Effective Duty Rate
2.5%–3.1% MFN base; no Section 301
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Medium
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
NHTSA, EPA, CBP
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Automotive Parts, Components & Accessories from Vietnam
Auto Parts imported from Vietnam to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — Vietnam Origin
Vietnam is a growing auto parts supplier (wiring harnesses, electrical components). No Section 301 surcharge. Anti-circumvention risk for parts using Chinese components. NHTSA compliance required regardless of origin country.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Auto Parts Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to auto parts imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 8708 |
Parts & Accessories for Motor Vehicles |
2.5%–3.1% MFN |
| 8483 |
Transmission Shafts, Gears & Bearings |
0%–4.5% MFN |
| 8544 |
Insulated Wire & Automotive Wiring Harnesses |
1.1%–3.5% MFN |
| 4011 |
Pneumatic Tires for Motor Vehicles |
3.4%–4% MFN |
| 8512 |
Electrical Lighting Equipment for Vehicles |
2.5%–3.7% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — VIETNAM ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for Vietnam-Origin Auto Parts
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All Vietnam-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 |
Not applicable |
Vietnam-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) |
25% steel / 10% aluminum |
Steel and aluminum imports from Vietnam |
COMPLIANCE — NHTSA / EPA / CBP
US Compliance Requirements for Auto Parts Imports
Regardless of origin country, auto parts imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) — mandatory for safety-critical parts (brakes, steering, tires, lighting, seat belts)
- EPA emission compliance documentation for engine components, catalytic converters, and emissions-control parts
- CARB (California Air Resources Board) certification for emissions-related parts sold through California distribution
- Country of origin marking required on all auto parts per 19 CFR Part 134 — must be permanent and legible
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your auto parts import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Vietnam.
Run Compliance Check →
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Auto Parts from Vietnam
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Vietnam. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
4
NHTSA Compliance Declaration (safety-critical parts — brakes, airbags, steering, tires)
5
Country of Origin Certificate
6
AD/CVD scope exclusion ruling documentation (for parts subject to active AD/CVD orders)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Auto Parts from Vietnam
3–7 days (truck from Mexico/Canada); 5–12 days (air freight); 20–35 days (ocean)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
18–35 days ocean from Asia/origin
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Auto Parts from Vietnam
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing auto parts from Vietnam?
The effective US tariff rate for auto parts from Vietnam is: 2.5%–3.1% MFN base; no Section 301. Vietnam is a growing auto parts supplier (wiring harnesses, electrical components). No Section 301 surcharge. Anti-circumvention risk for parts using Chinese components. NHTSA compliance required regardless of origin country.
What compliance agencies regulate auto parts imports from Vietnam?
Auto Parts imports require compliance with: NHTSA, EPA, CBP. Specific requirements include: NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) — mandatory for safety-critical parts (brakes, steering, tires, lighting, seat belts) and EPA emission compliance documentation for engine components, catalytic converters, and emissions-control parts.
What documents are required to import auto parts from Vietnam?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice; Packing List; Bill of Lading; NHTSA Compliance Declaration (safety-critical parts — brakes, airbags, steering, tires). Additional: Country of Origin Certificate; AD/CVD scope exclusion ruling documentation (for parts subject to active AD/CVD orders). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs Vietnam.
How long does customs clearance take for auto parts from Vietnam?
Typical timeline: 3–7 days (truck from Mexico/Canada); 5–12 days (air freight); 20–35 days (ocean). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on auto parts from Vietnam?
No Section 301 tariffs apply to Vietnam-origin goods. Section 232 applies: 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum products from Vietnam.
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RELATED IMPORT GUIDES
Also Importing Auto Parts From Other Countries?
Other Products from Vietnam?
Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-04-05 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.