Background
What Are HS Codes and Why They Matter for Your Import
The Harmonised System (HS) is an international classification system maintained by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). Every product traded internationally has an HS code β a 6-digit number that determines how it is classified, taxed, and documented at customs in every country.
For African importers of Indian spare parts, HS codes matter for three reasons:
Duty calculation β your import duty rate is determined by the HS code. Misclassification can mean overpaying or underpaying duty β both cause problems.
Customs documentation β Nigeria's Form M, Kenya's IDF, and Ghana's TIN-linked declarations all require correct HS codes. Missing or wrong HS codes cause delays and rejections at the port.
Trade statistics and permits β some HS categories require import permits or are subject to specific regulations. Knowing your code helps you plan ahead.
CrestMAX includes correct HS codes on all commercial invoices and packing lists for every shipment. Our export documents are designed to be accepted at Nigerian (NCS), Kenyan (KRA), Ghanaian (GRA), and Tanzanian (TRA) customs without issue.
Classification Reference
Key HS Codes for Motorcycle & 3-Wheeler Spare Parts
Note: HS codes are standardised at 6 digits internationally. Countries may extend to 8β10 digits for their own tariff schedules. The codes below are the international 6-digit standard. Always verify with a licensed customs broker in your country before filing import declarations.
Parts and accessories for motorcycles (including mopeds)
Applies to: Engine parts, clutch assemblies, brake components, suspension parts, electrical components, filters β for Bajaj Boxer, TVS HLX, CT100 and similar motorcycles
Note: The primary HS code for most 2-wheeler spare parts from India to Africa. Used in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and most African markets.
Other parts and accessories for cycles and similar vehicles
Applies to: Generic cycle components not specifically classified under 8714.10. Chain sprocket kits, wheel bearings (sometimes), handlebar assemblies
Note: Less common for commercial Indian spare parts exports but may apply to some accessories.
Brake parts for motor vehicles
Applies to: Brake assemblies for 3-wheelers (Bajaj RE, TVS King) are sometimes classified here rather than 8714.10 depending on the importing country's position on 3-wheeler classification
Note: Nigeria and Kenya customs sometimes apply this to Keke Napep brake components. Confirm with your customs agent.
Drive axles with differential, non-driving axles and their parts
Applies to: Propeller shaft assemblies, differential components, rear axle parts for Bajaj RE (Keke Napep) and TVS King 3-wheelers
Note: This is a common classification for Keke Napep drivetrain parts in Nigeria β particularly propeller shafts and slider block kits.
Spark-ignition reciprocating piston engines for other vehicles
Applies to: Complete engine assemblies for motorcycles and 3-wheelers
Note: Rarely used for spare parts (more for complete engines). If importing a bare engine block or complete engine assembly, this may apply.
Switches for electric circuits
Applies to: CDI units, ignition switches, killswitches
Note: Sometimes used for electrical switching components imported as spare parts.
Gaskets, washers and other seals of vulcanised rubber
Applies to: Rubber gasket sets, engine oil seal kits, rubber grommets, fork seals
Note: Rubber components in engine gasket sets and seal kits may be classified here rather than 8714.10 in some markets.
Ball bearings
Applies to: Wheel bearings, engine bearings, crankshaft bearings
Note: Bearings are often classified here rather than as vehicle parts. Check with your customs agent for the preferred classification in your market.
By Country
Import Duty Rates β Motorcycle Spare Parts
Nigeria
Total: ~14% on CIF valueImport Duty
5% import duty
VAT
7.5% VAT
Other Levies
1% CISS + 0.5% ETLS
Form M required before shipment. HS codes must appear on commercial invoice and B/L. NCS licensed agent required at Apapa.
Full Nigeria Import Guide βGhana
Total: ~25% on CIF valueImport Duty
5% import duty (ECOWAS rate)
VAT
15% VAT
Other Levies
2% NHIL + 2.5% GETFund
ECOWAS Form A certificate of origin from India helps. Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) manages customs.
Full Ghana Import Guide βKenya
Total: ~18β43% on CIF valueImport Duty
0β25% depending on subheading
VAT
16% VAT
Other Levies
2% Railway Development Levy
KRA Import Declaration Form (IDF) required. EAC common external tariff applies. Most 8714 parts attract 0% duty under EAC. Verify with KRA tariff schedule.
Full Kenya Import Guide βTanzania
Total: ~20β45% on CIF valueImport Duty
0β25% (EAC common external tariff)
VAT
18% VAT
Other Levies
1.5% destination inspection fee
SADC certificate of origin may reduce duties. Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) manages customs at Dar es Salaam.
Uganda
Total: ~20β45% on CIF valueImport Duty
0β25% (EAC CET)
VAT
18% VAT
Other Levies
Transit fees (Mombasa to Kampala corridor)
Landlocked β goods transit through Mombasa, Kenya. EAC Certificate of Origin helps. Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) manages clearance.
Practical Advice
Working with HS Codes on Your India Import
Ask your supplier for HS codes before the shipment
Your Indian supplier must include HS codes on the commercial invoice and packing list. Ask for the HS codes at the proforma invoice stage β not after the goods have shipped. If codes are wrong, amending documents after shipment is difficult and expensive.
Verify with a licensed customs agent in your country
HS codes in this guide are the international 6-digit standards. Your country's tariff schedule may use extended 8 or 10-digit codes with different duty rates. A licensed customs agent knows the local extensions. In Nigeria: NCS licensed agent. In Kenya: CDA licensed agent. In Ghana: GRA registered agent.
For Keke Napep (Bajaj RE) parts β clarify 3-wheeler classification
The Bajaj RE 3-wheeler occupies a grey area in many African tariff schedules β it can be classified as a motorcycle (8714) or as a motor vehicle (8708). Nigerian customs agents have differing views on Keke propeller shaft classification specifically. Confirm the preferred code before your first shipment and be consistent thereafter.
Include HS codes in your Form M (Nigeria) or IDF (Kenya)
Nigeria's Form M and Kenya's Import Declaration Form both require HS codes at the line-item level. Incorrect codes on these pre-import declarations require amendment β which delays your goods. Get the codes right at the application stage.
FAQ
Common Questions on HS Codes
What HS code is used for motorcycle spare parts from India?
Motorcycle parts and accessories are classified under HS Chapter 87, mainly HS 8714.10 (parts and accessories for motorcycles) and HS 8714.99 (other parts). Engine components specifically may also fall under HS 8407.90 (internal combustion engines for motorcycles). Always confirm with your customs broker for country-specific tariff codes.
What is the HS code for Keke Napep (Bajaj RE) spare parts?
Bajaj RE (Keke Napep) is classified as a motor vehicle under HS Chapter 87 (specifically HS 8703 or 8704 for the vehicle itself). Its spare parts typically fall under HS 8714.10 for motorcycle-type components, or HS 8708 for motor vehicle parts. Propeller shafts and drivetrain components may be classified under HS 8708.50. Check with your Nigerian customs agent for the most current NCS classification.
What import duty rate applies to motorcycle spare parts in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, most motorcycle spare parts under HS 8714 attract 5% import duty + 7.5% VAT + 1% CISS + 0.5% ETLS on the CIF value. Total effective rate is approximately 14% on CIF value. Rates can vary by specific HS subheading β consult a licensed NCS customs agent for precise current rates.
Do Indian exporters include HS codes on their shipping documents?
Yes β reputable Indian exporters like CrestMAX include correct HS codes on all commercial invoices and packing lists. This is mandatory for Nigerian Form M compliance and for customs clearance at all African ports. Always request HS codes from your supplier before the shipment departs India.
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