP generally calculates ad valorem duties and tariffs on this CIF value. Additional fees such as the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) are then applied as small percentages of the same or similar base.

Illustrative example (numbers for education only)

Imagine a shipment of BMW parts from Germany, classified by your broker under 8714.10.00 with zero base duty but subject to a hypothetical 10% additional tariff:

Note: This is a simplified illustration only. It assumes a hypothetical 10% additional tariff and zero base duty; real rates and fees depend on current HTS tables, Section 232 applicability, trade preferences, and your broker’s fee schedule. Always ask your customs broker for an itemised estimate tailored to your exact shipment, origin, and part mix.

Documentation and Best Practices for BMW Parts Imports

Even when duty rates are favourable, poor documentation can delay clearance or trigger reclassification. BMW riders and shops who import parts regularly tend to follow a set of best practices.

Provide clear, specific descriptions

Every line on your commercial invoice should:

• Use a plain‑language description (for example, “BMW motorcycle front brake rotor” rather than just “spare part”).

• Include the BMW part number, if available.

• Indicate whether the part is new, used, or refurbished, as this can affect treatment in some contexts.

Clear descriptions help brokers choose the correct HTS codes and justify their choices if CBP questions an entry.

Keep origin and value evidence organised

To support customs valuation and potential trade‑agreement claims, keep:

• Supplier invoices showing unit price and total value.

• Proof of payment (bank transfers, receipts).

• Certificates of origin when relevant (for USMCA or other agreements).

For high‑value components (such as complete engines or final drives), having a clear paper trail reduces the risk of CBP challenging declared values.

Decide when to consolidate parts with motorcycles

From a logistics perspective, you can:

• Ship parts together with a motorcycle in the same container,

• Or send them as a separate parts shipment.

Each approach has trade‑offs:

• Combined shipments can reduce per‑item freight costs but may complicate paperwork if the bike and parts have different HTS codes or tariff treatments.

• Separate shipments keep classification cleaner but can cost more per kilogram.

The right answer depends on shipment size, time sensitivity, and how your broker prefers to structure entries. WCS can work with you and your broker to decide which configuration makes the most sense.

How West Coast Shipping Supports BMW Parts Imports

West Coast Shipping focuses on the physical movement of motorcycles and parts; classification and duty payment remain the realm of your customs broker and CBP. That said, our processes are designed to provide brokers with the information they need and to give you realistic cost expectations early in the project.

For BMW parts imports, WCS typically provides:

• Pre‑shipment guidance: Helping you understand how shipment size, packaging, and origin affect shipping cost and customs complexity.

• Professional packing and consolidation: Palletisation or crating for fragile items such as fairings, tanks, and engines, and coordination of multi‑supplier consolidations.

• Document support: Clean bills of lading, detailed packing lists, and coordination with your suppliers to ensure commercial invoices meet CBP expectations.

• Port‑to‑door logistics: Once your broker clears the shipment, WCS can arrange trucking from the port to your workshop, dealership, or storage facility.

These services complement the more regulatory focus of the main classic BMW 25‑year import & tariff guide, which explains how complete bikes and parts fit together in an overall import strategy.

Plan Your BMW Motorcycle Parts Import

US riders and shops importing BMW motorcycle parts from Europe face a tariff landscape that is more complex than it appears at first glance. The base HTS 8714.10.00 heading can look straightforward, but layered tariffs, origin rules, and shifting policies mean that classification and duty calculation need careful attention.

If you are planning a parts order—whether for an R1150GS Adventure project, a vintage airhead restoration, or simply stocking a shop—start by combining:

• The regulatory and strategy overview from the classic BMW motorcycles 25‑year import & tariff guide, and

• The practical shipping options and crate/liftgate details on WCS’s international motorcycle shipping rates page.

With those resources and a trusted customs broker, you will be better positioned to choose parts, forecast landed costs, and keep your BMW fleet running without unwelcome surprises at the port.