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 thereof. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, involving power generation, transformation, consumption, communications, electronics, and many other fields. Products within the chapter are divided by function into power generation equipment (8501-8504), power control and distribution (8535-8537), electric power tools (8508-8510), electrothermic appliances (8516), communication equipment (8517), audio and video equipment (8518-8529), etc. Heading 8502 falls within the category of power generation equipment. Heading 8502 covers generating sets and rotary converters. A generating set is a complete unit composed of a prime mover (such as a diesel engine, gasoline engine, gas turbine, water turbine, etc.) combined with a generator, used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. This heading includes diesel generating sets, gasoline generating sets, gas generating sets, wind-powered generating sets, hydroelectric generating sets, etc., but excludes equipment in which an electric motor and a generator are integrated (such as motor-generator sets, classified under 8501) and equipment consisting solely of a generator (classified under 8501). Rotary converters are also classified under this heading. Code 850212 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "02" represent heading 8502 (generating sets and rotary converters). Digits 5-6 "12" are the subheading, specifically "diesel generating sets," referring to generating sets with a diesel engine as the prime mover. In the HS classification, items under 8502 are further subdivided by prime mover type and power rating: 850211 for diesel generating sets with an output not exceeding 75 kVA; 850212 for diesel generating sets with an output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA; 850213 for diesel generating sets with an output exceeding 375 kVA; 850220 for gasoline generating sets; 850231 for wind-powered generating sets; 850239 for other generating sets; and 850240 for rotary converters. Therefore, 850212 specifically refers to diesel generating sets in the medium power range. This product is a diesel generating set, with a diesel engine as the prime mover and an output between 75 kVA and 375 kVA. It does not fall under 850211 (output not exceeding 75 kVA) or 850213 (output exceeding 375 kVA), nor under 850220 (gasoline generating sets) or 850231 (wind-powered generating sets). At the same time, it is not a standalone generator (8501) or electric motor (8501), but rather a combination of a prime mover and a generator, and is therefore classified under 8502. Rotary converters (850240) also do not apply.
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 thereof. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, involving power generation, transformation, consumption, communications, electronics, and many other fields. Products within the chapter are divided by function into power generation equipment (8501-8504), power control and distribution (8535-8537), electric power tools (8508-8510), electrothermic appliances (8516), communication equipment (8517), audio and video equipment (8518-8529), etc. Heading 8502 falls within the category of power generation equipment.
Heading
Heading 8502 covers generating sets and rotary converters. A generating set is a complete unit composed of a prime mover (such as a diesel engine, gasoline engine, gas turbine, water turbine, etc.) combined with a generator, used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. This heading includes diesel generating sets, gasoline generating sets, gas generating sets, wind-powered generating sets, hydroelectric generating sets, etc., but excludes equipment in which an electric motor and a generator are integrated (such as motor-generator sets, classified under 8501) and equipment consisting solely of a generator (classified under 8501). Rotary converters are also classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 850212 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "02" represent heading 8502 (generating sets and rotary converters). Digits 5-6 "12" are the subheading, specifically "diesel generating sets," referring to generating sets with a diesel engine as the prime mover. In the HS classification, items under 8502 are further subdivided by prime mover type and power rating: 850211 for diesel generating sets with an output not exceeding 75 kVA; 850212 for diesel generating sets with an output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA; 850213 for diesel generating sets with an output exceeding 375 kVA; 850220 for gasoline generating sets; 850231 for wind-powered generating sets; 850239 for other generating sets; and 850240 for rotary converters. Therefore, 850212 specifically refers to diesel generating sets in the medium power range.
Classification Basis
This product is a diesel generating set, with a diesel engine as the prime mover and an output between 75 kVA and 375 kVA. It does not fall under 850211 (output not exceeding 75 kVA) or 850213 (output exceeding 375 kVA), nor under 850220 (gasoline generating sets) or 850231 (wind-powered generating sets). At the same time, it is not a standalone generator (8501) or electric motor (8501), but rather a combination of a prime mover and a generator, and is therefore classified under 8502. Rotary converters (850240) also do not apply.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "diesel generating set" or "Diesel generator set." Use: Explain the main application scenarios of the generating set, such as standby power, primary power, mobile power, emergency power supply, etc. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or trademark brand; if there is no brand, write "no brand." Model: Fill in the product model assigned by the manufacturer, used to distinguish different specifications and configurations. Output power: Declare the rated output power of the unit in kVA or kW, and the unit must be clearly stated. Prime mover type: Clearly state that the prime mover is a diesel engine, and where necessary indicate the number of cylinders, displacement, etc. Generator type: State whether the generator is AC or DC, as well as the excitation method (such as brushless or brushed). Complete knocked-down set or complete unit: Declare the status as a complete unit or complete knocked-down set; for knocked-down sets, indicate whether they already have the essential character of a complete unit. Product name: Diesel generator set; Use: Factory standby power; Brand: Cummins; Model: C150D5; Output power: 150 kVA; Prime mover type: four-stroke diesel engine; Generator type: AC brushless synchronous generator; Complete knocked-down set or complete unit: complete unit. Confusion of power units: kVA and kW are not converted, leading to misjudgment among subheadings 850211, 850212, and 850213. Misdeclaration of prime mover: a diesel engine is mistakenly declared as a gasoline engine, incorrectly classified under 850220. Ignoring the power range: 75 kVA and 375 kVA are dividing points, and the declared power should be accurate to whole numbers. False declaration of knocked-down sets: failure to truthfully declare the status of complete knocked-down sets may result in classification as a complete unit.
Product name
The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "diesel generating set" or "Diesel generator set."
⚠️ Writing only "generating set" without indicating diesel power, or mistakenly writing "diesel generator" (missing the word "set").
Use
Explain the main application scenarios of the generating set, such as standby power, primary power, mobile power, emergency power supply, etc.
⚠️ The description of use is too general, such as "used for power generation," without specifying the concrete scenario.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or trademark brand; if there is no brand, write "no brand."
⚠️ Mistaking the distributor for the brand, or misspelling the brand.
Model
Fill in the product model assigned by the manufacturer, used to distinguish different specifications and configurations.
⚠️ The model is incomplete, or it is confused with power parameters.
Output power
Declare the rated output power of the unit in kVA or kW, and the unit must be clearly stated.
⚠️ The unit is not indicated, or kW is mistaken for kVA (conversion between the two requires consideration of the power factor).
Prime mover type
Clearly state that the prime mover is a diesel engine, and where necessary indicate the number of cylinders, displacement, etc.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring it as a gasoline engine or gas engine, resulting in incorrect classification.
Generator type
State whether the generator is AC or DC, as well as the excitation method (such as brushless or brushed).
⚠️ Failing to distinguish AC/DC, or ignoring the excitation method.
Complete knocked-down set or complete unit
Declare the status as a complete unit or complete knocked-down set; for knocked-down sets, indicate whether they already have the essential character of a complete unit.
⚠️ Declaring knocked-down sets as complete units, or vice versa, affecting classification and tax rates.
Example： Product name: Diesel generator set; Use: Factory standby power; Brand: Cummins; Model: C150D5; Output power: 150 kVA; Prime mover type: four-stroke diesel engine; Generator type: AC brushless synchronous generator; Complete knocked-down set or complete unit: complete unit.
Common Mistakes：
Confusion of power units: kVA and kW are not converted, leading to misjudgment among subheadings 850211, 850212, and 850213.
Misdeclaration of prime mover: a diesel engine is mistakenly declared as a gasoline engine, incorrectly classified under 850220.
Ignoring the power range: 75 kVA and 375 kVA are dividing points, and the declared power should be accurate to whole numbers.
False declaration of knocked-down sets: failure to truthfully declare the status of complete knocked-down sets may result in classification as a complete unit.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is a generating set, that is, a combination of a prime mover and a generator; 2) whether the prime mover is a diesel engine; 3) whether the output power is between 75 kVA and 375 kVA. According to the HS Explanatory Notes, 8502 includes generating sets composed of an internal combustion engine and a generator. If the output power does not exceed 75 kVA, classify under 850211; if it exceeds 375 kVA, classify under 850213. It should also be noted that if a generating set is equipped with a mobile chassis or trailer, it is still classified under 8502, but if it constitutes the character of a vehicle, it may be classified under Chapter 87. 850211 Diesel generating sets (≤75 kVA): Diesel generating sets with an output not exceeding 75 kVA; the difference from 850212 lies only in the power range. 850213 Diesel generating sets (>375 kVA): Diesel generating sets with an output exceeding 375 kVA; the difference from 850212 lies in the upper power limit. 850220 Gasoline generating sets: The prime mover is a gasoline engine rather than a diesel engine, and the power range is unrestricted. 850231 Wind-powered generating sets: The prime mover is a wind turbine rather than a diesel engine, and it belongs to renewable energy power generation equipment. 850240 Rotary converters: A rotary converter is a rotating electrical machine that converts one type of current into another, rather than a combination of a prime mover and a generator. Has it been confirmed that the prime mover is a diesel engine? Is the output power between 75 kVA and 375 kVA? Has it been clearly stated whether the power unit is kVA or kW? Is the commodity a complete unit or a knocked-down set that already has the essential character of a complete unit? Has the standalone generator classified under 8501 been excluded?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is a generating set, that is, a combination of a prime mover and a generator; 2) whether the prime mover is a diesel engine; 3) whether the output power is between 75 kVA and 375 kVA. According to the HS Explanatory Notes, 8502 includes generating sets composed of an internal combustion engine and a generator. If the output power does not exceed 75 kVA, classify under 850211; if it exceeds 375 kVA, classify under 850213. It should also be noted that if a generating set is equipped with a mobile chassis or trailer, it is still classified under 8502, but if it constitutes the character of a vehicle, it may be classified under Chapter 87.
Confused Codes：
850211 - Diesel generating sets (≤75 kVA)
Diesel generating sets with an output not exceeding 75 kVA; the difference from 850212 lies only in the power range.
850213 - Diesel generating sets (>375 kVA)
Diesel generating sets with an output exceeding 375 kVA; the difference from 850212 lies in the upper power limit.
850220 - Gasoline generating sets
The prime mover is a gasoline engine rather than a diesel engine, and the power range is unrestricted.
850231 - Wind-powered generating sets
The prime mover is a wind turbine rather than a diesel engine, and it belongs to renewable energy power generation equipment.
850240 - Rotary converters
A rotary converter is a rotating electrical machine that converts one type of current into another, rather than a combination of a prime mover and a generator.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been confirmed that the prime mover is a diesel engine?
✓ Is the output power between 75 kVA and 375 kVA?
✓ Has it been clearly stated whether the power unit is kVA or kW?
✓ Is the commodity a complete unit or a knocked-down set that already has the essential character of a complete unit?
✓ Has the standalone generator classified under 8501 been excluded?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tax rate for diesel generating sets under 850212? The import tax rate must be checked according to the customs tariff of the destination country. For example, for China Customs, you can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the China International Trade Single Window to check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax rate, etc. Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest tariff should prevail. If a diesel generating set has a power of 80 kW, which code should it be classified under? First, kW must be converted to kVA. If the power factor is 0.8, then 80 kW corresponds to 100 kVA, which falls within the 75 kVA to 375 kVA range and should be classified under 850212. If the power factor is not indicated, it is recommended to declare according to the kVA value on the unit's nameplate. Should a mobile diesel generating set with a trailer be classified under 8502 or Chapter 87? If the trailer serves only as a mobile device, the generating set is still classified under 8502. However, if the trailer and the generating set constitute the complete character of a vehicle (such as self-propelled), it may be classified under Chapter 87. Judgment should be made based on the specific structure and function. What are the customs regulatory conditions for diesel generating sets? Regulatory conditions differ by country. For imports into China, they may involve import licenses for mechanical and electrical products, CCC certification, environmental emission requirements, etc. Exports may involve export quality licensing. It is recommended to check the regulatory condition codes issued by the General Administration of Customs. What is the key to distinguishing 850212 from 850213? The key difference lies in the output power: 850212 is >75 kVA and ≤375 kVA, while 850213 is >375 kVA. When declaring, an accurate rated power must be provided, and attention must be paid to unit conversion. How should the brand and model be filled in when declaring a diesel generating set? For the brand, fill in the manufacturer or trademark; for the model, fill in the product model assigned by the manufacturer. If it is an unbranded or OEM product, you may write "no brand" or "OEM." The model should be complete and should not be confused with power parameters. Can a used diesel generating set be classified under 850212? Yes. The HS code does not distinguish between new and used. However, imports of used equipment may be subject to additional regulation, such as pre-shipment inspection and environmental requirements. When declaring, the "used" status must be indicated. What are the common risks in customs valuation of diesel generating sets? Common risks include: the declared price being obviously lower than that of similar products, inconsistency between brand/model and price, and failure to include freight and insurance, etc. It is recommended to keep complete trade documents, such as contracts, invoices, and payment vouchers, for customs verification.
Q: How can I check the import tax rate for diesel generating sets under 850212?
A: The import tax rate must be checked according to the customs tariff of the destination country. For example, for China Customs, you can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the China International Trade Single Window to check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax rate, etc. Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest tariff should prevail.
Q: If a diesel generating set has a power of 80 kW, which code should it be classified under?
A: First, kW must be converted to kVA. If the power factor is 0.8, then 80 kW corresponds to 100 kVA, which falls within the 75 kVA to 375 kVA range and should be classified under 850212. If the power factor is not indicated, it is recommended to declare according to the kVA value on the unit's nameplate.
Q: Should a mobile diesel generating set with a trailer be classified under 8502 or Chapter 87?
A: If the trailer serves only as a mobile device, the generating set is still classified under 8502. However, if the trailer and the generating set constitute the complete character of a vehicle (such as self-propelled), it may be classified under Chapter 87. Judgment should be made based on the specific structure and function.
Q: What are the customs regulatory conditions for diesel generating sets?
A: Regulatory conditions differ by country. For imports into China, they may involve import licenses for mechanical and electrical products, CCC certification, environmental emission requirements, etc. Exports may involve export quality licensing. It is recommended to check the regulatory condition codes issued by the General Administration of Customs.
Q: What is the key to distinguishing 850212 from 850213?
A: The key difference lies in the output power: 850212 is >75 kVA and ≤375 kVA, while 850213 is >375 kVA. When declaring, an accurate rated power must be provided, and attention must be paid to unit conversion.
Q: How should the brand and model be filled in when declaring a diesel generating set?
A: For the brand, fill in the manufacturer or trademark; for the model, fill in the product model assigned by the manufacturer. If it is an unbranded or OEM product, you may write "no brand" or "OEM." The model should be complete and should not be confused with power parameters.
Q: Can a used diesel generating set be classified under 850212?
A: Yes. The HS code does not distinguish between new and used. However, imports of used equipment may be subject to additional regulation, such as pre-shipment inspection and environmental requirements. When declaring, the "used" status must be indicated.
Q: What are the common risks in customs valuation of diesel generating sets?
A: Common risks include: the declared price being obviously lower than that of similar products, inconsistency between brand/model and price, and failure to include freight and insurance, etc. It is recommended to keep complete trade documents, such as contracts, invoices, and payment vouchers, for customs verification.
⚠️ 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.