Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is one of the most core chapters for electromechanical products in the HS system, involving a wide range of commodities from household appliances to industrial power equipment. Within the chapter, it is divided by function into multiple headings such as generators, electric motors, transformers, batteries, switches, lamps, and electronic components, making it a high-frequency chapter for customs declaration and classification in international trade. Heading 8501 specifically refers to electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). This heading covers rotating electrical machines that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, including DC motors, AC motors, AC/DC motors, etc. However, 8501 only includes electric motors and generators themselves, and does not include generating sets (8502), transformers (8504), or static converters (8504). Code 850120 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 8501 (electric motors and generators, excluding generating sets). Digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 850120, namely "AC/DC motors". Note: 850120 specifically refers to AC/DC motors, not all AC motors in general. If it is a single-phase AC motor, it should be classified under 850140, and multi-phase AC motors under 850151 to 850153. Therefore, the complete meaning of 850120 is "AC/DC motors, regardless of output power". This commodity is classified under 850120 because it is an AC/DC motor, that is, an electric motor that can operate on both alternating current and direct current. It is different from pure AC motors (850140 or 850151-850153) and pure DC motors (850131-850133). Classification must be based on the motor's design principle and nameplate parameters. If it clearly supports AC/DC dual use, it is classified under 850120; if it only supports AC power, it is classified under other subheadings according to phase and power.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is one of the most core chapters for electromechanical products in the HS system, involving a wide range of commodities from household appliances to industrial power equipment. Within the chapter, it is divided by function into multiple headings such as generators, electric motors, transformers, batteries, switches, lamps, and electronic components, making it a high-frequency chapter for customs declaration and classification in international trade.
Heading
Heading 8501 specifically refers to electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). This heading covers rotating electrical machines that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, including DC motors, AC motors, AC/DC motors, etc. However, 8501 only includes electric motors and generators themselves, and does not include generating sets (8502), transformers (8504), or static converters (8504).
Digit Breakdown
Code 850120 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 8501 (electric motors and generators, excluding generating sets). Digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 850120, namely "AC/DC motors". Note: 850120 specifically refers to AC/DC motors, not all AC motors in general. If it is a single-phase AC motor, it should be classified under 850140, and multi-phase AC motors under 850151 to 850153. Therefore, the complete meaning of 850120 is "AC/DC motors, regardless of output power".
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 850120 because it is an AC/DC motor, that is, an electric motor that can operate on both alternating current and direct current. It is different from pure AC motors (850140 or 850151-850153) and pure DC motors (850131-850133). Classification must be based on the motor's design principle and nameplate parameters. If it clearly supports AC/DC dual use, it is classified under 850120; if it only supports AC power, it is classified under other subheadings according to phase and power.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the Chinese and foreign language names of the commodity, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the motor, such as "AC/DC motor". Brand: Fill in the brand name of the motor; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand", and it must be consistent with the physical nameplate. Model: Fill in the specific model of the motor, which should be able to distinguish different specifications and performance parameters. Power: Fill in the rated output power of the motor, usually in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), and it must be consistent with the nameplate. Whether AC/DC dual-use: Clearly declare whether the motor can operate on both alternating current and direct current, which is the key element for classification under 850120. Use: Fill in the application scenario of the motor, such as "used for household appliances", "industrial drive", etc. Rated Voltage: Fill in the rated operating voltage of the motor, in volts (V); for AC/DC motors, the AC and DC voltages must be stated separately. Product Name: AC/DC motor; Brand: ABB; Model: M3AA 80M; Power: 0.75kW; Whether AC/DC dual-use: Yes; Use: used for industrial automation equipment; Rated Voltage: AC 220V/DC 220V. Mistakenly declaring an AC/DC motor as a single-phase AC motor, resulting in classification under 850140. Filling in power as input power instead of output power, affecting subheading determination. Failure to provide proof of AC/DC dual-use, which may cause customs to question the classification.
Product Name
Declare the Chinese and foreign language names of the commodity, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the motor, such as "AC/DC motor".
⚠️ Writing only "motor" without indicating the AC/DC dual-use characteristic.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the motor; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand", and it must be consistent with the physical nameplate.
⚠️ Incorrect brand spelling or inconsistency with the nameplate, leading to inspection anomalies.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the motor, which should be able to distinguish different specifications and performance parameters.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or use of internal codes that cannot correspond to the physical item.
Power
Fill in the rated output power of the motor, usually in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), and it must be consistent with the nameplate.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in input power instead of output power, or incorrect units.
Whether AC/DC dual-use
Clearly declare whether the motor can operate on both alternating current and direct current, which is the key element for classification under 850120.
⚠️ Failure to declare or incorrect declaration as "AC motor", resulting in classification errors.
Use
Fill in the application scenario of the motor, such as "used for household appliances", "industrial drive", etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "used for machines", lacking specificity.
Rated Voltage
Fill in the rated operating voltage of the motor, in volts (V); for AC/DC motors, the AC and DC voltages must be stated separately.
⚠️ Filling in only a single voltage without distinguishing the AC and DC voltage ranges.
Example： Product Name: AC/DC motor; Brand: ABB; Model: M3AA 80M; Power: 0.75kW; Whether AC/DC dual-use: Yes; Use: used for industrial automation equipment; Rated Voltage: AC 220V/DC 220V.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring an AC/DC motor as a single-phase AC motor, resulting in classification under 850140.
Filling in power as input power instead of output power, affecting subheading determination.
Failure to provide proof of AC/DC dual-use, which may cause customs to question the classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the motor's design principle and operating characteristics. 850120 applies only to AC/DC motors, that is, electric motors capable of operating on both alternating current and direct current. When determining, reference must be made to product manuals, nameplate parameters, and technical specifications to confirm that it supports AC/DC dual use. If the motor only supports AC power, it is classified under 850140 (single-phase) or 850151-850153 (multi-phase) according to the number of phases; if it only supports DC power, it is classified under 850131-850133. In addition, output power is also an important reference, but 850120 has no power limit. 850140 Single-phase AC motors: 850140 applies only to single-phase AC motors and cannot operate on direct current. If the motor is clearly AC/DC dual-use, even if it mainly uses AC power, it should still be classified under 850120. 850151 Multi-phase AC motors (output power ≤750W): 850151 applies to multi-phase AC motors with power not exceeding 750W. AC/DC motors are classified under 850120 regardless of power and are not subdivided by power. 850131 DC motors (output power ≤750W): 850131 applies only to DC motors and cannot use AC power. If the motor can be AC/DC dual-use, it is classified under 850120, not 850131. 850110 Electric motors (output power ≤37.5W): 850110 covers all types of low-power motors, but only those with power ≤37.5W. If an AC/DC motor has power ≤37.5W, it should still be classified under 850120, because 850120 takes precedence over 850110. Does the motor clearly support AC/DC dual use? Has technical documentation been provided to prove AC/DC dual use? Is the power declared as output power? Has AC motors and DC motors been confused? Has the priority of adjacent subheadings been checked?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the motor's design principle and operating characteristics. 850120 applies only to AC/DC motors, that is, electric motors capable of operating on both alternating current and direct current. When determining, reference must be made to product manuals, nameplate parameters, and technical specifications to confirm that it supports AC/DC dual use. If the motor only supports AC power, it is classified under 850140 (single-phase) or 850151-850153 (multi-phase) according to the number of phases; if it only supports DC power, it is classified under 850131-850133. In addition, output power is also an important reference, but 850120 has no power limit.
Confused Codes：
850140 - Single-phase AC motors
850140 applies only to single-phase AC motors and cannot operate on direct current. If the motor is clearly AC/DC dual-use, even if it mainly uses AC power, it should still be classified under 850120.
850151 - Multi-phase AC motors (output power ≤750W)
850151 applies to multi-phase AC motors with power not exceeding 750W. AC/DC motors are classified under 850120 regardless of power and are not subdivided by power.
850131 - DC motors (output power ≤750W)
850131 applies only to DC motors and cannot use AC power. If the motor can be AC/DC dual-use, it is classified under 850120, not 850131.
850110 - Electric motors (output power ≤37.5W)
850110 covers all types of low-power motors, but only those with power ≤37.5W. If an AC/DC motor has power ≤37.5W, it should still be classified under 850120, because 850120 takes precedence over 850110.
Self-Check：
✓ Does the motor clearly support AC/DC dual use?
✓ Has technical documentation been provided to prove AC/DC dual use?
✓ Is the power declared as output power?
✓ Has AC motors and DC motors been confused?
✓ Has the priority of adjacent subheadings been checked?
❓ FAQ
How can it be determined whether a motor belongs under 850120? First check the motor nameplate or manual to confirm whether it indicates that it can operate on both alternating current and direct current. If it clearly supports AC/DC dual use, it is classified under 850120; if it only supports AC power, it is classified under 850140 or 850151-850153 according to phase and power; if it only supports DC power, it is classified under 850131-850133. If necessary, the supplier may be required to provide technical proof. What is the main difference between 850120 and 850140? 850120 covers AC/DC motors, while 850140 covers only single-phase AC motors. The key difference is whether the motor can operate on direct current. If the motor can only use AC power, even if it is single-phase, it should be classified under 850140. If the motor can be AC/DC dual-use, it is classified under 850120. When declaring 850120, how should the power element be filled in? Power should be filled in as the rated output power of the motor, not the input power. Output power is usually in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW) and can be found on the nameplate or specification sheet. If the AC and DC powers of an AC/DC motor differ, they should be stated separately. Power does not affect classification under 850120, but it must be declared truthfully. If a motor can use both AC and DC power but mainly uses AC power, under which code should it be classified? It should still be classified under 850120. Classification is based on the design characteristics of the motor, not the main mode of use. As long as the motor is designed to support AC/DC dual use, it meets the description of 850120. Mainly using AC power does not change its essential nature as an AC/DC motor. What materials are required for exporting motors under 850120? Basic documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, contract, and customs declaration form are usually required. In addition, it is recommended to prepare a product manual or technical specification sheet to prove the AC/DC dual-use characteristics of the motor. If customs questions the classification, a test report or supplier statement may be required. How can the tariff rate for 850120 be checked? The tariff rate must be determined according to the destination country and trade agreements. You can check the tariff database on the destination country's customs official website or use an HS code query tool. Chinese exporting enterprises can refer to the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China and also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements. Rates may change, so the latest official data should be used. What is the difference in classification between AC/DC motors and AC/DC generators? AC/DC motors (electric motors) are classified under 850120, while AC/DC generators are classified under 850161-850164 (AC generators) or 850131-850133 (DC generators). Note that 850120 is only for electric motors; generators are not classified under this code. When classifying, it is necessary to distinguish whether the function of the machine is drive or power generation. If the motor power is less than 37.5W, is it still classified under 850120? Yes. 850120 has no power limit. Regardless of power, as long as it is an AC/DC motor, it is classified under 850120. However, note that 850110 covers all types of electric motors with power ≤37.5W, but 850120 takes precedence over 850110. Therefore, an AC/DC motor with power ≤37.5W is still classified under 850120.
Q: How can it be determined whether a motor belongs under 850120?
A: First check the motor nameplate or manual to confirm whether it indicates that it can operate on both alternating current and direct current. If it clearly supports AC/DC dual use, it is classified under 850120; if it only supports AC power, it is classified under 850140 or 850151-850153 according to phase and power; if it only supports DC power, it is classified under 850131-850133. If necessary, the supplier may be required to provide technical proof.
Q: What is the main difference between 850120 and 850140?
A: 850120 covers AC/DC motors, while 850140 covers only single-phase AC motors. The key difference is whether the motor can operate on direct current. If the motor can only use AC power, even if it is single-phase, it should be classified under 850140. If the motor can be AC/DC dual-use, it is classified under 850120.
Q: When declaring 850120, how should the power element be filled in?
A: Power should be filled in as the rated output power of the motor, not the input power. Output power is usually in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW) and can be found on the nameplate or specification sheet. If the AC and DC powers of an AC/DC motor differ, they should be stated separately. Power does not affect classification under 850120, but it must be declared truthfully.
Q: If a motor can use both AC and DC power but mainly uses AC power, under which code should it be classified?
A: It should still be classified under 850120. Classification is based on the design characteristics of the motor, not the main mode of use. As long as the motor is designed to support AC/DC dual use, it meets the description of 850120. Mainly using AC power does not change its essential nature as an AC/DC motor.
Q: What materials are required for exporting motors under 850120?
A: Basic documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, contract, and customs declaration form are usually required. In addition, it is recommended to prepare a product manual or technical specification sheet to prove the AC/DC dual-use characteristics of the motor. If customs questions the classification, a test report or supplier statement may be required.
Q: How can the tariff rate for 850120 be checked?
A: The tariff rate must be determined according to the destination country and trade agreements. You can check the tariff database on the destination country's customs official website or use an HS code query tool. Chinese exporting enterprises can refer to the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China and also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements. Rates may change, so the latest official data should be used.
Q: What is the difference in classification between AC/DC motors and AC/DC generators?
A: AC/DC motors (electric motors) are classified under 850120, while AC/DC generators are classified under 850161-850164 (AC generators) or 850131-850133 (DC generators). Note that 850120 is only for electric motors; generators are not classified under this code. When classifying, it is necessary to distinguish whether the function of the machine is drive or power generation.
Q: If the motor power is less than 37.5W, is it still classified under 850120?
A: Yes. 850120 has no power limit. Regardless of power, as long as it is an AC/DC motor, it is classified under 850120. However, note that 850110 covers all types of electric motors with power ≤37.5W, but 850120 takes precedence over 850110. Therefore, an AC/DC motor with power ≤37.5W is still classified under 850120.
⚠️ 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.