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 the most concentrated chapter of electromechanical products in the HS classification, including generator sets, electric motors, transformers, batteries, household appliances, etc. As wind turbine generator sets are power generation equipment, their core components such as generators and converters all fall within the scope of this chapter, and therefore the complete unit is also classified under this chapter. Heading 8502 covers generating sets and rotary converters. Specifically, it includes: generating sets consisting of a generator and a prime mover (such as diesel generating sets, wind turbine generator sets, hydroelectric generating sets, etc.), and rotary converters (such as rotary converters, frequency converters, etc.). Generating sets under this heading generally refer to equipment that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Wind turbine generator sets use wind energy to drive blades to rotate, which in turn drives the generator to produce electricity, and therefore are classified under this heading. First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, belonging to the electromechanical products category. Digits 3-4, 02: indicates heading 8502, i.e., generating sets and rotary converters. Digits 5-6, 31: indicates subheading 8502.31, specifically wind turbine generator sets. Subheading 8502.31 is further subdivided into: 8502.31.10 (rated power ≤ 1000 kW) and 8502.31.90 (other, i.e., rated power > 1000 kW). Therefore, 850231 is a six-digit subheading referring to wind turbine generator sets, and depending on power, may involve more detailed eight-digit or ten-digit codes. Wind turbine generator sets are power generation equipment that converts wind energy into electrical energy, with the core being the generator and transmission system, which conforms to the definition of heading 8502 'generating sets.' It is different from the electric motors of 8501 (which convert electrical energy into mechanical energy), and also different from other engines of 8412 (such as wind engines, which only refer to converting wind energy into mechanical energy without generating electricity). Therefore, a complete generating set should be classified under 8502, not 8412 or 8501.
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 the most concentrated chapter of electromechanical products in the HS classification, including generator sets, electric motors, transformers, batteries, household appliances, etc. As wind turbine generator sets are power generation equipment, their core components such as generators and converters all fall within the scope of this chapter, and therefore the complete unit is also classified under this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8502 covers generating sets and rotary converters. Specifically, it includes: generating sets consisting of a generator and a prime mover (such as diesel generating sets, wind turbine generator sets, hydroelectric generating sets, etc.), and rotary converters (such as rotary converters, frequency converters, etc.). Generating sets under this heading generally refer to equipment that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Wind turbine generator sets use wind energy to drive blades to rotate, which in turn drives the generator to produce electricity, and therefore are classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, belonging to the electromechanical products category. Digits 3-4, 02: indicates heading 8502, i.e., generating sets and rotary converters. Digits 5-6, 31: indicates subheading 8502.31, specifically wind turbine generator sets. Subheading 8502.31 is further subdivided into: 8502.31.10 (rated power ≤ 1000 kW) and 8502.31.90 (other, i.e., rated power > 1000 kW). Therefore, 850231 is a six-digit subheading referring to wind turbine generator sets, and depending on power, may involve more detailed eight-digit or ten-digit codes.
Classification Basis
Wind turbine generator sets are power generation equipment that converts wind energy into electrical energy, with the core being the generator and transmission system, which conforms to the definition of heading 8502 'generating sets.' It is different from the electric motors of 8501 (which convert electrical energy into mechanical energy), and also different from other engines of 8412 (such as wind engines, which only refer to converting wind energy into mechanical energy without generating electricity). Therefore, a complete generating set should be classified under 8502, not 8412 or 8501.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'wind turbine generator set' or 'wind turbine generator system.' Use: Explain the main use of the commodity, such as 'used for power generation in wind farms' or 'grid-connected power generation.' Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as 'Vestas,' 'Goldwind,' etc. Model: Fill in the specific model, such as 'V90-2.0MW,' etc., which should be able to distinguish power and specifications. Rated Power: Fill in the rated output power of the unit, usually in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW), such as '2000kW.' Components: Briefly describe the main components, such as blades, generator, tower, control system, etc. Origin: Fill in the country/region of production or assembly, such as 'China,' 'Denmark,' etc. Product Name: Wind turbine generator set; Use: Grid-connected power generation for wind farms; Brand: Goldwind; Model: GW155-4.5MW; Rated Power: 4500kW; Components: blades, hub, generator, nacelle, tower, control system; Origin: China. Misclassifying wind turbine generator sets under 8412 (other engines), ignoring their power generation function. Failure to accurately declare rated power, leading to confusion between subheadings 8502.31.10 and 8502.31.90. Declaring as 'wind turbine' when it is actually a complete unit, causing classification deviation.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'wind turbine generator set' or 'wind turbine generator system.'
⚠️ Misreporting as 'wind engine' or 'wind turbine,' leading to classification errors.
Use
Explain the main use of the commodity, such as 'used for power generation in wind farms' or 'grid-connected power generation.'
⚠️ The use description is too general, such as 'for power generation,' without reflecting wind characteristics.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as 'Vestas,' 'Goldwind,' etc.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or failing to fill in the Chinese brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model, such as 'V90-2.0MW,' etc., which should be able to distinguish power and specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry, making it impossible to determine power.
Rated Power
Fill in the rated output power of the unit, usually in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW), such as '2000kW.'
⚠️ Failure to indicate units or incorrect entry, affecting subheading determination.
Components
Briefly describe the main components, such as blades, generator, tower, control system, etc.
⚠️ Omitting key components, such as failing to mention the generator, leading to classification disputes.
Origin
Fill in the country/region of production or assembly, such as 'China,' 'Denmark,' etc.
Misclassifying wind turbine generator sets under 8412 (other engines), ignoring their power generation function.
Failure to accurately declare rated power, leading to confusion between subheadings 8502.31.10 and 8502.31.90.
Declaring as 'wind turbine' when it is actually a complete unit, causing classification deviation.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the commodity has a power generation function, i.e., whether it includes a generator; 2. Whether it uses wind energy as the prime mover; 3. Whether it is a complete unit or complete set in knocked-down form. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, 8502 includes generating sets consisting of a generator and a prime mover, and wind turbine generator sets meet this definition. If only components such as blades and towers are imported, they should be classified as components, not as complete units. 8412.80 Other engines: 8412.80 includes wind engines, which only convert wind energy into mechanical energy without generating electricity; while 8502.31 is a generating set that includes a generator and outputs electrical energy. 8501.61 AC generators: 8501.61 is a standalone generator without a prime mover; 8502.31 is a generating set that includes both a wind turbine and a generator. 8502.39 Other generating sets: 8502.39 includes generating sets driven by other prime movers, such as diesel, gas, etc.; 8502.31 specifically refers to wind-driven ones. 8504.40 Static converters: 8504.40 is power conversion equipment, such as inverters; wind turbine generator sets may include converters, but the complete unit is still classified under 8502.31. Does the commodity include a generator? Is the prime mover wind energy? Is it a complete unit or complete set in knocked-down form? Is the rated power clearly stated? Are only components being imported?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the commodity has a power generation function, i.e., whether it includes a generator; 2. Whether it uses wind energy as the prime mover; 3. Whether it is a complete unit or complete set in knocked-down form. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, 8502 includes generating sets consisting of a generator and a prime mover, and wind turbine generator sets meet this definition. If only components such as blades and towers are imported, they should be classified as components, not as complete units.
Confused Codes：
8412.80 - Other engines
8412.80 includes wind engines, which only convert wind energy into mechanical energy without generating electricity; while 8502.31 is a generating set that includes a generator and outputs electrical energy.
8501.61 - AC generators
8501.61 is a standalone generator without a prime mover; 8502.31 is a generating set that includes both a wind turbine and a generator.
8502.39 - Other generating sets
8502.39 includes generating sets driven by other prime movers, such as diesel, gas, etc.; 8502.31 specifically refers to wind-driven ones.
8504.40 - Static converters
8504.40 is power conversion equipment, such as inverters; wind turbine generator sets may include converters, but the complete unit is still classified under 8502.31.
Self-Check：
✓ Does the commodity include a generator?
✓ Is the prime mover wind energy?
✓ Is it a complete unit or complete set in knocked-down form?
✓ Is the rated power clearly stated?
✓ Are only components being imported?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between wind turbine generator sets and wind engines? Wind engines only convert wind energy into mechanical energy without generating electricity, and are classified under 8412.80; wind turbine generator sets include a generator and output electrical energy, and are classified under 8502.31. The key difference is whether they have a power generation function. How to determine the subheading for wind turbine generator sets? They are divided by rated power: 8502.31.10 for rated power ≤ 1000 kW; 8502.31.90 for other (> 1000 kW). Accurate rated power must be provided at declaration. How are imported knocked-down wind turbine generator sets classified? If the knocked-down parts already constitute the essential character of a complete unit, they can be classified under 8502.31; if they are individual components, such as blades under 8412.90, generators under 8501, towers under 7308, etc. Classification should be determined based on the actual state. What are the declaration elements for wind turbine generator sets? Mainly include product name, use, brand, model, rated power, components, origin, etc. Rated power is the key to distinguishing tariff codes. If wind turbine generator sets are classified under 8502, how are their parts classified? Parts classification requires specific analysis: blades under 8412.90, generators under 8501, gearboxes under 8483, control systems under 8537, etc. If parts are specially designed for wind turbine generator sets, they may be classified as dedicated parts. How to check the tariff rate for wind turbine generator sets? Tariff rates must be determined based on specific trade agreements and country of origin. The latest rates can be obtained through the General Administration of Customs website, tariff query platforms, or by consulting customs brokers. What certifications are required for exporting wind turbine generator sets? CE, UL, and other certifications are usually required, as well as grid connection certification for the target market. The specifics depend on the importing country's requirements, and it is recommended to consult professional institutions in advance. What is the difference between 850231 and 850239? 850231 specifically refers to wind turbine generator sets; 850239 refers to other generating sets, such as diesel, gas, hydroelectric, etc. The key to distinction is the type of prime mover.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between wind turbine generator sets and wind engines?
A: Wind engines only convert wind energy into mechanical energy without generating electricity, and are classified under 8412.80; wind turbine generator sets include a generator and output electrical energy, and are classified under 8502.31. The key difference is whether they have a power generation function.
Q: How to determine the subheading for wind turbine generator sets?
A: They are divided by rated power: 8502.31.10 for rated power ≤ 1000 kW; 8502.31.90 for other (> 1000 kW). Accurate rated power must be provided at declaration.
Q: How are imported knocked-down wind turbine generator sets classified?
A: If the knocked-down parts already constitute the essential character of a complete unit, they can be classified under 8502.31; if they are individual components, such as blades under 8412.90, generators under 8501, towers under 7308, etc. Classification should be determined based on the actual state.
Q: What are the declaration elements for wind turbine generator sets?
A: Mainly include product name, use, brand, model, rated power, components, origin, etc. Rated power is the key to distinguishing tariff codes.
Q: If wind turbine generator sets are classified under 8502, how are their parts classified?
A: Parts classification requires specific analysis: blades under 8412.90, generators under 8501, gearboxes under 8483, control systems under 8537, etc. If parts are specially designed for wind turbine generator sets, they may be classified as dedicated parts.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for wind turbine generator sets?
A: Tariff rates must be determined based on specific trade agreements and country of origin. The latest rates can be obtained through the General Administration of Customs website, tariff query platforms, or by consulting customs brokers.
Q: What certifications are required for exporting wind turbine generator sets?
A: CE, UL, and other certifications are usually required, as well as grid connection certification for the target market. The specifics depend on the importing country's requirements, and it is recommended to consult professional institutions in advance.
Q: What is the difference between 850231 and 850239?
A: 850231 specifically refers to wind turbine generator sets; 850239 refers to other generating sets, such as diesel, gas, hydroelectric, etc. The key to distinction is the type of prime mover.
⚠️ 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.