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, covering a wide range of fields including power generation, power transformation, energy storage, power consumption, communications, and consumer electronics. The headings within the chapter are arranged in functional logic: 8501 for electric motors and generators, 8502 for electric generating sets and rotary converters, 8503 for parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading 8501 or 8502, 8504 for electrical transformers, static converters and inductors, 8505 for electromagnets, etc., with subsequent headings covering batteries, household appliances, communication equipment, etc. Heading 8502 covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. Electric generating sets refer to complete equipment that combines a generator with a prime mover (such as a diesel engine, gasoline engine, gas turbine, wind turbine, etc.) for producing electrical energy. Rotary converters refer to rotating electrical machines that convert one form of electrical energy into another, such as rotary converters for converting direct current to alternating current, frequency converters, phase converters, etc. This heading includes diesel generating sets, gasoline generating sets, gas generating sets, wind-powered generating sets, hydroelectric generating sets, etc., but excludes static converters (classified under 8504) and machines that are merely simple assemblies of a generator and an internal combustion engine but do not constitute complete equipment. HS code 850213 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). The 3rd-4th digits "02" represent heading 8502 (electric generating sets and rotary converters). The 5th-6th digits "13" represent subheading 850213, which is further subdivided into: 850211 (diesel generating sets with output not exceeding 75 kVA), 850212 (diesel generating sets with output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA), 850213 (diesel generating sets with output exceeding 375 kVA but not exceeding 1000 kVA), 850214 (diesel generating sets with output exceeding 1000 kVA but not exceeding 10000 kVA), 850215 (diesel generating sets with output exceeding 10000 kVA). Therefore, 850213 specifically refers to diesel generating sets with output exceeding 375 kVA but not exceeding 1000 kVA (inclusive). The goods are diesel generating sets, the core feature of which is that a diesel internal combustion engine serves as the prime mover to drive a generator to produce electrical energy. According to classification rules, generating sets should be classified under heading 8502, not 8501 (electric motors and generators). Heading 8501 covers only standalone generators and does not include complete equipment combined with an internal combustion engine. Meanwhile, under 8502, goods are subdivided by prime mover type and output power. Diesel generating sets are classified under 8502.1, and the specific subheading is determined by power range. 850213 applies to diesel generating sets with output exceeding 375 kVA but not exceeding 1000 kVA, distinguishing them from adjacent subheadings such as 850211, 850212, and 850214.
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, covering a wide range of fields including power generation, power transformation, energy storage, power consumption, communications, and consumer electronics. The headings within the chapter are arranged in functional logic: 8501 for electric motors and generators, 8502 for electric generating sets and rotary converters, 8503 for parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading 8501 or 8502, 8504 for electrical transformers, static converters and inductors, 8505 for electromagnets, etc., with subsequent headings covering batteries, household appliances, communication equipment, etc.
Heading
Heading 8502 covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. Electric generating sets refer to complete equipment that combines a generator with a prime mover (such as a diesel engine, gasoline engine, gas turbine, wind turbine, etc.) for producing electrical energy. Rotary converters refer to rotating electrical machines that convert one form of electrical energy into another, such as rotary converters for converting direct current to alternating current, frequency converters, phase converters, etc. This heading includes diesel generating sets, gasoline generating sets, gas generating sets, wind-powered generating sets, hydroelectric generating sets, etc., but excludes static converters (classified under 8504) and machines that are merely simple assemblies of a generator and an internal combustion engine but do not constitute complete equipment.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 850213 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). The 3rd-4th digits "02" represent heading 8502 (electric generating sets and rotary converters). The 5th-6th digits "13" represent subheading 850213, which is further subdivided into: 850211 (diesel generating sets with output not exceeding 75 kVA), 850212 (diesel generating sets with output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA), 850213 (diesel generating sets with output exceeding 375 kVA but not exceeding 1000 kVA), 850214 (diesel generating sets with output exceeding 1000 kVA but not exceeding 10000 kVA), 850215 (diesel generating sets with output exceeding 10000 kVA). Therefore, 850213 specifically refers to diesel generating sets with output exceeding 375 kVA but not exceeding 1000 kVA (inclusive).
Classification Basis
The goods are diesel generating sets, the core feature of which is that a diesel internal combustion engine serves as the prime mover to drive a generator to produce electrical energy. According to classification rules, generating sets should be classified under heading 8502, not 8501 (electric motors and generators). Heading 8501 covers only standalone generators and does not include complete equipment combined with an internal combustion engine. Meanwhile, under 8502, goods are subdivided by prime mover type and output power. Diesel generating sets are classified under 8502.1, and the specific subheading is determined by power range. 850213 applies to diesel generating sets with output exceeding 375 kVA but not exceeding 1000 kVA, distinguishing them from adjacent subheadings such as 850211, 850212, and 850214.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared goods should be clearly stated as "diesel generating set," avoiding vague expressions such as "power generation equipment" or "power source." Use: Describe the main application scenarios of the generating set, such as backup power, primary power, mobile power station, ship power supply, etc. Brand Type: Fill in the brand attribute, such as foreign brand (OEM production), domestic brand, no brand, etc. Output Power: Declare the rated output power of the generating set in kVA or kW, specifying the power value and unit. Prime Mover Type: Specify that the prime mover is a diesel engine, and indicate the diesel engine's brand, model, displacement, number of cylinders, and other parameters. Generator Type: Describe the generator type, such as AC synchronous generator, brushless generator, etc., and indicate rated voltage, frequency, and number of phases. Components: List the main components of the complete generating set, such as diesel engine, generator, control panel, radiator, base, etc. Model: Fill in the product model assigned by the manufacturer, which should match the nameplate for customs verification. Product Name: Diesel Generating Set; Use: Data center backup power; Brand Type: Foreign brand (Caterpillar); Output Power: 800 kVA; Prime Mover Type: Diesel engine, model CAT C15, displacement 15.2L, 6 cylinders; Generator Type: AC synchronous brushless generator, rated voltage 400V, frequency 50Hz, three-phase; Components: Diesel engine, generator, control panel, radiator, base, fuel tank; Model: CAT 800F. Mistakenly filling in standby power or peak power for output power, leading to subheading classification errors; rated power should be filled in. Failing to distinguish between generating sets and standalone generators, incorrectly classifying under 8501 instead of 8502. Ignoring power units, confusing kVA with kW, affecting subheading determination.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared goods should be clearly stated as "diesel generating set," avoiding vague expressions such as "power generation equipment" or "power source."
⚠️ Misdeclaring as "generator" or "diesel engine," leading to classification errors.
Use
Describe the main application scenarios of the generating set, such as backup power, primary power, mobile power station, ship power supply, etc.
⚠️ Only filling in "power supply" without distinguishing primary/backup use, affecting the determination of regulatory conditions.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand attribute, such as foreign brand (OEM production), domestic brand, no brand, etc.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or failing to truthfully declare OEM arrangements.
Output Power
Declare the rated output power of the generating set in kVA or kW, specifying the power value and unit.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in standby power or peak power instead of rated power, leading to subheading classification errors.
Prime Mover Type
Specify that the prime mover is a diesel engine, and indicate the diesel engine's brand, model, displacement, number of cylinders, and other parameters.
⚠️ Failing to indicate the prime mover type, or misdeclaring as gasoline engine or gas engine.
Generator Type
Describe the generator type, such as AC synchronous generator, brushless generator, etc., and indicate rated voltage, frequency, and number of phases.
⚠️ Omitting key generator parameters, making it impossible to determine whether subheading requirements are met.
Components
List the main components of the complete generating set, such as diesel engine, generator, control panel, radiator, base, etc.
⚠️ Only declaring the main unit and omitting key components such as the control panel, affecting the customs value.
Model
Fill in the product model assigned by the manufacturer, which should match the nameplate for customs verification.
⚠️ Incomplete model number or inconsistency with the actual product, triggering inspection queries.
Example: Product Name: Diesel Generating Set; Use: Data center backup power; Brand Type: Foreign brand (Caterpillar); Output Power: 800 kVA; Prime Mover Type: Diesel engine, model CAT C15, displacement 15.2L, 6 cylinders; Generator Type: AC synchronous brushless generator, rated voltage 400V, frequency 50Hz, three-phase; Components: Diesel engine, generator, control panel, radiator, base, fuel tank; Model: CAT 800F.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly filling in standby power or peak power for output power, leading to subheading classification errors; rated power should be filled in.
Failing to distinguish between generating sets and standalone generators, incorrectly classifying under 8501 instead of 8502.
Ignoring power units, confusing kVA with kW, affecting subheading determination.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the goods are a generating set, i.e., complete equipment combining a generator and a prime mover; 2) whether the prime mover is a diesel engine; 3) whether the rated output power exceeds 375 kVA but does not exceed 1000 kVA. Only when all three conditions are met simultaneously can the goods be classified under 850213. If the prime mover is a gasoline engine, it is classified under 850220; if it is another type of prime mover, it is classified under 850239, etc. Power is the key parameter for subheading division and the rated power must be accurately declared. 850211 Diesel generating sets (≤75 kVA): Diesel generating sets with output not exceeding 75 kVA; the difference from 850213 lies only in the power range. 850212 Diesel generating sets (75-375 kVA): Diesel generating sets with output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA; power is lower than 850213. 850214 Diesel generating sets (1000-10000 kVA): Diesel generating sets with output exceeding 1000 kVA but not exceeding 10000 kVA; power is higher than 850213. 850220 Gasoline generating sets: The prime mover is a gasoline engine rather than a diesel engine; the prime mover type must be distinguished during classification. 850239 Other generating sets: The prime mover is of another type (such as gas turbine, wind turbine, etc.), not a diesel generating set. Confirm that the goods are a generating set, not a standalone generator or diesel engine. Confirm that the prime mover is a diesel engine, not a gasoline engine or other type. Verify whether the rated output power is between 375 kVA and 1000 kVA. Check whether complete components such as the control panel are included, constituting a complete generating set. Verify that nameplate parameters are consistent with the declared elements to avoid inaccurate declaration.
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the goods are a generating set, i.e., complete equipment combining a generator and a prime mover; 2) whether the prime mover is a diesel engine; 3) whether the rated output power exceeds 375 kVA but does not exceed 1000 kVA. Only when all three conditions are met simultaneously can the goods be classified under 850213. If the prime mover is a gasoline engine, it is classified under 850220; if it is another type of prime mover, it is classified under 850239, etc. Power is the key parameter for subheading division and the rated power must be accurately declared.
Confused Codes:
850211 - Diesel generating sets (≤75 kVA)
Diesel generating sets with output not exceeding 75 kVA; the difference from 850213 lies only in the power range.
850212 - Diesel generating sets (75-375 kVA)
Diesel generating sets with output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA; power is lower than 850213.
850214 - Diesel generating sets (1000-10000 kVA)
Diesel generating sets with output exceeding 1000 kVA but not exceeding 10000 kVA; power is higher than 850213.
850220 - Gasoline generating sets
The prime mover is a gasoline engine rather than a diesel engine; the prime mover type must be distinguished during classification.
850239 - Other generating sets
The prime mover is of another type (such as gas turbine, wind turbine, etc.), not a diesel generating set.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm that the goods are a generating set, not a standalone generator or diesel engine.
✓ Confirm that the prime mover is a diesel engine, not a gasoline engine or other type.
✓ Verify whether the rated output power is between 375 kVA and 1000 kVA.
✓ Check whether complete components such as the control panel are included, constituting a complete generating set.
✓ Verify that nameplate parameters are consistent with the declared elements to avoid inaccurate declaration.
❓ FAQ
How do I find the HS code for a diesel generating set? First, determine that the goods are a generating set, classified under heading 8502; then, based on the prime mover type, diesel generating sets are classified under 8502.1; then, based on rated output power, determine the subheading: ≤75 kVA is 850211, 75-375 kVA is 850212, 375-1000 kVA is 850213, 1000-10000 kVA is 850214, >10000 kVA is 850215. Should output power be based on kVA or kW? HS subheading division is based on kVA (kilovolt-amperes). If the nameplate is marked in kW, it needs to be converted to kVA based on the power factor, typically using a power factor of 0.8, i.e., kVA = kW / 0.8. The rated power should be used for declaration, avoiding the use of standby power. How do I distinguish between diesel generating sets and gasoline generating sets? It mainly depends on the prime mover type: diesel engines are compression-ignition type, while gasoline engines are spark-ignition type. In HS codes, diesel generating sets are classified under 8502.1, and gasoline generating sets under 8502.2. When declaring, parameters such as the prime mover's model, displacement, and fuel type must be provided. Generating sets are classified under 8502; where are standalone generators classified? Standalone generators are classified under heading 8501, specifically 8501.6 (AC generators) or 8501.3 (DC generators). Generating sets are combinations of a generator and an internal combustion engine, and are therefore classified under 8502. If only a generator is imported, it should be classified under 8501. What regulatory conditions should be noted when importing diesel generating sets under 850213? Attention should be paid to customs regulatory conditions, such as whether automatic import licenses, O certificates, 3C certification, etc. are involved. Specific regulatory conditions can be queried through the General Administration of Customs or the single window. Tax rates vary depending on trade agreements, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to use the customs tariff or consult a professional customs broker. What are the consequences of filling in the wrong output power during declaration? Output power is a key parameter for subheading division. Filling it in incorrectly may lead to classification errors, which in turn affect tax rates and regulatory conditions. If discovered by customs, it may result in duty recovery, fines, or even administrative penalties. Therefore, it is essential to declare accurately based on rated power. What methods are commonly used by customs for valuation of diesel generating sets? Customs valuation is usually based on the transaction price. If the declared price is obviously low, methods such as the transaction value of identical or similar goods, deductive value method, computed value method, etc. may be used. It is recommended to retain complete trade documents, such as contracts, invoices, payment vouchers, etc., to prove the authenticity of the declared price. Which HS codes apply to cross-border e-commerce retail exports of diesel generating sets? Cross-border e-commerce exports also require declaration by HS code. Diesel generating sets are still classified under 850213 (if power matches). However, attention should be paid to export regulatory conditions, such as whether export licenses, dual-use items, etc. are involved. It is recommended to check the export tariff and regulatory requirements in advance.
Q: How do I find the HS code for a diesel generating set?
A: First, determine that the goods are a generating set, classified under heading 8502; then, based on the prime mover type, diesel generating sets are classified under 8502.1; then, based on rated output power, determine the subheading: ≤75 kVA is 850211, 75-375 kVA is 850212, 375-1000 kVA is 850213, 1000-10000 kVA is 850214, >10000 kVA is 850215.
Q: Should output power be based on kVA or kW?
A: HS subheading division is based on kVA (kilovolt-amperes). If the nameplate is marked in kW, it needs to be converted to kVA based on the power factor, typically using a power factor of 0.8, i.e., kVA = kW / 0.8. The rated power should be used for declaration, avoiding the use of standby power.
Q: How do I distinguish between diesel generating sets and gasoline generating sets?
A: It mainly depends on the prime mover type: diesel engines are compression-ignition type, while gasoline engines are spark-ignition type. In HS codes, diesel generating sets are classified under 8502.1, and gasoline generating sets under 8502.2. When declaring, parameters such as the prime mover's model, displacement, and fuel type must be provided.
Q: Generating sets are classified under 8502; where are standalone generators classified?
A: Standalone generators are classified under heading 8501, specifically 8501.6 (AC generators) or 8501.3 (DC generators). Generating sets are combinations of a generator and an internal combustion engine, and are therefore classified under 8502. If only a generator is imported, it should be classified under 8501.
Q: What regulatory conditions should be noted when importing diesel generating sets under 850213?
A: Attention should be paid to customs regulatory conditions, such as whether automatic import licenses, O certificates, 3C certification, etc. are involved. Specific regulatory conditions can be queried through the General Administration of Customs or the single window. Tax rates vary depending on trade agreements, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to use the customs tariff or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What are the consequences of filling in the wrong output power during declaration?
A: Output power is a key parameter for subheading division. Filling it in incorrectly may lead to classification errors, which in turn affect tax rates and regulatory conditions. If discovered by customs, it may result in duty recovery, fines, or even administrative penalties. Therefore, it is essential to declare accurately based on rated power.
Q: What methods are commonly used by customs for valuation of diesel generating sets?
A: Customs valuation is usually based on the transaction price. If the declared price is obviously low, methods such as the transaction value of identical or similar goods, deductive value method, computed value method, etc. may be used. It is recommended to retain complete trade documents, such as contracts, invoices, payment vouchers, etc., to prove the authenticity of the declared price.
Q: Which HS codes apply to cross-border e-commerce retail exports of diesel generating sets?
A: Cross-border e-commerce exports also require declaration by HS code. Diesel generating sets are still classified under 850213 (if power matches). However, attention should be paid to export regulatory conditions, such as whether export licenses, dual-use items, etc. are involved. It is recommended to check the export tariff and regulatory requirements in advance.
⚠️ 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.