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Real-time tariff data updated daily from USITC & Federal Register — Try the HTS Classifier →
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

Importing Automotive Parts, Components & Accessories from Vietnam

Importing auto parts from Vietnam into the United States carries medium compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 2.5%–3.1% MFN base; no Section 301. Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (25% / 10%) apply to relevant auto parts sub-categories — verify your HTS code against current Section 232 annexes before entry.

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.

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Estimated Landed Cost: Auto Parts from Vietnam

Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.

Cost Component Amount Notes
Cargo Value (CIF) $50,000.00 Reference shipment value
MFN Base Duty (2.5%) $1,250.00 MFN column, Schedule B
Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) $173.20 Min $31.67 / max $614.35
Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) $62.50 Ocean freight only
Total Duties & Fees $1,485.70 Effective rate: 3.0%
Estimated Landed Cost $51,485.70 Cargo + all US duties/fees

⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to auto parts sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.

Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.

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.

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
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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.

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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.

1
Commercial Invoice
2
Packing List
3
Bill of Lading
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)
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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

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.
What is the USMCA regional value content requirement for auto parts?
USMCA RVC thresholds for auto parts are 75% for core parts and 70% for principal parts (as of 2023). The de minimis rule permits up to 10% of net cost from non-originating materials without disqualifying the part. Obtain a USMCA Certificate of Origin from your supplier confirming RVC compliance before claiming preferential treatment at entry.
Does Section 232 apply to automobile parts beyond raw steel and aluminum?
Yes. Section 232 was expanded via Presidential Proclamation to cover certain auto parts from countries without negotiated exemptions. While raw steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) face the headline rates, specific auto parts HTS codes under 8708 may also be subject to Section 232 duties. Verify your exact HTS code against current Section 232 annexes before importing.
What NHTSA and EPA requirements apply to imported auto parts?
NHTSA regulates safety-critical parts (airbags, seat belts, brakes, lighting) under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). EPA governs emissions-related parts (catalytic converters, EGR valves). Non-compliant parts cannot legally be sold in the US and are subject to civil penalties up to $21,000 per violation. Obtain full compliance documentation from suppliers before importation.
Does Vietnam have a free trade agreement with the United States?
No. The US and Vietnam do not have a bilateral FTA as of 2026. TPP, which would have provided preferential access, was withdrawn by the US in 2017. IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) includes Vietnam but does not provide tariff preferences. Vietnamese-origin goods pay standard MFN rates, which are high for textiles (17%–32%) and some manufactured goods.
Why is Vietnam a popular sourcing alternative despite high MFN tariff rates?
Vietnam's manufacturing costs are significantly lower than China's, and Vietnamese-origin goods face no Section 301 tariffs. Even at 17%–30% MFN for textiles, total landed costs from Vietnam are competitive with China's effective rates (often 35%–55% including Section 301). Vietnam is now the #2 apparel and electronics exporter to the US as supply chains diversify away from China.
What anti-circumvention risks should I be aware of when sourcing from Vietnam?
CBP actively investigates circumvention — cases where Chinese goods undergo minor processing in Vietnam to re-export under Vietnamese origin and avoid Section 301 tariffs. CBP requires genuine substantial transformation: a change of character, name, and use that would not be achieved by simple assembly, re-labeling, or minor finishing. Maintain full bills of materials and production records to defend origin claims under CBP scrutiny.

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Also Importing Auto Parts From Other Countries?

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Other Products from Vietnam?

Explore duty rates and compliance guides for other product categories imported from Vietnam.

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Most-Searched Import Corridors

High-traffic import corridors with full tariff analysis and compliance guides.

🇨🇳 Furniture from China🇨🇳 Auto Parts from China🇨🇳 Footwear from China🇨🇳 Electronics from China🇨🇳 Apparel from China🇨🇳 Textiles from China🇨🇳 Solar Panels from China🇨🇳 Ceramics from China
View full Vietnam tariff profile → Browse all import guides → Calculate landed cost →

Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 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.