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 of such articles. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of products from household appliances to industrial electrical equipment. Within the chapter, it is divided by function into multiple headings, such as 8501 for electric motors and generators, 8504 for transformers, 8517 for communication equipment, etc. Goods in this chapter typically have the function of electrical energy conversion, transmission, or control, and classification requires close attention to their operating principles, power parameters, and intended use. Heading 8501 specifically covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Its scope includes DC motors, AC motors, AC generators, etc., regardless of power rating or intended use (except certain special-purpose motors such as vehicle motors which may be classified under Chapter 87). Under this heading, goods are further subdivided by output power, current type (DC/AC), number of phases (single-phase/multi-phase), etc. Goods under 8501 are core equipment for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy in industrial, commercial, and household applications. Code 850151 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 8501, i.e., electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Digits 5-6 "51" represent the subheading, specifically "Multi-phase AC motors, of an output not exceeding 750 W". "Multi-phase" refers to AC motors having two or more phases, typically three-phase; "of an output not exceeding 750 W" is the key quantitative indicator distinguishing it from other subheadings. This subheading may be further subdivided based on whether a gearbox is included, but the 6-digit code already locks in the core scope. The goods are multi-phase AC motors with an output not exceeding 750 W, meeting the description of 850151. They are not classified under 850152 (Multi-phase AC motors, of an output exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW), nor under 850110 (Single-phase AC motors or DC motors, etc.). If they were single-phase AC motors, they would be classified under 850140; if they were DC motors, they would be classified under 850131, etc. Therefore, being multi-phase with power ≤750W is the decisive factor for classification under 850151.
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 of such articles. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of products from household appliances to industrial electrical equipment. Within the chapter, it is divided by function into multiple headings, such as 8501 for electric motors and generators, 8504 for transformers, 8517 for communication equipment, etc. Goods in this chapter typically have the function of electrical energy conversion, transmission, or control, and classification requires close attention to their operating principles, power parameters, and intended use.
Heading
Heading 8501 specifically covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Its scope includes DC motors, AC motors, AC generators, etc., regardless of power rating or intended use (except certain special-purpose motors such as vehicle motors which may be classified under Chapter 87). Under this heading, goods are further subdivided by output power, current type (DC/AC), number of phases (single-phase/multi-phase), etc. Goods under 8501 are core equipment for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy in industrial, commercial, and household applications.
Digit Breakdown
Code 850151 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 8501, i.e., electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). Digits 5-6 "51" represent the subheading, specifically "Multi-phase AC motors, of an output not exceeding 750 W". "Multi-phase" refers to AC motors having two or more phases, typically three-phase; "of an output not exceeding 750 W" is the key quantitative indicator distinguishing it from other subheadings. This subheading may be further subdivided based on whether a gearbox is included, but the 6-digit code already locks in the core scope.
Classification Basis
The goods are multi-phase AC motors with an output not exceeding 750 W, meeting the description of 850151. They are not classified under 850152 (Multi-phase AC motors, of an output exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW), nor under 850110 (Single-phase AC motors or DC motors, etc.). If they were single-phase AC motors, they would be classified under 850140; if they were DC motors, they would be classified under 850131, etc. Therefore, being multi-phase with power ≤750W is the decisive factor for classification under 850151.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the type of motor, such as "multi-phase AC motor" or "three-phase asynchronous motor". Intended Use: Describe the application scenario of the motor, such as for industrial fans, water pumps, compressors, household appliances, etc. Brand: Fill in the brand name of the motor; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the specific model of the motor, which should be consistent with the product nameplate. Output Power: Declare the rated output power of the motor in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), which must be ≤750W. Number of Phases: Clearly declare as a multi-phase (e.g., three-phase) AC motor. With or Without Gearbox: Indicate whether the motor has an integrated reduction gearbox; if so, it may affect classification (e.g., classified under other subheadings of 8501). Rated Voltage: Fill in the rated voltage of the motor, such as 220V, 380V, etc., to assist in confirming the AC attribute. Product Name: Three-phase AC motor; Intended Use: For industrial water pump drive; Brand: ABB; Model: M3BP 90LA; Output Power: 1.5kW; Number of Phases: Three-phase; With or Without Gearbox: No; Rated Voltage: 380V. Mistakenly declaring input power as output power, causing the power to exceed 750W and be incorrectly classified under 850152. Ignoring the number of phases, mistakenly reporting a single-phase AC motor as multi-phase, which should be classified under 850140. Failing to indicate whether a gearbox is included; if a gearbox is included, it may be classified under other subheadings of 8501 or 8501.52.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the type of motor, such as "multi-phase AC motor" or "three-phase asynchronous motor".
⚠️ Writing only "motor" or "electric motor" without indicating the multi-phase AC attribute.
Intended Use
Describe the application scenario of the motor, such as for industrial fans, water pumps, compressors, household appliances, etc.
⚠️ The use description is too general, such as "industrial use", without specifying the equipment.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the motor; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the motor, which should be consistent with the product nameplate.
⚠️ The model is incomplete or incorrect, making it impossible to match.
Output Power
Declare the rated output power of the motor in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), which must be ≤750W.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in input power, or unit errors causing the power to exceed the limit.
Number of Phases
Clearly declare as a multi-phase (e.g., three-phase) AC motor.
⚠️ Omitting the number of phases, or mistakenly filling in single-phase.
With or Without Gearbox
Indicate whether the motor has an integrated reduction gearbox; if so, it may affect classification (e.g., classified under other subheadings of 8501).
⚠️ Ignoring gearbox information, leading to classification errors.
Rated Voltage
Fill in the rated voltage of the motor, such as 220V, 380V, etc., to assist in confirming the AC attribute.
⚠️ Voltage is inaccurate or does not match the power.
Example: Product Name: Three-phase AC motor; Intended Use: For industrial water pump drive; Brand: ABB; Model: M3BP 90LA; Output Power: 1.5kW; Number of Phases: Three-phase; With or Without Gearbox: No; Rated Voltage: 380V.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly declaring input power as output power, causing the power to exceed 750W and be incorrectly classified under 850152.
Ignoring the number of phases, mistakenly reporting a single-phase AC motor as multi-phase, which should be classified under 850140.
Failing to indicate whether a gearbox is included; if a gearbox is included, it may be classified under other subheadings of 8501 or 8501.52.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) Motor type: must be an AC motor; 2) Number of phases: must be multi-phase (typically three-phase); 3) Output power: not exceeding 750 W. All three must be satisfied simultaneously for classification under 850151. If it is a DC motor, it is classified under 850131 or 850132; if it is a single-phase AC motor, it is classified under 850140; if the power exceeds 750W but does not exceed 75kW, it is classified under 850152. In addition, attention should be paid to whether a gearbox or other accessories are included, as an integrated gearbox may change the classification. 850140 Single-phase AC motors: 850140 covers single-phase AC motors regardless of power; while 850151 only covers multi-phase AC motors with power ≤750W. The number of phases is the core difference. 850152 Multi-phase AC motors, of an output >750W but ≤75kW: Power is the only difference: 850151 is ≤750W, 850152 is >750W and ≤75kW. The output power must be accurately provided at declaration. 850131 DC motors and DC generators, of an output ≤750W: Different current type: 850131 is for DC motors, 850151 is for multi-phase AC motors. Distinction should be made based on the motor's operating principle. 850110 Electric motors, of an output ≤37.5W: 850110 covers all types (DC, single-phase AC, multi-phase AC) of motors with power ≤37.5W; if multi-phase AC and power ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110 rather than 850151. 850120 AC/DC motors, of an output >37.5W: 850120 is for AC/DC motors that can operate on both AC and DC power; 850151 is for pure multi-phase AC motors. Confirm the motor is an AC motor, not a DC motor. Confirm the number of phases is multi-phase (e.g., three-phase), not single-phase. Confirm the output power is ≤750W, and it is output power, not input power. Confirm whether a gearbox or other accessories are included and whether they affect classification. Confirm whether it falls under priority subheadings such as 850110 (power ≤37.5W) or 850120 (AC/DC dual-use).
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) Motor type: must be an AC motor; 2) Number of phases: must be multi-phase (typically three-phase); 3) Output power: not exceeding 750 W. All three must be satisfied simultaneously for classification under 850151. If it is a DC motor, it is classified under 850131 or 850132; if it is a single-phase AC motor, it is classified under 850140; if the power exceeds 750W but does not exceed 75kW, it is classified under 850152. In addition, attention should be paid to whether a gearbox or other accessories are included, as an integrated gearbox may change the classification.
Confused Codes:
850140 - Single-phase AC motors
850140 covers single-phase AC motors regardless of power; while 850151 only covers multi-phase AC motors with power ≤750W. The number of phases is the core difference.
850152 - Multi-phase AC motors, of an output >750W but ≤75kW
Power is the only difference: 850151 is ≤750W, 850152 is >750W and ≤75kW. The output power must be accurately provided at declaration.
850131 - DC motors and DC generators, of an output ≤750W
Different current type: 850131 is for DC motors, 850151 is for multi-phase AC motors. Distinction should be made based on the motor's operating principle.
850110 - Electric motors, of an output ≤37.5W
850110 covers all types (DC, single-phase AC, multi-phase AC) of motors with power ≤37.5W; if multi-phase AC and power ≤37.5W, it should be classified under 850110 rather than 850151.
850120 - AC/DC motors, of an output >37.5W
850120 is for AC/DC motors that can operate on both AC and DC power; 850151 is for pure multi-phase AC motors.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm the motor is an AC motor, not a DC motor.
✓ Confirm the number of phases is multi-phase (e.g., three-phase), not single-phase.
✓ Confirm the output power is ≤750W, and it is output power, not input power.
✓ Confirm whether a gearbox or other accessories are included and whether they affect classification.
✓ Confirm whether it falls under priority subheadings such as 850110 (power ≤37.5W) or 850120 (AC/DC dual-use).
❓ FAQ
How can I check the specific tariff rate for goods under 850151? You can check the latest tariff rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Rates vary by country, trade agreements (such as RCEP), and policy adjustments. It is recommended to rely on the feedback from the customs system at the time of declaration. You may also consult a professional customs broker. How to distinguish between multi-phase AC motors and single-phase AC motors at declaration? Multi-phase AC motors usually refer to three-phase motors used in industrial applications; single-phase AC motors are mostly used in household appliances. At declaration, the number of phases on the motor nameplate must be provided and ensured to be consistent with the code. Misreporting the number of phases may lead to classification errors and customs clearance delays. Under which code should a motor with an output power of exactly 750W be classified? According to HS rules, the upper power limit of 850151 is "not exceeding 750 W", so 750W should be classified under 850151. However, attention should be paid to the power measurement standard, which usually refers to rated output power and is based on the nameplate marking. If the actual power slightly exceeds 750W, it should be classified under 850152. Should a multi-phase AC motor with a gearbox still be classified under 850151? If the gearbox is integrated with the motor and cannot be separated, it is usually classified as a motor, but this may affect subheading determination. If the gearbox is a separate component, the motor is still classified under 850151, and the gearbox is classified separately. It is recommended to clarify the structure at declaration and apply for advance classification if necessary. What is the main difference between 850151 and 850152? The only difference is output power: 850151 is ≤750W, 850152 is >750W and ≤75kW. The output power must be accurately provided for classification, otherwise coding errors may result. Power parameters should be based on the motor nameplate. How should small multi-phase AC motors sold via cross-border e-commerce be declared? Cross-border e-commerce should be declared under general trade or cross-border e-commerce models, providing complete declaration elements. Note the difference between personal items and commercial goods. If the motor power is ≤750W and it is multi-phase, it should be classified under 850151. It is recommended to retain product technical documentation for customs inspection. If a motor can operate on both AC and DC, under which code should it be classified? AC/DC dual-use motors should be classified under 850120, but the output power must be >37.5W. If the power is ≤37.5W, it is classified under 850110. 850151 only applies to pure multi-phase AC motors and does not apply to AC/DC dual-use motors. What are the consequences of incorrectly filling in the brand and model at declaration? It may lead to customs document review failure, inspection, or even classification errors. Brand and model are important information for confirming the identity of goods; errors may trigger tax supplements, fines, or credit downgrades. It is recommended to fill in truthfully and accurately, consistent with the actual goods.
Q: How can I check the specific tariff rate for goods under 850151?
A: You can check the latest tariff rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Rates vary by country, trade agreements (such as RCEP), and policy adjustments. It is recommended to rely on the feedback from the customs system at the time of declaration. You may also consult a professional customs broker.
Q: How to distinguish between multi-phase AC motors and single-phase AC motors at declaration?
A: Multi-phase AC motors usually refer to three-phase motors used in industrial applications; single-phase AC motors are mostly used in household appliances. At declaration, the number of phases on the motor nameplate must be provided and ensured to be consistent with the code. Misreporting the number of phases may lead to classification errors and customs clearance delays.
Q: Under which code should a motor with an output power of exactly 750W be classified?
A: According to HS rules, the upper power limit of 850151 is "not exceeding 750 W", so 750W should be classified under 850151. However, attention should be paid to the power measurement standard, which usually refers to rated output power and is based on the nameplate marking. If the actual power slightly exceeds 750W, it should be classified under 850152.
Q: Should a multi-phase AC motor with a gearbox still be classified under 850151?
A: If the gearbox is integrated with the motor and cannot be separated, it is usually classified as a motor, but this may affect subheading determination. If the gearbox is a separate component, the motor is still classified under 850151, and the gearbox is classified separately. It is recommended to clarify the structure at declaration and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: What is the main difference between 850151 and 850152?
A: The only difference is output power: 850151 is ≤750W, 850152 is >750W and ≤75kW. The output power must be accurately provided for classification, otherwise coding errors may result. Power parameters should be based on the motor nameplate.
Q: How should small multi-phase AC motors sold via cross-border e-commerce be declared?
A: Cross-border e-commerce should be declared under general trade or cross-border e-commerce models, providing complete declaration elements. Note the difference between personal items and commercial goods. If the motor power is ≤750W and it is multi-phase, it should be classified under 850151. It is recommended to retain product technical documentation for customs inspection.
Q: If a motor can operate on both AC and DC, under which code should it be classified?
A: AC/DC dual-use motors should be classified under 850120, but the output power must be >37.5W. If the power is ≤37.5W, it is classified under 850110. 850151 only applies to pure multi-phase AC motors and does not apply to AC/DC dual-use motors.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrectly filling in the brand and model at declaration?
A: It may lead to customs document review failure, inspection, or even classification errors. Brand and model are important information for confirming the identity of goods; errors may trigger tax supplements, fines, or credit downgrades. It is recommended to fill in truthfully and accurately, consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ 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.