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 the most concentrated chapter for electromechanical products in the HS classification, involving various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, and utilization of electrical energy. Polyphase AC motors, as core devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, are typical goods of this chapter. Heading 8501 covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). This heading is further subdivided into DC motors, AC motors, AC generators, etc. Polyphase AC motors refer to motors that are simultaneously connected to a polyphase (such as three-phase) AC power supply and operate using a rotating magnetic field, and are widely used in industrial drives, fans, pumps, and similar applications. The first 2 digits 85 = Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment); digits 3-4 01 = heading 8501 (electric motors and generators, excluding generating sets); digits 5-6 53 = subheading 850153, specifically referring to polyphase AC motors with an output exceeding 75 kW. The subheading is further divided by power: 850151 (≤750 W), 850152 (>750 W and ≤75 kW), 850153 (>75 kW). Therefore, 850153 precisely corresponds to high-power polyphase AC motors. The goods are polyphase AC motors with an output exceeding 75 kW, which conforms to the description of subheading 850153. If the power is ≤75 kW, they should be classified under 850152; if they are single-phase AC motors, they should be classified under 850140; if they are DC motors, they should be classified under 850131-850133. Therefore, power and polyphase characteristics are the key distinguishing factors.
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 the most concentrated chapter for electromechanical products in the HS classification, involving various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, and utilization of electrical energy. Polyphase AC motors, as core devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, are typical goods of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8501 covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). This heading is further subdivided into DC motors, AC motors, AC generators, etc. Polyphase AC motors refer to motors that are simultaneously connected to a polyphase (such as three-phase) AC power supply and operate using a rotating magnetic field, and are widely used in industrial drives, fans, pumps, and similar applications.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 85 = Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment); digits 3-4 01 = heading 8501 (electric motors and generators, excluding generating sets); digits 5-6 53 = subheading 850153, specifically referring to polyphase AC motors with an output exceeding 75 kW. The subheading is further divided by power: 850151 (≤750 W), 850152 (>750 W and ≤75 kW), 850153 (>75 kW). Therefore, 850153 precisely corresponds to high-power polyphase AC motors.
Classification Basis
The goods are polyphase AC motors with an output exceeding 75 kW, which conforms to the description of subheading 850153. If the power is ≤75 kW, they should be classified under 850152; if they are single-phase AC motors, they should be classified under 850140; if they are DC motors, they should be classified under 850131-850133. Therefore, power and polyphase characteristics are the key distinguishing factors.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the motor type, such as "three-phase asynchronous motor." Use: Explain the application scenario of the motor, such as driving industrial equipment including fans, water pumps, and compressors. Brand: Fill in the motor manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Fill in the specific model of the motor to uniquely identify the product. Power: Fill in the rated output power of the motor in kilowatts (kW), which must be greater than 75 kW. Number of Phases: Clearly state that the motor is polyphase (such as three-phase), as distinguished from single-phase. Brand Type: Fill in the brand type according to customs requirements, such as "foreign brand (OEM production)," "domestic independent brand," etc. Export Preference Status: If export tariff preferences are involved, the relevant preference status must be filled in. Product Name: Three-phase asynchronous motor; Use: Used to drive industrial water pumps; Brand: ABB; Model: M3BP 315MLA 4; Power: 200 kW; Number of Phases: Three-phase; Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production); Export Preference Status: No preference. Incorrect power entry: Misreporting input power or apparent power as output power, resulting in incorrect subheading classification. Omission of number of phases: Failure to declare polyphase may lead to misclassification as a single-phase AC motor. Non-standard brand and model: Confusion between model and series, affecting customs document review and subsequent traceability.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the motor type, such as "three-phase asynchronous motor."
⚠️ Writing only "motor" without indicating polyphase AC.
Use
Explain the application scenario of the motor, such as driving industrial equipment including fans, water pumps, and compressors.
⚠️ Filling in "industrial use" is too general and does not specify the equipment.
Brand
Fill in the motor manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting it.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the motor to uniquely identify the product.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or confusion with the series number.
Power
Fill in the rated output power of the motor in kilowatts (kW), which must be greater than 75 kW.
⚠️ Filling in power consumption or input power, or mistakenly using horsepower as the unit.
Number of Phases
Clearly state that the motor is polyphase (such as three-phase), as distinguished from single-phase.
⚠️ Omitting the number of phases, resulting in incorrect classification.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand type according to customs requirements, such as "foreign brand (OEM production)," "domestic independent brand," etc.
⚠️ Incorrect selection of brand type, affecting document review.
Export Preference Status
If export tariff preferences are involved, the relevant preference status must be filled in.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, resulting in failure to enjoy preferences.
Example： Product Name: Three-phase asynchronous motor; Use: Used to drive industrial water pumps; Brand: ABB; Model: M3BP 315MLA 4; Power: 200 kW; Number of Phases: Three-phase; Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production); Export Preference Status: No preference.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrect power entry: Misreporting input power or apparent power as output power, resulting in incorrect subheading classification.
Omission of number of phases: Failure to declare polyphase may lead to misclassification as a single-phase AC motor.
Non-standard brand and model: Confusion between model and series, affecting customs document review and subsequent traceability.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the goods are electric motors; 2) whether they are AC motors; 3) whether they are polyphase; 4) whether the output power exceeds 75 kW. Reference should also be made to the definition of polyphase AC motors in the Explanatory Notes, namely motors that use polyphase AC electricity to generate a rotating magnetic field. Power measurement should be based on rated continuous output power. 850152 Polyphase AC motors (>750 W and ≤75 kW): The power range is different; 850152 is more than 750 W but not more than 75 kW, while 850153 is more than 75 kW. 850151 Polyphase AC motors (≤750 W): Power ≤750 W, belonging to low-power polyphase AC motors, distinguished from the high power of 850153. 850140 Single-phase AC motors: Single-phase AC motors, regardless of power, are classified under 850140, while only polyphase AC motors may be classified under 850153. 850161 AC generators (≤75 kVA): AC generators output electrical energy, while 850153 covers motors, which consume electrical energy. 850132 DC motors (>750 W and ≤75 kW): DC motors use DC power and differ from polyphase AC motors in working principle and power supply type. Confirm that the motor is AC polyphase (such as three-phase) Verify whether the rated output power is >75 kW Check whether it is a motor rather than a generator Confirm whether DC motors are excluded Check whether declaration elements such as brand and model are complete
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the goods are electric motors; 2) whether they are AC motors; 3) whether they are polyphase; 4) whether the output power exceeds 75 kW. Reference should also be made to the definition of polyphase AC motors in the Explanatory Notes, namely motors that use polyphase AC electricity to generate a rotating magnetic field. Power measurement should be based on rated continuous output power.
Confused Codes：
850152 - Polyphase AC motors (>750 W and ≤75 kW)
The power range is different; 850152 is more than 750 W but not more than 75 kW, while 850153 is more than 75 kW.
850151 - Polyphase AC motors (≤750 W)
Power ≤750 W, belonging to low-power polyphase AC motors, distinguished from the high power of 850153.
850140 - Single-phase AC motors
Single-phase AC motors, regardless of power, are classified under 850140, while only polyphase AC motors may be classified under 850153.
850161 - AC generators (≤75 kVA)
AC generators output electrical energy, while 850153 covers motors, which consume electrical energy.
850132 - DC motors (>750 W and ≤75 kW)
DC motors use DC power and differ from polyphase AC motors in working principle and power supply type.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm that the motor is AC polyphase (such as three-phase)
✓ Verify whether the rated output power is >75 kW
✓ Check whether it is a motor rather than a generator
✓ Confirm whether DC motors are excluded
✓ Check whether declaration elements such as brand and model are complete
❓ FAQ
How are polyphase AC motors and single-phase AC motors distinguished in HS codes? Polyphase AC motors are classified under 850151-850153, subdivided by power; single-phase AC motors are classified under 850140. The key distinction lies in the number of phases of the motor. Polyphase usually refers to three-phase, while single-phase has only one phase. The number of phases must be clearly declared. Under which code should a polyphase AC motor with an output of exactly 75 kW be classified? According to the subheading structure, 850152 is more than 750 W but not more than 75 kW, and 850153 is more than 75 kW. Therefore, exactly 75 kW should be classified under 850152. Only more than 75 kW is classified under 850153. How can I check the import tariff rate for polyphase AC motors? The tariff rate must be determined based on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website, the single window, or the Customs Tariff of the People's Republic of China. It is recommended to search the official database using HS code 850153 and the country of origin information. When declaring, should the power be filled in as input power or output power? The rated output power (shaft power) of the motor should be filled in, not the input power. Output power is the mechanical power marked on the motor nameplate, usually in kW. Input power will be greater than output power, and incorrect entry may lead to classification errors. If the motor is polyphase but the power is unknown, how should it be classified? The power must be determined for accurate classification. If it cannot be determined, it may first be classified under a provisional code of 850153 (>75 kW) or 850152 (≤75 kW), but supplementary information should be provided as soon as possible. It is recommended to provide technical specifications or nameplate photos. What is the difference in HS codes between polyphase AC motors and polyphase AC generators? Polyphase AC motors are classified under 850151-850153, while polyphase AC generators are classified under 850161-850164 (divided by kVA). The functions are opposite: motors consume electrical energy to produce mechanical energy, while generators do the reverse. Can imported used polyphase AC motors use 850153? Yes, but they must comply with regulations on the import of used mechanical and electrical products, which may involve pre-shipment inspection, licenses, etc. The HS code itself does not distinguish between new and used, but "used" must be indicated at declaration and regulatory conditions must be met. How should cross-border e-commerce retail of polyphase AC motors be declared? Cross-border e-commerce retail exports also need to be declared according to HS codes. 850153 applies to high-power industrial motors, which are rarely seen in retail. If they are low-power polyphase motors, they should be classified under 850151 or 850152. Complete declaration elements must be provided, and attention should be paid to the tax exemption policy restrictions for retail exports.
Q: How are polyphase AC motors and single-phase AC motors distinguished in HS codes?
A: Polyphase AC motors are classified under 850151-850153, subdivided by power; single-phase AC motors are classified under 850140. The key distinction lies in the number of phases of the motor. Polyphase usually refers to three-phase, while single-phase has only one phase. The number of phases must be clearly declared.
Q: Under which code should a polyphase AC motor with an output of exactly 75 kW be classified?
A: According to the subheading structure, 850152 is more than 750 W but not more than 75 kW, and 850153 is more than 75 kW. Therefore, exactly 75 kW should be classified under 850152. Only more than 75 kW is classified under 850153.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for polyphase AC motors?
A: The tariff rate must be determined based on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website, the single window, or the Customs Tariff of the People's Republic of China. It is recommended to search the official database using HS code 850153 and the country of origin information.
Q: When declaring, should the power be filled in as input power or output power?
A: The rated output power (shaft power) of the motor should be filled in, not the input power. Output power is the mechanical power marked on the motor nameplate, usually in kW. Input power will be greater than output power, and incorrect entry may lead to classification errors.
Q: If the motor is polyphase but the power is unknown, how should it be classified?
A: The power must be determined for accurate classification. If it cannot be determined, it may first be classified under a provisional code of 850153 (>75 kW) or 850152 (≤75 kW), but supplementary information should be provided as soon as possible. It is recommended to provide technical specifications or nameplate photos.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between polyphase AC motors and polyphase AC generators?
A: Polyphase AC motors are classified under 850151-850153, while polyphase AC generators are classified under 850161-850164 (divided by kVA). The functions are opposite: motors consume electrical energy to produce mechanical energy, while generators do the reverse.
Q: Can imported used polyphase AC motors use 850153?
A: Yes, but they must comply with regulations on the import of used mechanical and electrical products, which may involve pre-shipment inspection, licenses, etc. The HS code itself does not distinguish between new and used, but "used" must be indicated at declaration and regulatory conditions must be met.
Q: How should cross-border e-commerce retail of polyphase AC motors be declared?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail exports also need to be declared according to HS codes. 850153 applies to high-power industrial motors, which are rarely seen in retail. If they are low-power polyphase motors, they should be classified under 850151 or 850152. Complete declaration elements must be provided, and attention should be paid to the tax exemption policy restrictions for retail exports.
⚠️ 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.