Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts, as well as sound recording and reproducing equipment, television image and sound recording and reproducing equipment and their parts and accessories. This chapter is the most concentrated chapter of electromechanical products in the HS classification, including electric motors, generators, transformers, batteries, switches, lamps, household appliances, etc. Heading 8501 specifically targets electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets), and is a high-frequency heading for import and export declaration of electromechanical products. Heading 8501 covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Specifically, it includes DC motors, DC generators, AC motors, AC generators, etc., regardless of their use or power rating. However, note: 8501 only includes electric motors and generators themselves, and does not include internal combustion engine-driven generating sets (classified under 8502) or complete machines driven by electric motors (such as electric tools classified under 8467). The first 2 digits 85 = Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts). Digits 3-4 01 = electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Digits 5-6 33 = subheading 850133, specifically: DC motors and DC generators with an output exceeding 75 kW but not exceeding 375 kW. The complete code 850133 is a 6-digit subheading, which usually needs to be extended to an 8-10 digit national code for import and export declaration. This subheading is divided by power range, distinguished from 850131 (output not exceeding 750 W), 850132 (exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW), 850134 (exceeding 375 kW), etc. This commodity is a DC motor with an output power between 75 kW and 375 kW, therefore classified under 850133. If the power is ≤750 W, it is classified under 850131; if the power is between 750 W and 75 kW, it is classified under 850132; if the power is >375 kW, it is classified under 850134. If it is an AC motor, it is classified under other subheadings of 8501. If it is a DC generating set, it is classified under 8502. Correct classification requires simultaneous confirmation of motor type (DC), power range, whether it comes with a generator, etc.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts, as well as sound recording and reproducing equipment, television image and sound recording and reproducing equipment and their parts and accessories. This chapter is the most concentrated chapter of electromechanical products in the HS classification, including electric motors, generators, transformers, batteries, switches, lamps, household appliances, etc. Heading 8501 specifically targets electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets), and is a high-frequency heading for import and export declaration of electromechanical products.
Heading
Heading 8501 covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Specifically, it includes DC motors, DC generators, AC motors, AC generators, etc., regardless of their use or power rating. However, note: 8501 only includes electric motors and generators themselves, and does not include internal combustion engine-driven generating sets (classified under 8502) or complete machines driven by electric motors (such as electric tools classified under 8467).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 85 = Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts). Digits 3-4 01 = electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Digits 5-6 33 = subheading 850133, specifically: DC motors and DC generators with an output exceeding 75 kW but not exceeding 375 kW. The complete code 850133 is a 6-digit subheading, which usually needs to be extended to an 8-10 digit national code for import and export declaration. This subheading is divided by power range, distinguished from 850131 (output not exceeding 750 W), 850132 (exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW), 850134 (exceeding 375 kW), etc.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a DC motor with an output power between 75 kW and 375 kW, therefore classified under 850133. If the power is ≤750 W, it is classified under 850131; if the power is between 750 W and 75 kW, it is classified under 850132; if the power is >375 kW, it is classified under 850134. If it is an AC motor, it is classified under other subheadings of 8501. If it is a DC generating set, it is classified under 8502. Correct classification requires simultaneous confirmation of motor type (DC), power range, whether it comes with a generator, etc.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity should indicate 'DC motor' or 'DC generator', and specify the use (such as driving equipment, power generation, etc.). Brand: Fill in the brand of the motor (such as Siemens, ABB, domestic independent brands, etc.). If there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Model: Fill in the specific model or specification of the motor, which should be consistent with the physical nameplate. Power: Fill in the rated output power of the motor in kilowatts (kW), and it must be clearly between 75 kW and 375 kW. Type: Clearly indicate whether it is a DC motor or DC generator, and whether it comes with accessories such as a reducer or encoder. Use: Fill in the application scenario of the motor, such as for machine tools, rolling mills, ship propulsion, etc. Working Principle: Briefly describe the working principle of the DC motor, such as electromagnetic induction, commutator, etc. Product Name: DC motor; Brand: Siemens; Model: 1GG6286-0NG40-1VV1; Power: 200 kW; Type: DC motor, with encoder; Use: For main drive of rolling mill; Working Principle: Based on electromagnetic induction, converting DC electrical energy into mechanical energy through commutator and brushes. Inaccurate power declaration, failing to use rated output power, leading to incorrect subheading classification. Confusing DC motors with AC motors, incorrectly classifying under other subheadings of 8501. Ignoring the impact of accessories (such as reducers, encoders) on classification, which may require separate declaration.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity should indicate 'DC motor' or 'DC generator', and specify the use (such as driving equipment, power generation, etc.).
⚠️ Only writing 'motor' or 'electric motor', without distinguishing DC/AC, and without specifying the use.
Brand
Fill in the brand of the motor (such as Siemens, ABB, domestic independent brands, etc.). If there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand, causing customs questioning.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification of the motor, which should be consistent with the physical nameplate.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or contradiction with power parameters.
Power
Fill in the rated output power of the motor in kilowatts (kW), and it must be clearly between 75 kW and 375 kW.
⚠️ Incorrect power unit (such as writing horsepower), or failing to indicate that it is output power.
Type
Clearly indicate whether it is a DC motor or DC generator, and whether it comes with accessories such as a reducer or encoder.
⚠️ Misreporting a DC motor as an AC motor, or failing to explain the accessory situation.
Use
Fill in the application scenario of the motor, such as for machine tools, rolling mills, ship propulsion, etc.
⚠️ The use description is too general, such as 'industrial use', lacking specificity.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the working principle of the DC motor, such as electromagnetic induction, commutator, etc.
⚠️ Not filling in or filling in incorrectly, leading to classification disputes.
Example: Product Name: DC motor; Brand: Siemens; Model: 1GG6286-0NG40-1VV1; Power: 200 kW; Type: DC motor, with encoder; Use: For main drive of rolling mill; Working Principle: Based on electromagnetic induction, converting DC electrical energy into mechanical energy through commutator and brushes.
Common Mistakes:
Inaccurate power declaration, failing to use rated output power, leading to incorrect subheading classification.
Confusing DC motors with AC motors, incorrectly classifying under other subheadings of 8501.
Ignoring the impact of accessories (such as reducers, encoders) on classification, which may require separate declaration.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the commodity is an electric motor or generator; 2) whether it is DC; 3) whether the output power is between 75 kW and 375 kW. At the same time, reference should be made to the Import and Export Tariff and national subheading notes to confirm whether other codes are excluded (such as 8502 generating sets, 8467 electric tools, etc.). Power parameters shall be based on nameplates or technical data. If it is a combination of multiple motors, it shall be judged according to the classification rules for complete sets of equipment. 850131 DC motors and DC generators, output not exceeding 750 W: Different power range: 850131 is ≤750 W, while 850133 is >75 kW and ≤375 kW. 850132 DC motors and DC generators, output exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW: Power range is >750 W and ≤75 kW, different from 850133's >75 kW and ≤375 kW. 850134 DC motors and DC generators, output exceeding 375 kW: Power >375 kW, exceeding the upper limit of 850133. 850161 AC generators, output not exceeding 75 kVA: Type is AC generator, and the unit is kVA, different from DC motors. 850240 Generating sets, driven by internal combustion engines: Generating sets are combinations of internal combustion engines and generators, classified under 8502, while 850133 is only the motor itself. Confirm the motor is DC type, not AC. Confirm the output power is between 75 kW and 375 kW. Confirm whether it is a motor or generator, not a generating set. Confirm whether it comes with accessories and whether the accessories affect classification. Check the tariff subheading notes and national subheadings.
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the commodity is an electric motor or generator; 2) whether it is DC; 3) whether the output power is between 75 kW and 375 kW. At the same time, reference should be made to the Import and Export Tariff and national subheading notes to confirm whether other codes are excluded (such as 8502 generating sets, 8467 electric tools, etc.). Power parameters shall be based on nameplates or technical data. If it is a combination of multiple motors, it shall be judged according to the classification rules for complete sets of equipment.
Confused Codes:
850131 - DC motors and DC generators, output not exceeding 750 W
Different power range: 850131 is ≤750 W, while 850133 is >75 kW and ≤375 kW.
850132 - DC motors and DC generators, output exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW
Power range is >750 W and ≤75 kW, different from 850133's >75 kW and ≤375 kW.
850134 - DC motors and DC generators, output exceeding 375 kW
Power >375 kW, exceeding the upper limit of 850133.
850161 - AC generators, output not exceeding 75 kVA
Type is AC generator, and the unit is kVA, different from DC motors.
850240 - Generating sets, driven by internal combustion engines
Generating sets are combinations of internal combustion engines and generators, classified under 8502, while 850133 is only the motor itself.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm the motor is DC type, not AC.
✓ Confirm the output power is between 75 kW and 375 kW.
✓ Confirm whether it is a motor or generator, not a generating set.
✓ Confirm whether it comes with accessories and whether the accessories affect classification.
✓ Check the tariff subheading notes and national subheadings.
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the import tax rate corresponding to 850133? It can be queried through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tax rates may change due to trade agreements, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to use the latest tariff at the time of declaration. If the DC motor power is exactly 75 kW, which code should it be classified under? Subheading 850132 is for exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW, and 850133 is for exceeding 75 kW but not exceeding 375 kW. If the power is exactly 75 kW, it is classified under 850132. How should a DC motor with a reducer be declared? If the reducer and motor are presented as a whole and constitute the essential character of the motor, it can be classified as a DC motor. If the reducer is presented separately, it is classified under 8483. It is recommended to consult customs or obtain advance classification. What is the main difference between 850133 and 850134? The main difference is output power: 850133 is exceeding 75 kW but not exceeding 375 kW; 850134 is exceeding 375 kW. The rated power must be accurately provided at declaration. Are DC generators and DC motors classified under the same code? Yes, 850133 covers both DC motors and DC generators, as long as the power is between 75 kW and 375 kW. At declaration, it is necessary to indicate whether it is a motor or generator. If a DC motor is used for electric vehicles, is it classified under 850133? Electric vehicle drive motors are usually classified under 8501, but if they are special motors for vehicles, they may need to be classified as vehicle parts (such as 8708). Judgment should be based on specific use, installation method, and tariff notes. What are the consequences of filling in the wrong power at declaration? It may lead to classification errors, thereby affecting tax rates and regulatory conditions, and may even be deemed by customs as false declaration, facing administrative penalties such as tax recovery and fines. Accurate declaration is essential. How to determine whether a DC motor belongs to 850133? First confirm that the motor is DC type, then check the rated output power on the nameplate or technical data. If it is between 75 kW and 375 kW, it is classified under 850133. If in doubt, you may apply for advance classification.
Q: How to inquire about the import tax rate corresponding to 850133?
A: It can be queried through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tax rates may change due to trade agreements, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to use the latest tariff at the time of declaration.
Q: If the DC motor power is exactly 75 kW, which code should it be classified under?
A: Subheading 850132 is for exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW, and 850133 is for exceeding 75 kW but not exceeding 375 kW. If the power is exactly 75 kW, it is classified under 850132.
Q: How should a DC motor with a reducer be declared?
A: If the reducer and motor are presented as a whole and constitute the essential character of the motor, it can be classified as a DC motor. If the reducer is presented separately, it is classified under 8483. It is recommended to consult customs or obtain advance classification.
Q: What is the main difference between 850133 and 850134?
A: The main difference is output power: 850133 is exceeding 75 kW but not exceeding 375 kW; 850134 is exceeding 375 kW. The rated power must be accurately provided at declaration.
Q: Are DC generators and DC motors classified under the same code?
A: Yes, 850133 covers both DC motors and DC generators, as long as the power is between 75 kW and 375 kW. At declaration, it is necessary to indicate whether it is a motor or generator.
Q: If a DC motor is used for electric vehicles, is it classified under 850133?
A: Electric vehicle drive motors are usually classified under 8501, but if they are special motors for vehicles, they may need to be classified as vehicle parts (such as 8708). Judgment should be based on specific use, installation method, and tariff notes.
Q: What are the consequences of filling in the wrong power at declaration?
A: It may lead to classification errors, thereby affecting tax rates and regulatory conditions, and may even be deemed by customs as false declaration, facing administrative penalties such as tax recovery and fines. Accurate declaration is essential.
Q: How to determine whether a DC motor belongs to 850133?
A: First confirm that the motor is DC type, then check the rated output power on the nameplate or technical data. If it is between 75 kW and 375 kW, it is classified under 850133. If in doubt, you may apply for advance classification.
⚠️ 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.