84213100
NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOF›Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases
Filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for gases - Intake air filters for internal combustion engines
Definition and scope of CN subheading 842131
CN subheading 842131 covers intake air filters for internal combustion engines. These filters clean the air drawn into the engine from dust, particles, sand and other solid contaminants, protecting cylinders, pistons and piston rings from abrasive wear. This subheading includes air filters for car engines, trucks, motorcycles, construction machinery, agricultural tractors and stationary engines. Classification follows the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI), particularly rules 1 and 6. The key criterion is the intended use for cleaning intake air for an internal combustion engine, distinguishing this subheading from room and ventilation air filters (842139) and oil and fuel filters (842123, 842132). For borderline cases a BTI ruling is recommended.
Import requirements and regulations for engine air filters (842131)
Importing engine air filters under subheading 842131 into the EU is subject to the Union Customs Code. Filters intended for motor vehicles may be subject to type-approval requirements under Regulation (EU) 2018/858. Filters must meet engine manufacturer quality standards for filtration efficiency, air flow and durability. Filter media may require REACH compliance verification for substances used in filter cartridges. The importer must hold an EORI number and file a customs declaration with the correct CN code. Imports of air filters from Asian countries represent a significant trade volume. Import documentation includes commercial invoice, technical specifications and quality certificates. MFN and preferential duty rates should be verified in the TARIC database before each import.
Market and applications for engine air filters (842131)
Engine air filters classified under subheading 842131 represent a high-volume automotive parts market segment. Air filter replacement is a standard service operation performed during vehicle maintenance. Modern air filters are made from synthetic or cellulose materials providing high filtration efficiency with minimal flow resistance. In high-dust environments such as off-road vehicles and construction equipment, multi-stage filters with pre-separators are used. Major air filter manufacturers include companies from Germany, Japan, South Korea and China. Aftermarket filter imports represent a significant share of automotive parts trade. Replacement filter cartridges may be classified as parts under 842199. Importers should check TARIC for preferential rates under EU FTA agreements, reducing import costs for high-volume consumable parts.
Intake air filters for engines - type approval and automotive standards
CN code 8421 31 covers intake air filters for engines. Import of automotive parts requires ISO/TS 16949 quality standards and EU Type Approval Regulation 2018/858 compliance. Filters must meet OEM or equivalent specifications. Customs clearance requires commercial invoice, certificate of origin and automotive standards declaration. Spare parts may face anti-dumping duties.
Frequently asked questions
How to distinguish engine air filters (842131) from ventilation air filters?
Subheading 842131 covers exclusively intake air filters for internal combustion engines protecting the engine from contaminants. Air filters for ventilation, air conditioning and clean room systems are classified under subheading 842139 as other gas filters. The decisive factor is the intended use with an internal combustion engine. The importer should precisely state the intended use in the customs declaration.
Do engine air filters under subheading 842131 require type approval?
Air filters for motor vehicles may be subject to type-approval requirements under Regulation (EU) 2018/858. Replacement filters must be compatible with the vehicle manufacturer standards. Quality certificates confirming filtration efficiency, flow capacity and durability should be available in the documentation. In practice aftermarket filters must meet OEM specifications.
What duty rates apply to air filters under subheading 842131?
MFN duty rates for engine air filters under subheading 842131 should be verified in the current TARIC database. Preferential rates may be available under EU FTA agreements with third countries. Proof of origin is required for preferential treatment. Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to EU sanctions restrictions.
What are the import requirements for intake air filters for engines CN 8421 31?
Importing intake air filters for engines CN 8421 31 requires Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC compliance, CE marking and declaration of conformity. TARIC sets the duty rates. Additional sector-specific requirements may apply.
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