US Auto Parts Suppliers: A Buyer’s Guide
Engine, transmission, brake and suspension parts, filters and electrical systems, original or aftermarket, new or remanufactured: this guide sums up what to check when you import them from the United States.
| Industry | Auto parts |
|---|---|
| Main tariff headings (Harmonized System) | 8708, 8409, 8421, 8483, 4011, 8511, 8512 |
| U.S. agencies involved | U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC); Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) |
| Official sources cited | 5 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-07 |
Tariff headings you should know
- 8708: parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705.
- 8409: parts of the engines of headings 8407 and 8408. 8421: filtering or purifying machinery for liquids or gases (filters).
- 8483: transmission shafts, crankshafts, bearing housings and gears.
- 4011: new pneumatic tires, of rubber.
- 8511: electrical ignition or starting equipment. 8512: electrical lighting or signaling equipment, windshield wipers and defrosters.
News and rules worth knowing
- Guatemala and El Salvador: in the frameworks of the Agreements on Reciprocal Trade with the United States (signed in January 2026), according to the USTR, Guatemala committed to accepting U.S. remanufactured goods and El Salvador to removing restrictions on their import. Confirm that they have entered into force.
- Mexico: according to the Secretaría de Economía, from 2026 tariffs went up in the automotive sector, among others, only for countries without a trade agreement with Mexico; this does not apply to U.S. goods.
- Origin: a part distributed by a U.S. company may be made in another country. To use a trade agreement, the part has to be originating and have the corresponding certification.
- Ecuador: many imported products need the INEN Certificate of Recognition, which verifies compliance with the applicable technical regulations.
How to choose and verify the supplier
- Work with part numbers (original and cross-references) and ask for the exact application by make, model and year.
- Ask for the country of manufacture of each part and the warranty and returns policy for international shipments.
- Check that the company exists: business registration in its state, physical address, website and references from other buyers.
- Check that it does not appear on the U.S. restricted-party lists, and ask for a formal quotation with the Incoterm, lead time and payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import remanufactured auto parts from the United States?
It depends on your country’s rules. In Guatemala and El Salvador, the 2026 agreements with the United States include commitments to accept remanufactured goods; confirm that they have entered into force.
Do U.S. auto parts enter duty-free under a trade agreement?
Only those that are originating under the rules of the agreement and have the corresponding certification of origin.
Official sources
- USITC: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
- USTR: framework for an agreement with Guatemala
- USTR: framework for an agreement with El Salvador
- Secretaría de Economía (Mexico): tariff changes to the LIGIE (in Spanish)
- INEN (Ecuador): Certificate of Recognition (in Spanish)
This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.