The US schedule provides separate lines for McPherson struts — 8708800300 for agricultural tractor applications and 8708801300 for other vehicles — distinct from conventional shock absorbers (8708800500 for tractors, 8708801600 for other vehicles). McPherson struts combine the shock absorber and suspension spring perch into a single structural unit, and this functional distinction drives the separate classification. Importers should confirm the design with engineering documentation to avoid misclassification.

Importers should query the CBP ADD/CVD module for active antidumping and countervailing duty orders covering shock absorbers, particularly from China. Section 301 tariffs also apply to Chinese-origin goods under this heading. Because scope language in shock absorber orders can be product-specific — sometimes limited to certain vehicle types or construction methods — a scope ruling request or review by a licensed customs broker is advisable before committing to a sourcing decision.