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 power generation, transformation, storage, and consumption equipment as well as electronic components. Heading 8502 specifically covers generating sets and rotary converters, which are core equipment for electrical energy generation and conversion. Heading 8502 includes electric generating sets and rotary converters. Electric generating sets refer to complete equipment consisting of a generator driven by an electric motor, used to convert one form of electrical energy into another (such as AC to DC, frequency conversion, voltage transformation, etc.). Rotary converters refer to equipment that achieves current type conversion through rotating machinery. This heading does not include generating sets driven by internal combustion engines (generating sets of heading 8501 should be excluded before classification under 8502). The first 2 digits 85 represent Chapter 85 'Electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof'. The 3rd-4th digits 02 constitute heading 8502, specifically 'Electric generating sets and rotary converters'. The 5th-6th digits 40 are the subheading, indicating the specific type within 'electric generating sets', namely generating sets driven by electric motors. Note: under 8502 there are also subheadings such as 8502.11 (diesel generating sets with output ≤75kVA), but 8502.40 specifically covers electric generating sets, where the prime mover is an electric motor rather than an internal combustion engine or steam turbine. This commodity is classified under 8502.40 because its prime mover is an electric motor, rather than an internal combustion engine (8502.11-8502.20) or steam turbine (8502.31-8502.39). If the generating set is driven by a diesel or gasoline engine, it should be classified under 8502.11-8502.20; if directly driven by wind or solar energy, it may be classified under 8502.31 or 8501. 8502.40 specifically refers to electric generating sets, used for electrical energy form conversion (such as frequency conversion, voltage transformation, DC to AC, etc.).
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 power generation, transformation, storage, and consumption equipment as well as electronic components. Heading 8502 specifically covers generating sets and rotary converters, which are core equipment for electrical energy generation and conversion.
Heading
Heading 8502 includes electric generating sets and rotary converters. Electric generating sets refer to complete equipment consisting of a generator driven by an electric motor, used to convert one form of electrical energy into another (such as AC to DC, frequency conversion, voltage transformation, etc.). Rotary converters refer to equipment that achieves current type conversion through rotating machinery. This heading does not include generating sets driven by internal combustion engines (generating sets of heading 8501 should be excluded before classification under 8502).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 85 represent Chapter 85 'Electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof'. The 3rd-4th digits 02 constitute heading 8502, specifically 'Electric generating sets and rotary converters'. The 5th-6th digits 40 are the subheading, indicating the specific type within 'electric generating sets', namely generating sets driven by electric motors. Note: under 8502 there are also subheadings such as 8502.11 (diesel generating sets with output ≤75kVA), but 8502.40 specifically covers electric generating sets, where the prime mover is an electric motor rather than an internal combustion engine or steam turbine.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 8502.40 because its prime mover is an electric motor, rather than an internal combustion engine (8502.11-8502.20) or steam turbine (8502.31-8502.39). If the generating set is driven by a diesel or gasoline engine, it should be classified under 8502.11-8502.20; if directly driven by wind or solar energy, it may be classified under 8502.31 or 8501. 8502.40 specifically refers to electric generating sets, used for electrical energy form conversion (such as frequency conversion, voltage transformation, DC to AC, etc.).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the equipment type, such as 'electric generating set' or 'frequency conversion generating set'. Use: Explain the specific application scenario of the equipment, such as 'used for wind power conversion' or 'laboratory power conversion'. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Model: Fill in the specific model or specification code of the product, which should match the actual item. Output Power: The rated output power of the generating set expressed in kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Prime Mover Type: Clearly state whether the prime mover driving the generator is an electric motor, internal combustion engine, or other; here it should be filled in as 'electric motor'. Current Type: State whether the output current is AC or DC, and the frequency (such as 50Hz, 60Hz). Brand Type: Fill in the brand attribute according to customs requirements, such as 'foreign brand (OEM production)', 'domestic independent brand', etc. Product Name: Electric generating set; Use: Used for converting DC to AC for ship navigation equipment; Brand: ABB; Model: GX-300; Output Power: 30kVA; Prime Mover Type: Electric motor; Current Type: AC, 50Hz; Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production). Mistakenly classifying internal combustion engine-driven generating sets under 8502.40, when they should be classified under 8502.11-8502.20. Neglecting to declare the prime mover type, leading to customs questioning the classification and possibly requiring supplementary explanation. Incorrect output power unit, such as writing kVA as kW, affecting subheading determination.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the equipment type, such as 'electric generating set' or 'frequency conversion generating set'.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'diesel generating set' or 'alternator', ignoring the prime mover type.
Use
Explain the specific application scenario of the equipment, such as 'used for wind power conversion' or 'laboratory power conversion'.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in 'for power generation' without distinguishing industrial, marine, or backup power.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'.
⚠️ Mistaking the model number for the brand, or omitting the brand leading to classification disputes.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification code of the product, which should match the actual item.
⚠️ Incomplete model number, making it impossible to determine power or technical parameters.
Output Power
The rated output power of the generating set expressed in kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA).
⚠️ Confusing input power with output power, or using non-standard units.
Prime Mover Type
Clearly state whether the prime mover driving the generator is an electric motor, internal combustion engine, or other; here it should be filled in as 'electric motor'.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in as 'diesel engine' or 'gasoline engine', leading to incorrect classification under 8502.11, etc.
Current Type
State whether the output current is AC or DC, and the frequency (such as 50Hz, 60Hz).
⚠️ Only filling in 'AC' without specifying frequency, affecting subheading determination.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand attribute according to customs requirements, such as 'foreign brand (OEM production)', 'domestic independent brand', etc.
⚠️ Omitting or incorrectly filling in the brand type, affecting statistics and document review.
Example： Product Name: Electric generating set; Use: Used for converting DC to AC for ship navigation equipment; Brand: ABB; Model: GX-300; Output Power: 30kVA; Prime Mover Type: Electric motor; Current Type: AC, 50Hz; Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production).
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying internal combustion engine-driven generating sets under 8502.40, when they should be classified under 8502.11-8502.20.
Neglecting to declare the prime mover type, leading to customs questioning the classification and possibly requiring supplementary explanation.
Incorrect output power unit, such as writing kVA as kW, affecting subheading determination.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core of classification lies in the prime mover type. 8502.40 specifically refers to generating sets driven by electric motors, i.e., electric generating sets. If the prime mover is an internal combustion engine (diesel, gasoline) or steam turbine, it should be classified under 8502.11-8502.39. In addition, if the equipment has both power generation and conversion functions, the classification should be determined based on the primary function. Refer to the 'Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System' for 8502, which states that electric generating sets are used for electrical energy form conversion, such as frequency conversion, voltage transformation, DC to AC, etc. 8502.11 Diesel generating sets (≤75kVA): The prime mover is a diesel engine, while the prime mover of 8502.40 is an electric motor. Misreporting the prime mover will lead to classification errors. 8502.31 Wind-powered generating sets: The prime mover is a wind turbine, belonging to renewable energy generation, with a different principle from electric generating sets. 8501.34 AC generators (≤75kVA): 8501 covers standalone generators without a prime mover; 8502.40 covers generating sets including both an electric motor and a generator. 8504.40 Static converters: 8504.40 covers static conversion equipment (such as frequency converters) with no rotating parts; 8502.40 covers rotary electric generating sets. 8511.40 Starter motors and dual-purpose starter-generators: 8511.40 covers starter motors and dual-purpose starter-generators for internal combustion engines, with special functions, while 8502.40 covers independent generating sets. Is the prime mover an electric motor? Is the output power clearly specified? Are the current type and frequency declared? Does it include an internal combustion engine or steam turbine? Is it used for electrical energy form conversion?
Basis
The core of classification lies in the prime mover type. 8502.40 specifically refers to generating sets driven by electric motors, i.e., electric generating sets. If the prime mover is an internal combustion engine (diesel, gasoline) or steam turbine, it should be classified under 8502.11-8502.39. In addition, if the equipment has both power generation and conversion functions, the classification should be determined based on the primary function. Refer to the 'Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System' for 8502, which states that electric generating sets are used for electrical energy form conversion, such as frequency conversion, voltage transformation, DC to AC, etc.
Confused Codes：
8502.11 - Diesel generating sets (≤75kVA)
The prime mover is a diesel engine, while the prime mover of 8502.40 is an electric motor. Misreporting the prime mover will lead to classification errors.
8502.31 - Wind-powered generating sets
The prime mover is a wind turbine, belonging to renewable energy generation, with a different principle from electric generating sets.
8501.34 - AC generators (≤75kVA)
8501 covers standalone generators without a prime mover; 8502.40 covers generating sets including both an electric motor and a generator.
8504.40 - Static converters
8504.40 covers static conversion equipment (such as frequency converters) with no rotating parts; 8502.40 covers rotary electric generating sets.
8511.40 - Starter motors and dual-purpose starter-generators
8511.40 covers starter motors and dual-purpose starter-generators for internal combustion engines, with special functions, while 8502.40 covers independent generating sets.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the prime mover an electric motor?
✓ Is the output power clearly specified?
✓ Are the current type and frequency declared?
✓ Does it include an internal combustion engine or steam turbine?
✓ Is it used for electrical energy form conversion?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between electric generating sets and diesel generating sets? Electric generating sets are classified under 8502.40, with an electric motor as the prime mover; diesel generating sets are classified under 8502.11-8502.20, with a diesel engine as the prime mover. The core difference lies in the prime mover type, which must be clearly stated during declaration. How to determine whether a generating set belongs to 8502.40? First confirm whether the prime mover is an electric motor. If the generating set is driven by an electric motor and used for electrical energy form conversion (such as frequency conversion, voltage transformation), it is classified under 8502.40. If the prime mover is an internal combustion engine or steam turbine, it is classified under other subheadings. What is the most common error when declaring commodities under 8502.40? The most common error is misreporting the prime mover type, such as reporting an electric motor as a diesel engine, leading to classification under 8502.11. In addition, incorrect output power units can also easily cause disputes. How to distinguish between electric generating sets and static converters (8504.40)? Electric generating sets are rotating machinery, including an electric motor and a generator; static converters have no rotating parts, such as frequency converters and rectifiers. If the equipment has rotating parts, it should be classified under 8502.40. If an electric generating set is used for wind power generation, which code should it be classified under? If the wind-powered generating set itself is driven by wind, it should be classified under 8502.31; if the electric generating set is used in the conversion stage of wind power generation, it is still classified under 8502.40, because its prime mover is an electric motor. How to check the export tax rebate and regulatory conditions for commodities under 8502.40? Export tax rebates and regulatory conditions are adjusted with policies. It is recommended to check the latest tariff schedule through the General Administration of Customs website or the single window system, or consult a professional customs broker. Typically, a certificate of origin, invoice, packing list, etc. are required. How to fill in the brand and model when declaring an electric generating set? The brand should be the actual brand; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'. The model should be the complete specification code. If it is OEM production, the brand type should be selected as 'foreign brand (OEM production)'. How to avoid confusion between 8502.40 and 8501.34 in classification? 8501.34 covers standalone AC generators without a prime mover; 8502.40 covers generating sets including both an electric motor and a generator. If the equipment is already assembled as a generating set, it should be classified under 8502.40.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between electric generating sets and diesel generating sets?
A: Electric generating sets are classified under 8502.40, with an electric motor as the prime mover; diesel generating sets are classified under 8502.11-8502.20, with a diesel engine as the prime mover. The core difference lies in the prime mover type, which must be clearly stated during declaration.
Q: How to determine whether a generating set belongs to 8502.40?
A: First confirm whether the prime mover is an electric motor. If the generating set is driven by an electric motor and used for electrical energy form conversion (such as frequency conversion, voltage transformation), it is classified under 8502.40. If the prime mover is an internal combustion engine or steam turbine, it is classified under other subheadings.
Q: What is the most common error when declaring commodities under 8502.40?
A: The most common error is misreporting the prime mover type, such as reporting an electric motor as a diesel engine, leading to classification under 8502.11. In addition, incorrect output power units can also easily cause disputes.
Q: How to distinguish between electric generating sets and static converters (8504.40)?
A: Electric generating sets are rotating machinery, including an electric motor and a generator; static converters have no rotating parts, such as frequency converters and rectifiers. If the equipment has rotating parts, it should be classified under 8502.40.
Q: If an electric generating set is used for wind power generation, which code should it be classified under?
A: If the wind-powered generating set itself is driven by wind, it should be classified under 8502.31; if the electric generating set is used in the conversion stage of wind power generation, it is still classified under 8502.40, because its prime mover is an electric motor.
Q: How to check the export tax rebate and regulatory conditions for commodities under 8502.40?
A: Export tax rebates and regulatory conditions are adjusted with policies. It is recommended to check the latest tariff schedule through the General Administration of Customs website or the single window system, or consult a professional customs broker. Typically, a certificate of origin, invoice, packing list, etc. are required.
Q: How to fill in the brand and model when declaring an electric generating set?
A: The brand should be the actual brand; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'. The model should be the complete specification code. If it is OEM production, the brand type should be selected as 'foreign brand (OEM production)'.
Q: How to avoid confusion between 8502.40 and 8501.34 in classification?
A: 8501.34 covers standalone AC generators without a prime mover; 8502.40 covers generating sets including both an electric motor and a generator. If the equipment is already assembled as a generating set, it should be classified under 8502.40.
⚠️ 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.