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 has a broad scope, covering everything from household appliances to industrial electrical equipment, but excludes certain specific products such as electric vehicles (Chapter 87) and electrically heated clothing (Chapter 61/62). The core characteristic is that goods must operate by electrical energy or be power-generating equipment themselves. Heading 8502 covers generating sets and rotary converters. Specifically includes: generators and generating sets driven by prime movers (such as gasoline engines, diesel engines, water turbines, wind turbines, etc.); and rotary converters (such as rotary converters, frequency converters, etc.). However, it excludes: electric motors (8501), transformers (8504), static converters (8504), and internal combustion engines themselves (Chapter 84). The first 2 digits '85' represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment). Digits 3-4 '02' represent heading 8502, i.e., generating sets and rotary converters. Digits 5-6 '20' are the subheading, specifically referring to 'gasoline generating sets', i.e., generating sets driven by gasoline internal combustion engines. Note: Subheading 8502.20 only includes generating sets driven by gasoline engines, excluding diesel engines (8502.11/12/13), other spark-ignition internal combustion engines (8502.20), or compression-ignition internal combustion engines (8502.11-13). This commodity is classified under 8502.20 because it is essentially a generating set, and the prime mover is a gasoline internal combustion engine (spark-ignition type). If driven by a diesel engine, it should be classified under 8502.11-13; if driven by an electric motor, it should be classified under 8501 or 8502.40; if it is merely an internal combustion engine itself, it should be classified under Chapter 84. Therefore, the type of prime mover is the key factor determining the subheading.
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 has a broad scope, covering everything from household appliances to industrial electrical equipment, but excludes certain specific products such as electric vehicles (Chapter 87) and electrically heated clothing (Chapter 61/62). The core characteristic is that goods must operate by electrical energy or be power-generating equipment themselves.
Heading
Heading 8502 covers generating sets and rotary converters. Specifically includes: generators and generating sets driven by prime movers (such as gasoline engines, diesel engines, water turbines, wind turbines, etc.); and rotary converters (such as rotary converters, frequency converters, etc.). However, it excludes: electric motors (8501), transformers (8504), static converters (8504), and internal combustion engines themselves (Chapter 84).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '85' represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment). Digits 3-4 '02' represent heading 8502, i.e., generating sets and rotary converters. Digits 5-6 '20' are the subheading, specifically referring to 'gasoline generating sets', i.e., generating sets driven by gasoline internal combustion engines. Note: Subheading 8502.20 only includes generating sets driven by gasoline engines, excluding diesel engines (8502.11/12/13), other spark-ignition internal combustion engines (8502.20), or compression-ignition internal combustion engines (8502.11-13).
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 8502.20 because it is essentially a generating set, and the prime mover is a gasoline internal combustion engine (spark-ignition type). If driven by a diesel engine, it should be classified under 8502.11-13; if driven by an electric motor, it should be classified under 8501 or 8502.40; if it is merely an internal combustion engine itself, it should be classified under Chapter 84. Therefore, the type of prime mover is the key factor determining the subheading.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'gasoline generating set' or specific model. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or trademark brand; if no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Model: The model or specification of the commodity, used to distinguish different configurations. Output Power: The rated output power of the generator, usually expressed in kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Brand Type: Fill in 'domestic independent brand', 'domestic acquired brand', 'foreign brand (OEM)' etc. according to customs requirements. Use: Explain the main use of the generating set, such as 'emergency power supply', 'outdoor construction', etc. Prime Mover Type: Specify the prime mover as 'gasoline engine' (spark-ignition type). Whether Equipped with Silencer: Fill in 'yes' or 'no' according to actual configuration, which affects classification or regulatory conditions. Product Name: Gasoline Generating Set; Brand: HONDA; Model: EU22i; Output Power: 2.2kW; Brand Type: Foreign Brand (OEM); Use: Outdoor Emergency Power Supply; Prime Mover Type: Gasoline Engine; Whether Equipped with Silencer: Yes. Misdelcaring a gasoline engine-driven generating set as a diesel generating set (8502.11-13), resulting in classification errors. Output power without unit specification or confusing kW with kVA, affecting valuation and statistics. Incorrect brand type declaration, such as declaring a foreign brand as a domestic independent brand, which may trigger compliance risks.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'gasoline generating set' or specific model.
⚠️ Misdeclared as 'diesel generating set' or 'generator' (without specifying power type).
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or trademark brand; if no brand, indicate 'no brand'.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling it in improperly (e.g., only writing the model number).
Model
The model or specification of the commodity, used to distinguish different configurations.
⚠️ Confusing model with brand or providing incomplete information.
Output Power
The rated output power of the generator, usually expressed in kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA).
⚠️ Failing to distinguish between rated power and maximum power, or using incorrect units.
Brand Type
Fill in 'domestic independent brand', 'domestic acquired brand', 'foreign brand (OEM)' etc. according to customs requirements.
⚠️ Incorrectly selecting the brand type, leading to classification or valuation issues.
Use
Explain the main use of the generating set, such as 'emergency power supply', 'outdoor construction', etc.
⚠️ Filling in too vaguely, such as 'for power generation'.
Prime Mover Type
Specify the prime mover as 'gasoline engine' (spark-ignition type).
⚠️ Misdeclared as 'diesel engine' or 'electric motor'.
Whether Equipped with Silencer
Fill in 'yes' or 'no' according to actual configuration, which affects classification or regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Ignoring this element or filling it in incorrectly.
Misdelcaring a gasoline engine-driven generating set as a diesel generating set (8502.11-13), resulting in classification errors.
Output power without unit specification or confusing kW with kVA, affecting valuation and statistics.
Incorrect brand type declaration, such as declaring a foreign brand as a domestic independent brand, which may trigger compliance risks.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) Whether the commodity is a generating set (composed of a prime mover and a generator); 2) Whether the prime mover type is a gasoline engine (spark-ignition internal combustion engine); 3) Whether it falls within the exclusions of Chapter 85 notes. If the above conditions are met, it is classified under 8502.20. If the prime mover is a diesel engine (compression-ignition), it is classified under 8502.11-13; if it is another spark-ignition internal combustion engine (such as a gas engine), it is still classified under 8502.20. 850211 Diesel generating sets (output power ≤75kVA): The prime mover is a compression-ignition internal combustion engine (diesel engine), while 8502.20 is for spark-ignition internal combustion engines (gasoline engines). 850212 Diesel generating sets (75kVA<output power≤375kVA): The prime mover is a diesel engine, and the output power range is different. 850213 Diesel generating sets (output power>375kVA): The prime mover is a diesel engine, and the output power range is different. 850240 Rotary converters: Rotary converters are used to change current type or frequency, not for power generation. 850161 AC generators (output power ≤75kVA): Refers only to the generator itself, without a prime mover, while 8502.20 is a generating set. Is the prime mover a gasoline engine (spark-ignition type)? Is the commodity a generating set (combination of prime mover and generator)? Is the output power clearly specified with correct units? Does it fall within the commodities excluded by Chapter 85 notes? Is the brand type accurately declared?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) Whether the commodity is a generating set (composed of a prime mover and a generator); 2) Whether the prime mover type is a gasoline engine (spark-ignition internal combustion engine); 3) Whether it falls within the exclusions of Chapter 85 notes. If the above conditions are met, it is classified under 8502.20. If the prime mover is a diesel engine (compression-ignition), it is classified under 8502.11-13; if it is another spark-ignition internal combustion engine (such as a gas engine), it is still classified under 8502.20.
Confused Codes：
850211 - Diesel generating sets (output power ≤75kVA)
The prime mover is a compression-ignition internal combustion engine (diesel engine), while 8502.20 is for spark-ignition internal combustion engines (gasoline engines).
The prime mover is a diesel engine, and the output power range is different.
850240 - Rotary converters
Rotary converters are used to change current type or frequency, not for power generation.
850161 - AC generators (output power ≤75kVA)
Refers only to the generator itself, without a prime mover, while 8502.20 is a generating set.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the prime mover a gasoline engine (spark-ignition type)?
✓ Is the commodity a generating set (combination of prime mover and generator)?
✓ Is the output power clearly specified with correct units?
✓ Does it fall within the commodities excluded by Chapter 85 notes?
✓ Is the brand type accurately declared?
❓ FAQ
How to look up the HS code for gasoline generating sets? First confirm that the commodity is a generating set and the prime mover is a gasoline engine. Then refer to Chapter 85 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, heading 8502, subheading 8502.20. You may also use the customs classification inquiry system or consult a professional customs broker. What is the difference in classification between gasoline generating sets and diesel generating sets? The main difference lies in the prime mover type: gasoline engines are spark-ignition type, classified under 8502.20; diesel engines are compression-ignition type, classified under 8502.11, 8502.12, or 8502.13 depending on output power. How should output power be filled in when declaring gasoline generating sets? The rated output power should be filled in, usually in kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA), with the unit specified. Avoid filling in maximum power or peak power. If a gasoline generating set has a silencer, will it affect classification? Generally it will not affect classification, but whether a silencer is installed should be truthfully declared to meet customs regulatory requirements. How to select the brand type for gasoline generating sets? According to customs regulations, brand types are divided into 'domestic independent brand', 'domestic acquired brand', 'foreign brand (OEM)', etc. The selection should be based on actual brand ownership and authorization status. Does 8502.20 include gas generating sets? 8502.20 includes generating sets driven by spark-ignition internal combustion engines. If a gas engine is spark-ignition type, it is classified under 8502.20; if it is compression-ignition type, it is classified under 8502.11-13. What regulatory conditions are required for exporting gasoline generating sets? Regulatory conditions vary by country/region. Generally, compliance with safety and environmental standards is required, and certifications such as CE and EPA may be needed. Specific requirements can be found in the regulatory condition codes published by the General Administration of Customs. If a gasoline generating set is used for vehicles, is it still classified under 8502.20? If the generating set is specifically designed for vehicles, it may be classified as vehicle parts (such as 8708), but if it is an independent generating set, it is still classified under 8502.20. The determination should be based on the specific use and installation method.
Q: How to look up the HS code for gasoline generating sets?
A: First confirm that the commodity is a generating set and the prime mover is a gasoline engine. Then refer to Chapter 85 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, heading 8502, subheading 8502.20. You may also use the customs classification inquiry system or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What is the difference in classification between gasoline generating sets and diesel generating sets?
A: The main difference lies in the prime mover type: gasoline engines are spark-ignition type, classified under 8502.20; diesel engines are compression-ignition type, classified under 8502.11, 8502.12, or 8502.13 depending on output power.
Q: How should output power be filled in when declaring gasoline generating sets?
A: The rated output power should be filled in, usually in kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA), with the unit specified. Avoid filling in maximum power or peak power.
Q: If a gasoline generating set has a silencer, will it affect classification?
A: Generally it will not affect classification, but whether a silencer is installed should be truthfully declared to meet customs regulatory requirements.
Q: How to select the brand type for gasoline generating sets?
A: According to customs regulations, brand types are divided into 'domestic independent brand', 'domestic acquired brand', 'foreign brand (OEM)', etc. The selection should be based on actual brand ownership and authorization status.
Q: Does 8502.20 include gas generating sets?
A: 8502.20 includes generating sets driven by spark-ignition internal combustion engines. If a gas engine is spark-ignition type, it is classified under 8502.20; if it is compression-ignition type, it is classified under 8502.11-13.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for exporting gasoline generating sets?
A: Regulatory conditions vary by country/region. Generally, compliance with safety and environmental standards is required, and certifications such as CE and EPA may be needed. Specific requirements can be found in the regulatory condition codes published by the General Administration of Customs.
Q: If a gasoline generating set is used for vehicles, is it still classified under 8502.20?
A: If the generating set is specifically designed for vehicles, it may be classified as vehicle parts (such as 8708), but if it is an independent generating set, it is still classified under 8502.20. The determination should be based on the specific use and installation method.
⚠️ 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.