Chapter 85 covers various electrical equipment and their parts, including electric motors, generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, and electronic components. This chapter is the main chapter in the HS system for technology-intensive products, involving the entire chain from power generation and storage to power consumption. Heading 8501 specifically addresses electric motors and generators, serving as the core classification for industrial power sources. Heading 8501 covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). It specifically includes DC motors, AC motors, AC/DC motors, rotary converters, etc. Motors under this heading are further subdivided by output power, current type, and structural characteristics, with DC motors and DC generators being important branches. Code 850131 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits 85 = Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery, equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4: 01 = Heading 8501 (Electric motors and generators). Digits 5-6: 31 = Subheading 850131, specifically "DC motors and DC generators, of an output not exceeding 750 W". The 5th digit 3 indicates DC motor category, and the 6th digit 1 indicates power ≤750W. This subheading may be further subdivided by use or structure (e.g., whether equipped with a reducer, whether used for specific equipment). The product is a DC motor with an output not exceeding 750W, therefore classified under 850131. If the power exceeds 750W but does not exceed 75 kW, it should be classified under 850132; if it is an AC motor, it should be classified under 850140 or 850150; if it is an AC/DC motor, it should be classified under 850120. Power and current type are the core distinguishing points.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers various electrical equipment and their parts, including electric motors, generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, and electronic components. This chapter is the main chapter in the HS system for technology-intensive products, involving the entire chain from power generation and storage to power consumption. Heading 8501 specifically addresses electric motors and generators, serving as the core classification for industrial power sources.
Heading
Heading 8501 covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). It specifically includes DC motors, AC motors, AC/DC motors, rotary converters, etc. Motors under this heading are further subdivided by output power, current type, and structural characteristics, with DC motors and DC generators being important branches.
Digit Breakdown
Code 850131 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits 85 = Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery, equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4: 01 = Heading 8501 (Electric motors and generators). Digits 5-6: 31 = Subheading 850131, specifically "DC motors and DC generators, of an output not exceeding 750 W". The 5th digit 3 indicates DC motor category, and the 6th digit 1 indicates power ≤750W. This subheading may be further subdivided by use or structure (e.g., whether equipped with a reducer, whether used for specific equipment).
Classification Basis
The product is a DC motor with an output not exceeding 750W, therefore classified under 850131. If the power exceeds 750W but does not exceed 75 kW, it should be classified under 850132; if it is an AC motor, it should be classified under 850140 or 850150; if it is an AC/DC motor, it should be classified under 850120. Power and current type are the core distinguishing points.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the motor, such as "DC motor" or "micro DC motor". Brand Type: Fill in the brand of the motor, such as "No Brand", "XX Brand", which must be consistent with the actual product or invoice. Export Preference Status: Fill in whether preferential tariffs apply based on trade agreements, such as "General Trade", "Agreement Rate", etc. Use: Describe the application scenario of the motor, such as "for electric toys", "for automotive wipers", "industrial drive", etc. Output Power: Fill in the rated output power of the motor in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), which must be accurate. Is DC: Specify the motor type, fill in "DC" or "AC", and for AC/DC dual-use, it must be noted. Brand: If it is a well-known brand, fill in the brand name; if no brand, fill in "No Brand". Model: Fill in the specific model of the motor to facilitate customs identification and classification. Product Name: DC motor; Brand Type: No Brand; Export Preference Status: General Trade; Use: for electric tools; Output Power: 500W; Is DC: DC; Brand: No Brand; Model: RS-550. Inaccurate declaration of output power, reporting above 750W as below 750W, leading to classification errors. Confusing DC and AC motors, failing to accurately fill in the "Is DC" element. Use description too broad, not specific to the final equipment, affecting customs review.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the motor, such as "DC motor" or "micro DC motor".
⚠️ Writing only "motor" without specifying DC, or mistakenly writing "AC motor".
Brand Type
Fill in the brand of the motor, such as "No Brand", "XX Brand", which must be consistent with the actual product or invoice.
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting the brand leading to classification disputes.
Export Preference Status
Fill in whether preferential tariffs apply based on trade agreements, such as "General Trade", "Agreement Rate", etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in "None" or omitting, affecting tariff treatment.
Use
Describe the application scenario of the motor, such as "for electric toys", "for automotive wipers", "industrial drive", etc.
⚠️ Use description too general, such as "industrial use", without specifying the equipment.
Output Power
Fill in the rated output power of the motor in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), which must be accurate.
⚠️ Mistaking input power for output power, or unit errors (e.g., writing W as kW).
Is DC
Specify the motor type, fill in "DC" or "AC", and for AC/DC dual-use, it must be noted.
⚠️ Ignoring this item, leading to classification under other subheadings.
Brand
If it is a well-known brand, fill in the brand name; if no brand, fill in "No Brand".
⚠️ Duplicate or contradictory with "Brand Type".
Model
Fill in the specific model of the motor to facilitate customs identification and classification.
⚠️ Missing model or inconsistent with the actual product.
Example： Product Name: DC motor; Brand Type: No Brand; Export Preference Status: General Trade; Use: for electric tools; Output Power: 500W; Is DC: DC; Brand: No Brand; Model: RS-550.
Common Mistakes：
Inaccurate declaration of output power, reporting above 750W as below 750W, leading to classification errors.
Confusing DC and AC motors, failing to accurately fill in the "Is DC" element.
Use description too broad, not specific to the final equipment, affecting customs review.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) Whether the motor type is DC; 2) Whether the output power does not exceed 750W; 3) Whether it is a motor or generator. According to HS notes, 850131 only applies to DC motors and DC generators with output power ≤750W. If it is an AC motor, even with the same power, it should be classified under 850140 or 850150. If it is AC/DC dual-use, classify under 850120. DC motors with power exceeding 750W are classified under 850132. 850132 DC motors and DC generators, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW: Different power range, 850132 applies to above 750W up to 75kW, while 850131 is limited to 750W and below. 850120 AC/DC motors, of an output exceeding 37.5W: 850120 is for AC/DC dual-use motors, while 850131 is only for DC motors, current type is the fundamental difference. 850140 Other single-phase AC motors: 850140 is for single-phase AC motors, 850131 is for DC motors, different current types. 850110 Motors, of an output not exceeding 37.5W: 850110 covers all types of small power motors (≤37.5W), while 850131 is for DC and power ≤750W, but if a DC motor has power ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110 first. Confirm whether the motor is DC type? Confirm whether the output power is ≤750W? Confirm whether it is a motor or generator? Confirm whether it is AC/DC dual-use? Confirm whether the power is ≤37.5W (if yes, classify under 850110)?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) Whether the motor type is DC; 2) Whether the output power does not exceed 750W; 3) Whether it is a motor or generator. According to HS notes, 850131 only applies to DC motors and DC generators with output power ≤750W. If it is an AC motor, even with the same power, it should be classified under 850140 or 850150. If it is AC/DC dual-use, classify under 850120. DC motors with power exceeding 750W are classified under 850132.
Confused Codes：
850132 - DC motors and DC generators, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW
Different power range, 850132 applies to above 750W up to 75kW, while 850131 is limited to 750W and below.
850120 - AC/DC motors, of an output exceeding 37.5W
850120 is for AC/DC dual-use motors, while 850131 is only for DC motors, current type is the fundamental difference.
850140 - Other single-phase AC motors
850140 is for single-phase AC motors, 850131 is for DC motors, different current types.
850110 - Motors, of an output not exceeding 37.5W
850110 covers all types of small power motors (≤37.5W), while 850131 is for DC and power ≤750W, but if a DC motor has power ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110 first.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the motor is DC type?
✓ Confirm whether the output power is ≤750W?
✓ Confirm whether it is a motor or generator?
✓ Confirm whether it is AC/DC dual-use?
✓ Confirm whether the power is ≤37.5W (if yes, classify under 850110)?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether the output power of a DC motor exceeds 750W? Output power is usually marked on the motor nameplate in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). If the nameplate marks input power, it needs to be converted based on efficiency or confirmed with the manufacturer. Accurate output power must be provided for customs declaration, otherwise it may lead to classification errors and penalties. What are the main differences in HS classification between DC motors and AC motors? DC motors are classified under 850131 (≤750W) or 850132 (>750W to 75kW), while AC motors are classified under 850140 (single-phase) or 850150 (multi-phase). AC/DC dual-use motors are classified under 850120. Current type is the primary distinguishing point and must be clarified during declaration. If the DC motor power is exactly 750W, which code should it be classified under? The subheading description of 850131 is "of an output not exceeding 750W", therefore 750W and below are classified under 850131. Above 750W is classified under 850132. Note that "not exceeding" includes the number itself. For micro DC motors used in electric toys with very small power, which code should they be classified under? If the output power does not exceed 37.5W, it should be classified under 850110 (Motors, of an output not exceeding 37.5W), which covers all types of micro motors. If the power is between 37.5W and 750W and is DC, it is classified under 850131. What key elements are required when declaring DC motors? Key elements include: Product Name, Brand Type, Use, Output Power, Is DC, Brand, Model, etc. Among them, output power and whether it is DC are the core determining classification and must be accurately declared. Is there a difference in classification between DC generators and DC motors? No difference, 850131 covers both DC motors and DC generators, as long as the output power does not exceed 750W. However, note that if it is a generating set (engine and generator combination), it should be classified under 8502. How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 850131? The latest tariff rates can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates may change based on trade agreements, origin, etc. It is recommended to rely on official real-time data. If a DC motor is equipped with a reducer, does the classification change? A DC motor with a reducer is still classified as a DC motor, unless the combination of the reducer and motor constitutes a machine listed under another heading. Generally, it is still classified under 850131 (if power ≤750W). However, if the reducer gives the entire machine a specific function, it may be classified by function.
Q: How to determine whether the output power of a DC motor exceeds 750W?
A: Output power is usually marked on the motor nameplate in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). If the nameplate marks input power, it needs to be converted based on efficiency or confirmed with the manufacturer. Accurate output power must be provided for customs declaration, otherwise it may lead to classification errors and penalties.
Q: What are the main differences in HS classification between DC motors and AC motors?
A: DC motors are classified under 850131 (≤750W) or 850132 (>750W to 75kW), while AC motors are classified under 850140 (single-phase) or 850150 (multi-phase). AC/DC dual-use motors are classified under 850120. Current type is the primary distinguishing point and must be clarified during declaration.
Q: If the DC motor power is exactly 750W, which code should it be classified under?
A: The subheading description of 850131 is "of an output not exceeding 750W", therefore 750W and below are classified under 850131. Above 750W is classified under 850132. Note that "not exceeding" includes the number itself.
Q: For micro DC motors used in electric toys with very small power, which code should they be classified under?
A: If the output power does not exceed 37.5W, it should be classified under 850110 (Motors, of an output not exceeding 37.5W), which covers all types of micro motors. If the power is between 37.5W and 750W and is DC, it is classified under 850131.
Q: What key elements are required when declaring DC motors?
A: Key elements include: Product Name, Brand Type, Use, Output Power, Is DC, Brand, Model, etc. Among them, output power and whether it is DC are the core determining classification and must be accurately declared.
Q: Is there a difference in classification between DC generators and DC motors?
A: No difference, 850131 covers both DC motors and DC generators, as long as the output power does not exceed 750W. However, note that if it is a generating set (engine and generator combination), it should be classified under 8502.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 850131?
A: The latest tariff rates can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates may change based on trade agreements, origin, etc. It is recommended to rely on official real-time data.
Q: If a DC motor is equipped with a reducer, does the classification change?
A: A DC motor with a reducer is still classified as a DC motor, unless the combination of the reducer and motor constitutes a machine listed under another heading. Generally, it is still classified under 850131 (if power ≤750W). However, if the reducer gives the entire machine a specific function, it may be classified by function.
⚠️ 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.