Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof, as well as sound recording and reproducing equipment, etc. This chapter is a technology-intensive chapter in the HS classification, involving a wide range of products from household appliances to industrial motors. The core feature is that goods must rely on electrical energy to operate and usually have electromagnetic or electronic operating principles. This chapter excludes specific electrical products already classified in other chapters (such as mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84), emphasizing the combination of function and use. Heading 8501 specifically covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). It covers DC motors, AC motors, AC/DC motors, etc., regardless of power size or use (industrial, household, vehicle, etc.). However, it excludes starter motors, ignition motors, and other motors dedicated to internal combustion engines (classified under 8511), as well as toy electric motors (classified under 9503). This heading is the core classification entry point for motor-type goods. Code 850140 has 6 digits in total. The first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment). Digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 8501 (electric motors and generators). Digits 5-6 "40" represent subheading 850140, specifically referring to "single-phase AC motors," i.e., motors powered only by a single-phase AC power supply, distinguished from 850110 (DC motors and low-power motors), 850120 (AC/DC motors), 850131-850134 (DC generators and specific DC motors), 850151-850153 (polyphase AC motors), etc. This subheading is not further subdivided; all single-phase AC motors are classified under this code, regardless of power or use (unless otherwise specified). Single-phase AC motors are classified under 850140 because their core characteristic is "driven by a single-phase AC power supply" and they fall within the category of electric motors. They differ from DC motors (850110) and from polyphase AC motors (850151-850153). At the same time, if such a motor is dedicated to internal combustion engine starting or ignition, it should be classified under 8511; if it is for toys, it should be classified under 9503. Therefore, 850140 is the most direct and accurate classification for single-phase AC motors.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof, as well as sound recording and reproducing equipment, etc. This chapter is a technology-intensive chapter in the HS classification, involving a wide range of products from household appliances to industrial motors. The core feature is that goods must rely on electrical energy to operate and usually have electromagnetic or electronic operating principles. This chapter excludes specific electrical products already classified in other chapters (such as mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84), emphasizing the combination of function and use.
Heading
Heading 8501 specifically covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). It covers DC motors, AC motors, AC/DC motors, etc., regardless of power size or use (industrial, household, vehicle, etc.). However, it excludes starter motors, ignition motors, and other motors dedicated to internal combustion engines (classified under 8511), as well as toy electric motors (classified under 9503). This heading is the core classification entry point for motor-type goods.
Digit Breakdown
Code 850140 has 6 digits in total. The first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment). Digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 8501 (electric motors and generators). Digits 5-6 "40" represent subheading 850140, specifically referring to "single-phase AC motors," i.e., motors powered only by a single-phase AC power supply, distinguished from 850110 (DC motors and low-power motors), 850120 (AC/DC motors), 850131-850134 (DC generators and specific DC motors), 850151-850153 (polyphase AC motors), etc. This subheading is not further subdivided; all single-phase AC motors are classified under this code, regardless of power or use (unless otherwise specified).
Classification Basis
Single-phase AC motors are classified under 850140 because their core characteristic is "driven by a single-phase AC power supply" and they fall within the category of electric motors. They differ from DC motors (850110) and from polyphase AC motors (850151-850153). At the same time, if such a motor is dedicated to internal combustion engine starting or ignition, it should be classified under 8511; if it is for toys, it should be classified under 9503. Therefore, 850140 is the most direct and accurate classification for single-phase AC motors.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the nature of the goods, such as "single-phase AC motor" or a specific model. Use: Explain the application scenario of the motor, such as household appliances, industrial equipment, water pumps, etc., which helps confirm whether it is a dedicated motor. Brand: Fill in the motor brand or manufacturer name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Fill in the specific model or specification code of the motor, which should be consistent with the actual item. Power: State the rated output power of the motor, usually in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Power Supply Type: Clearly state single-phase AC, and voltage and frequency may be noted, such as 220V/50Hz. Whether Dedicated to Internal Combustion Engines: Confirm whether the motor is used for internal combustion engine starting or ignition; if so, classify under 8511. Product Name: Single-phase AC motor; Use: For household washing machines; Brand: XX; Model: YY-123; Power: 200W; Power Supply Type: Single-phase AC 220V/50Hz; Whether Dedicated to Internal Combustion Engines: No. Misreporting a DC motor as a single-phase AC motor, leading to incorrect coding. Not stating power; customs may require supplementation, delaying customs clearance. Ignoring the element "Whether Dedicated to Internal Combustion Engines," which may lead to incorrect classification under 850140 instead of 8511.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the nature of the goods, such as "single-phase AC motor" or a specific model.
⚠️ Writing only "motor" without specifying single-phase AC, leading to classification disputes.
Use
Explain the application scenario of the motor, such as household appliances, industrial equipment, water pumps, etc., which helps confirm whether it is a dedicated motor.
⚠️ Filling in "general" or "other" without providing specific use, affecting customs judgment.
Brand
Fill in the motor brand or manufacturer name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting it, leading to intellectual property risks.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification code of the motor, which should be consistent with the actual item.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual item, triggering inspection doubts.
Power
State the rated output power of the motor, usually in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).
⚠️ Not stating power or using the wrong unit, such as mistaking horsepower for kilowatts.
Power Supply Type
Clearly state single-phase AC, and voltage and frequency may be noted, such as 220V/50Hz.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in DC or three-phase AC, leading to classification errors.
Whether Dedicated to Internal Combustion Engines
Confirm whether the motor is used for internal combustion engine starting or ignition; if so, classify under 8511.
⚠️ Ignoring this element and incorrectly classifying starter motors under 850140.
Example： Product Name: Single-phase AC motor; Use: For household washing machines; Brand: XX; Model: YY-123; Power: 200W; Power Supply Type: Single-phase AC 220V/50Hz; Whether Dedicated to Internal Combustion Engines: No.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting a DC motor as a single-phase AC motor, leading to incorrect coding.
Not stating power; customs may require supplementation, delaying customs clearance.
Ignoring the element "Whether Dedicated to Internal Combustion Engines," which may lead to incorrect classification under 850140 instead of 8511.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the motor's power supply type and operating principle. A single-phase AC motor must use a single-phase AC power supply and be an electric motor (not a generator). If the motor is DC or AC/DC, it is classified under 850110 or 850120; if it is polyphase AC, it is classified under 850151-850153. In addition, motors dedicated to internal combustion engines (8511) and toy motors (9503) must be excluded. Power size does not affect classification under 850140, but may affect other subheadings. 850110 DC motors and low-power motors: 850110 covers DC motors and motors with output not exceeding 37.5W (regardless of AC or DC). If a single-phase AC motor has power ≤37.5W, it should still be classified under 850140, because 850110 is limited to DC or low-power AC? Note: 850110 includes DC motors and AC motors with power ≤37.5W? Actually 850110 is "Electric motors and generators, output not exceeding 37.5W," including DC and AC. Therefore, if a single-phase AC motor has power ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110 rather than 850140. The core difference lies in the power threshold. 850120 AC/DC motors: 850120 applies to AC/DC motors, i.e., motors that can use both AC and DC. A single-phase AC motor uses only AC and cannot be classified under this code. 850151 Polyphase AC motors, output ≤750W: 850151 covers polyphase (such as three-phase) AC motors with power not exceeding 750W. Single-phase AC motors are classified under 850140 regardless of power, clearly distinguished from polyphase motors. 851110 Starter motors and dual-purpose starter generators for internal combustion engines: 851110 specifically refers to starter motors used for internal combustion engines, regardless of their power supply type. If a single-phase AC motor is dedicated to internal combustion engine starting, it should be classified under 851110 rather than 850140. Is it confirmed to be driven by a single-phase AC power supply? Is it an electric motor rather than a generator? Is the power greater than 37.5W? Is it dedicated to internal combustion engines? Is it used for toys?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the motor's power supply type and operating principle. A single-phase AC motor must use a single-phase AC power supply and be an electric motor (not a generator). If the motor is DC or AC/DC, it is classified under 850110 or 850120; if it is polyphase AC, it is classified under 850151-850153. In addition, motors dedicated to internal combustion engines (8511) and toy motors (9503) must be excluded. Power size does not affect classification under 850140, but may affect other subheadings.
Confused Codes：
850110 - DC motors and low-power motors
850110 covers DC motors and motors with output not exceeding 37.5W (regardless of AC or DC). If a single-phase AC motor has power ≤37.5W, it should still be classified under 850140, because 850110 is limited to DC or low-power AC? Note: 850110 includes DC motors and AC motors with power ≤37.5W? Actually 850110 is "Electric motors and generators, output not exceeding 37.5W," including DC and AC. Therefore, if a single-phase AC motor has power ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110 rather than 850140. The core difference lies in the power threshold.
850120 - AC/DC motors
850120 applies to AC/DC motors, i.e., motors that can use both AC and DC. A single-phase AC motor uses only AC and cannot be classified under this code.
850151 - Polyphase AC motors, output ≤750W
850151 covers polyphase (such as three-phase) AC motors with power not exceeding 750W. Single-phase AC motors are classified under 850140 regardless of power, clearly distinguished from polyphase motors.
851110 - Starter motors and dual-purpose starter generators for internal combustion engines
851110 specifically refers to starter motors used for internal combustion engines, regardless of their power supply type. If a single-phase AC motor is dedicated to internal combustion engine starting, it should be classified under 851110 rather than 850140.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed to be driven by a single-phase AC power supply?
✓ Is it an electric motor rather than a generator?
✓ Is the power greater than 37.5W?
✓ Is it dedicated to internal combustion engines?
✓ Is it used for toys?
❓ FAQ
How do I look up the HS code for a single-phase AC motor? First confirm that the goods are an electric motor rather than a generator and use a single-phase AC power supply. Then consult HS Chapter 85, heading 8501, subheading 850140. If the power is ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110; if it is dedicated to internal combustion engines, classify under 8511. It is recommended to verify using the Customs Administration's Import and Export Tariff or an authoritative classification database. What is the difference in classification between single-phase AC motors and DC motors? Single-phase AC motors are classified under 850140, while DC motors are classified under 850110 (if power ≤37.5W) or 850131-850134 (higher-power DC motors). The core difference is the power supply type: AC vs. DC. When declaring, the power supply type must be clearly stated to avoid confusion. Does power affect the classification of single-phase AC motors? For single-phase AC motors, power does not affect classification under 850140, but if the power is ≤37.5W, it may be classified under 850110 (this subheading covers low-power AC motors). Therefore, power is one of the key factors distinguishing 850110 and 850140. What elements are required when declaring a single-phase AC motor? Product name, use, brand, model, power, power supply type (single-phase AC), whether dedicated to internal combustion engines, etc. are required. Ensure the information is accurate, especially the power supply type and power, to avoid classification errors or customs clearance delays. A single-phase AC motor is used in a washing machine. Which code should it be classified under? If the motor is a single-phase AC motor and the power exceeds 37.5W, it should be classified under 850140. If the power is ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110. Note: The complete washing machine is classified under 8450, but the motor as a part is still classified as a motor. How do I distinguish 850140 from 850120? 850140 is a single-phase AC motor, using only AC power; 850120 is an AC/DC motor, able to use both AC and DC. If the motor is marked only as AC, classify under 850140; if it is clearly AC/DC, classify under 850120. Will the HS code change when a single-phase AC motor is exported to different countries? The first 6 digits of the HS code are unified internationally, but countries may subdivide the last 4 digits. When exporting, the complete code must be determined according to the destination country's customs tariff. It is recommended to check the destination country's customs website or consult a local customs broker. If a single-phase AC motor is part of a toy, how should it be classified? If the motor is dedicated to a toy and imported together with the toy, it is usually classified as the complete toy under 9503. If imported separately, it may still be classified under 850140, but it must be confirmed whether it meets the definition of a toy motor. It is recommended to refer to the notes to Chapter 95.
Q: How do I look up the HS code for a single-phase AC motor?
A: First confirm that the goods are an electric motor rather than a generator and use a single-phase AC power supply. Then consult HS Chapter 85, heading 8501, subheading 850140. If the power is ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110; if it is dedicated to internal combustion engines, classify under 8511. It is recommended to verify using the Customs Administration's Import and Export Tariff or an authoritative classification database.
Q: What is the difference in classification between single-phase AC motors and DC motors?
A: Single-phase AC motors are classified under 850140, while DC motors are classified under 850110 (if power ≤37.5W) or 850131-850134 (higher-power DC motors). The core difference is the power supply type: AC vs. DC. When declaring, the power supply type must be clearly stated to avoid confusion.
Q: Does power affect the classification of single-phase AC motors?
A: For single-phase AC motors, power does not affect classification under 850140, but if the power is ≤37.5W, it may be classified under 850110 (this subheading covers low-power AC motors). Therefore, power is one of the key factors distinguishing 850110 and 850140.
Q: What elements are required when declaring a single-phase AC motor?
A: Product name, use, brand, model, power, power supply type (single-phase AC), whether dedicated to internal combustion engines, etc. are required. Ensure the information is accurate, especially the power supply type and power, to avoid classification errors or customs clearance delays.
Q: A single-phase AC motor is used in a washing machine. Which code should it be classified under?
A: If the motor is a single-phase AC motor and the power exceeds 37.5W, it should be classified under 850140. If the power is ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110. Note: The complete washing machine is classified under 8450, but the motor as a part is still classified as a motor.
Q: How do I distinguish 850140 from 850120?
A: 850140 is a single-phase AC motor, using only AC power; 850120 is an AC/DC motor, able to use both AC and DC. If the motor is marked only as AC, classify under 850140; if it is clearly AC/DC, classify under 850120.
Q: Will the HS code change when a single-phase AC motor is exported to different countries?
A: The first 6 digits of the HS code are unified internationally, but countries may subdivide the last 4 digits. When exporting, the complete code must be determined according to the destination country's customs tariff. It is recommended to check the destination country's customs website or consult a local customs broker.
Q: If a single-phase AC motor is part of a toy, how should it be classified?
A: If the motor is dedicated to a toy and imported together with the toy, it is usually classified as the complete toy under 9503. If imported separately, it may still be classified under 850140, but it must be confirmed whether it meets the definition of a toy motor. It is recommended to refer to the notes to Chapter 95.
⚠️ 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.