Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and their parts and accessories. This chapter is the main chapter in HS classification for technology-intensive products, covering a wide range of goods from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment. Within the chapter, goods are divided into multiple headings by function, such as 8501 electric motors and generators, 8504 transformers, 8517 communication equipment, etc. Goods in this chapter generally operate on electrical or electronic principles, and classification requires close attention to their function, use, and technical parameters. Heading 8501 specifically covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). This heading is further subdivided according to output power, current type (DC/AC), structural characteristics, etc. Micro motors, as an important subheading therein, generally refer to small motors with an output power not exceeding a certain threshold (such as 37.5W), widely used in consumer electronics, automotive electronics, medical devices, and other fields. The core of classification under heading 8501 lies in the motor's power, type, and use, and attention must be paid to distinguishing it from heading 8502 generating sets, 8503 parts, etc. First 2 digits 85: represents Chapter 85, namely electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and their parts and accessories. Digits 3-4: 01 represents heading 8501, specifically electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Digits 5-6: 10 represents subheading 850110, namely micro motors. This subheading is further divided according to output power, type, etc. (such as 85011010 micro motors with output power not exceeding 37.5W). The overall code 850110 indicates micro electric motors with relatively low output power, commonly used in precision equipment. This product is classified under 850110 because it is a micro electric motor with an output power generally not exceeding 37.5W, conforming to the subheading description. If the power exceeds 37.5W but does not exceed 750W, it should be classified under 850120 or 850131, etc.; if it is a generator, it may be classified under other subheadings of 8501 or 8502. In addition, if it is a micro motor for toys, it may be classified under 9503; if it is a micro motor specially used for automobiles, it should be judged according to the specific use, but generally it is still classified under 850110. Classification requires comprehensive determination based on power, use, and working principle.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and their parts and accessories. This chapter is the main chapter in HS classification for technology-intensive products, covering a wide range of goods from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment. Within the chapter, goods are divided into multiple headings by function, such as 8501 electric motors and generators, 8504 transformers, 8517 communication equipment, etc. Goods in this chapter generally operate on electrical or electronic principles, and classification requires close attention to their function, use, and technical parameters.
Heading
Heading 8501 specifically covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). This heading is further subdivided according to output power, current type (DC/AC), structural characteristics, etc. Micro motors, as an important subheading therein, generally refer to small motors with an output power not exceeding a certain threshold (such as 37.5W), widely used in consumer electronics, automotive electronics, medical devices, and other fields. The core of classification under heading 8501 lies in the motor's power, type, and use, and attention must be paid to distinguishing it from heading 8502 generating sets, 8503 parts, etc.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: represents Chapter 85, namely electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and their parts and accessories. Digits 3-4: 01 represents heading 8501, specifically electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Digits 5-6: 10 represents subheading 850110, namely micro motors. This subheading is further divided according to output power, type, etc. (such as 85011010 micro motors with output power not exceeding 37.5W). The overall code 850110 indicates micro electric motors with relatively low output power, commonly used in precision equipment.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 850110 because it is a micro electric motor with an output power generally not exceeding 37.5W, conforming to the subheading description. If the power exceeds 37.5W but does not exceed 750W, it should be classified under 850120 or 850131, etc.; if it is a generator, it may be classified under other subheadings of 8501 or 8502. In addition, if it is a micro motor for toys, it may be classified under 9503; if it is a micro motor specially used for automobiles, it should be judged according to the specific use, but generally it is still classified under 850110. Classification requires comprehensive determination based on power, use, and working principle.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared product, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the motor, such as 'micro DC motor', 'micro stepper motor', etc. Brand: Fill in the brand or trademark of the motor; if there is no brand, indicate 'unbranded'. Model: Fill in the specific model or specification of the motor to distinguish different products. Output Power: Declare the rated output power of the motor, usually in watts (W), and it must be filled in accurately. Type: Explain the motor type, such as DC motor, AC motor, stepper motor, etc. Use: Fill in the specific application scenario of the motor, such as 'used for smartphone vibration', 'used for automobile rearview mirror adjustment', etc. Working Principle: Briefly explain the working principle of the motor, such as electromagnetic induction, piezoelectric effect, etc. Product Name: Micro DC motor; Brand: Unbranded; Model: M123; Output Power: 5W; Type: DC motor; Use: Used for smartphone vibration motor; Working Principle: Electromagnetic induction. Output power not filled in or unit incorrect, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to a micro motor. Use description is too general and not specific to the application equipment, which may trigger classification questioning. Brand and model are not filled in in a standardized manner, such as using internal codes instead of standard models.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared product, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the motor, such as 'micro DC motor', 'micro stepper motor', etc.
⚠️ Filling in only 'motor' or 'motor', which is too general and may easily lead to classification disputes.
Brand
Fill in the brand or trademark of the motor; if there is no brand, indicate 'unbranded'.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling it in incompletely, such as writing only 'none' without indicating 'unbranded'.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification of the motor to distinguish different products.
⚠️ Incorrect model entry or inconsistency with the actual product, leading to customs questioning.
Output Power
Declare the rated output power of the motor, usually in watts (W), and it must be filled in accurately.
⚠️ Incorrect power unit (such as writing kW), or failure to fill in the specific value.
Type
Explain the motor type, such as DC motor, AC motor, stepper motor, etc.
⚠️ Vague type entry, such as writing only 'motor' without distinguishing AC/DC.
Use
Fill in the specific application scenario of the motor, such as 'used for smartphone vibration', 'used for automobile rearview mirror adjustment', etc.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as 'used for electronic equipment', lacking specificity.
Working Principle
Briefly explain the working principle of the motor, such as electromagnetic induction, piezoelectric effect, etc.
⚠️ Not filled in or filled in incorrectly, such as writing a stepper motor as an ordinary DC motor.
Example： Product Name: Micro DC motor; Brand: Unbranded; Model: M123; Output Power: 5W; Type: DC motor; Use: Used for smartphone vibration motor; Working Principle: Electromagnetic induction.
Common Mistakes：
Output power not filled in or unit incorrect, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to a micro motor.
Use description is too general and not specific to the application equipment, which may trigger classification questioning.
Brand and model are not filled in in a standardized manner, such as using internal codes instead of standard models.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are the motor's output power, current type, and use. According to HS notes, subheading 850110 covers micro motors with an output power not exceeding 37.5W, regardless of their use (except for specific exclusion provisions). If the power exceeds 37.5W, it must be classified under 850120 (AC/DC motors) or 850131 (DC motors, output power not exceeding 750W), etc. In addition, if the motor is for toys, it may be classified under 9503; if it is an automobile starter motor, it is classified under 8511. Therefore, power is the primary determining factor, followed by use and structure. 850120 AC/DC motors: 850120 covers AC/DC motors, with output power usually exceeding 37.5W, while 850110 is for micro motors with power not exceeding 37.5W. 850131 DC motors, output power not exceeding 750W: 850131 covers DC motors with output power exceeding 37.5W but not exceeding 750W, while 850110 is for micro motors with power not exceeding 37.5W. 850151 AC multi-phase motors, output power not exceeding 750W: 850151 covers AC multi-phase motors with power not exceeding 750W, while 850110 is for micro motors, usually single-phase or DC. 950300 Toys: If micro motors are imported as toy parts, they may be classified under 9503, but micro motors imported separately are still classified under 850110. Confirm whether the motor output power does not exceed 37.5W. Confirm whether the motor type is DC or AC. Confirm whether the motor use falls within specific exclusion scope (such as toys, automobile starter motors). Confirm whether declaration elements such as brand and model are complete. Confirm whether relevant certification documents (such as CCC) need to be provided.
Basis
The core criteria for classification are the motor's output power, current type, and use. According to HS notes, subheading 850110 covers micro motors with an output power not exceeding 37.5W, regardless of their use (except for specific exclusion provisions). If the power exceeds 37.5W, it must be classified under 850120 (AC/DC motors) or 850131 (DC motors, output power not exceeding 750W), etc. In addition, if the motor is for toys, it may be classified under 9503; if it is an automobile starter motor, it is classified under 8511. Therefore, power is the primary determining factor, followed by use and structure.
Confused Codes：
850120 - AC/DC motors
850120 covers AC/DC motors, with output power usually exceeding 37.5W, while 850110 is for micro motors with power not exceeding 37.5W.
850131 - DC motors, output power not exceeding 750W
850131 covers DC motors with output power exceeding 37.5W but not exceeding 750W, while 850110 is for micro motors with power not exceeding 37.5W.
850151 - AC multi-phase motors, output power not exceeding 750W
850151 covers AC multi-phase motors with power not exceeding 750W, while 850110 is for micro motors, usually single-phase or DC.
950300 - Toys
If micro motors are imported as toy parts, they may be classified under 9503, but micro motors imported separately are still classified under 850110.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the motor output power does not exceed 37.5W.
✓ Confirm whether the motor type is DC or AC.
✓ Confirm whether the motor use falls within specific exclusion scope (such as toys, automobile starter motors).
✓ Confirm whether declaration elements such as brand and model are complete.
✓ Confirm whether relevant certification documents (such as CCC) need to be provided.
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether the output power of a micro motor exceeds 37.5W? Output power is usually marked on the motor nameplate or product specification sheet, and the rated power can be checked. If not marked, it can be calculated by reference to the operating voltage and current, or consult the manufacturer. When declaring to customs, it must be filled in truthfully, and a test report may be provided if necessary. If a micro motor is used for toys, should it be classified under 850110 or 9503? If the micro motor is imported separately, even if used for toys, it should still be classified under 850110. However, if it is imported together with the toy as a complete part of the toy and constitutes an inseparable part of the toy, it may be classified under 9503. The specific determination depends on the import state and function. When declaring micro motors, is 3C certification required? Whether a micro motor requires 3C certification depends on its use and specifications. Some motors used in home appliances and information technology equipment may require CCC certification. It is recommended to consult the Announcement of the State Administration for Market Regulation on Optimizing the Catalog of Compulsory Product Certification or consult a professional institution. Do all micro motors apply under code 850110? 850110 covers micro motors with output power not exceeding 37.5W, but if the motor is a special type such as a stepper motor or vibration motor, as long as the power meets the requirement, it is still classified under this code. Attention should be paid to excluding motors used for specific purposes such as automobiles and toys. In the declaration elements for micro motors, how should output power be filled in? Output power should be filled in as rated output power, in watts (W), such as '5W'. If it is a multi-power motor, fill in the maximum power. Do not fill in input power or no-load power. When importing micro motors, what aspects may customs question? Customs may question whether the power is accurate, whether the use is true, and whether the brand and model are consistent with the actual product. It is recommended to keep product specification sheets, photos, and other materials for inspection. If the declaration is untrue, it may face supplementary tax payment or penalties. What is the main difference between 850110 and 850120? 850110 is for micro motors with output power not exceeding 37.5W; 850120 is for AC/DC motors with output power usually exceeding 37.5W. The power thresholds of the two are different, and classification must be strictly divided by power. How to check the import tax rate for micro motors? The latest tax rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional customs declaration software. Tax rates may change due to trade agreements, place of origin, and other factors. It is recommended to rely on the feedback from the customs system at the time of declaration.
Q: How to determine whether the output power of a micro motor exceeds 37.5W?
A: Output power is usually marked on the motor nameplate or product specification sheet, and the rated power can be checked. If not marked, it can be calculated by reference to the operating voltage and current, or consult the manufacturer. When declaring to customs, it must be filled in truthfully, and a test report may be provided if necessary.
Q: If a micro motor is used for toys, should it be classified under 850110 or 9503?
A: If the micro motor is imported separately, even if used for toys, it should still be classified under 850110. However, if it is imported together with the toy as a complete part of the toy and constitutes an inseparable part of the toy, it may be classified under 9503. The specific determination depends on the import state and function.
Q: When declaring micro motors, is 3C certification required?
A: Whether a micro motor requires 3C certification depends on its use and specifications. Some motors used in home appliances and information technology equipment may require CCC certification. It is recommended to consult the Announcement of the State Administration for Market Regulation on Optimizing the Catalog of Compulsory Product Certification or consult a professional institution.
Q: Do all micro motors apply under code 850110?
A: 850110 covers micro motors with output power not exceeding 37.5W, but if the motor is a special type such as a stepper motor or vibration motor, as long as the power meets the requirement, it is still classified under this code. Attention should be paid to excluding motors used for specific purposes such as automobiles and toys.
Q: In the declaration elements for micro motors, how should output power be filled in?
A: Output power should be filled in as rated output power, in watts (W), such as '5W'. If it is a multi-power motor, fill in the maximum power. Do not fill in input power or no-load power.
Q: When importing micro motors, what aspects may customs question?
A: Customs may question whether the power is accurate, whether the use is true, and whether the brand and model are consistent with the actual product. It is recommended to keep product specification sheets, photos, and other materials for inspection. If the declaration is untrue, it may face supplementary tax payment or penalties.
Q: What is the main difference between 850110 and 850120?
A: 850110 is for micro motors with output power not exceeding 37.5W; 850120 is for AC/DC motors with output power usually exceeding 37.5W. The power thresholds of the two are different, and classification must be strictly divided by power.
Q: How to check the import tax rate for micro motors?
A: The latest tax rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional customs declaration software. Tax rates may change due to trade agreements, place of origin, and other factors. It is recommended to rely on the feedback from the customs system at the time of declaration.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.