HS Code: 850440
Phone charger
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter includes equipment for generating, converting, storing, and using electrical power, as well as electronic components, making it one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification. As a small power electronic device, a mobile phone charger has the core function of electrical energy conversion, so it is classified in this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8504 covers transformers, static converters (such as rectifiers), and inductors. Static converters include adapters, chargers, and inverters that convert alternating current to direct current. Mobile phone chargers use switching power supply technology to convert mains AC power into low-voltage DC power and are therefore typical static converters, so they are classified under 8504, not 8501 (electric motors) or 8506 (batteries).
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 04: indicates heading 8504, i.e., transformers, static converters, and inductors. Digits 5-6, 40: indicates subheading 850440, i.e., static converters. This subheading is further subdivided, such as 85044010 for stabilized power supplies, 85044020 for uninterruptible power supplies, 85044030 for inverters, and 85044090 for other static converters. Mobile phone chargers are usually classified under 85044090 (other) or under the corresponding subheading according to their specific function.
Classification Basis
A mobile phone charger is essentially a power electronic device that converts AC power into DC power and belongs to static converters. It does not have the mechanical energy output function of an electric motor, nor is it a battery (8506/8507), and it is certainly not wireless communication equipment (8517). Therefore, classification under 850440 is correct, rather than 8517 (mobile phone parts) or 8506 (batteries).

📝 Declaration Elements

Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared commodity should accurately describe it as a mobile phone charger, power adapter, etc., avoiding vague common names.
⚠️ Writing only "charger" without indicating the purpose, or incorrectly writing "battery charger."
Purpose
Explain the specific purpose of the charger, such as charging mobile phones, tablet computers, and other portable electronic devices.
⚠️ Writing generally "for charging" without specifying that it is for charging mobile phones.
Brand
Declare the brand name (such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, etc.); if there is no brand, indicate "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or failing to declare the brand truthfully.
Model
Fill in the model assigned by the manufacturer to distinguish products of different specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Output parameters
Declare the output voltage (V) and current (A) or power (W), such as 5V/2A, 9V/2A, etc.
⚠️ Writing only power without voltage and current, or incorrect parameters.
Whether fast charging is supported
State whether it has a fast charging function, such as support for QC, PD, and other protocols, which affects classification and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Failure to declare the fast charging protocol, resulting in incorrect classification or tariff application.
Brand type
Select "foreign brand (OEM production)," "foreign brand (other)," "domestic brand," or "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand types, such as mistakenly selecting OEM production as a domestic brand.
Export preferential treatment status
If exporting to a free trade agreement country, it is necessary to declare whether preferential tariffs are enjoyed, such as "the exported goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country."
⚠️ Omitting preferential treatment status, resulting in failure to enjoy tariff preferences.
Example:
Customs declaration example: Product name: Mobile phone charger Purpose: For charging mobile phones Brand: Apple Model: A2305 Output parameters: 5V/3A, 9V/2.22A, 12V/1.67A (20W) Whether fast charging is supported: Yes (supports PD fast charging) Brand type: Foreign brand (other) Export preferential treatment status: The exported goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country Classification: 85044090.90
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the product's function, working principle, and purpose. A mobile phone charger converts AC power into DC power through power electronics technology and belongs to static converters. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, 8504 includes "static converters," such as rectifiers, inverters, stabilized power supplies, etc. Mobile phone chargers are usually switching-mode power supply rectifiers, so they are classified under 850440. If a charger is imported together with a mobile phone and the mobile phone is not separately packaged, it may be classified as a mobile phone part (8517), but a charger imported separately is still classified under 8504.
Confused Codes:
85044010 - Stabilized power supply
The main function of a stabilized power supply is to stabilize output voltage, while the main function of a mobile phone charger is charging. Although it may have a voltage stabilization function, for classification purposes priority is given to classifying it as a charger under 85044090.
85044020 - Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
A UPS has energy storage and switching functions and can continue supplying power during a power outage, while a mobile phone charger has no energy storage element and only performs electrical energy conversion.
85044030 - Inverter
An inverter converts DC power into AC power, while a mobile phone charger converts AC power into DC power, with the opposite function.
85176200 - Wireless communication equipment
Some wireless chargers may have communication functions, but ordinary mobile phone chargers only perform electrical energy transmission and are not classified under 8517.
85076000 - Lithium-ion battery
A battery is an energy storage device, while a charger is an electrical energy conversion device. The two have different functions but are often confused.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: Which HS code should a mobile phone charger be classified under?
A: Usually under 85044090 (other static converters). However, note that if it is a stabilized power supply, it is classified under 85044010; if it is a UPS, under 85044020; and if it is an inverter, under 85044030. It is recommended to determine the code according to the product's actual function.
Q: Do wireless chargers and wired chargers have the same HS code?
A: Usually the same, both classified under 85044090, because their core function is electrical energy conversion. However, if a wireless charger has communication functions such as data transmission, 8517 may need to be considered, depending on the specific function.
Q: Is there a difference in classification between mobile phone chargers and power adapters?
A: The two are essentially the same, both being static converters, and are usually classified under the same code. However, if a power adapter is dedicated to specific equipment and has a voltage stabilization function, it may be classified under 85044010.
Q: Does a charger with fast charging function affect the HS code?
A: The fast charging function itself does not affect the HS code, and it is still classified under 85044090. However, when declaring, output parameters and fast charging protocols must be truthfully filled in so that customs can confirm the classification.
Q: What elements need to be declared when importing mobile phone chargers?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, purpose, brand, model, output parameters, whether fast charging is supported, brand type, export preferential treatment status, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for mobile phone chargers?
A: You can consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or check through the General Administration of Customs website or the single window. Tariff rates vary depending on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc., and the latest published version should be used.
Q: If a mobile phone charger is imported together with a mobile phone, is the classification different?
A: If the charger is imported together with the mobile phone as an accessory of the mobile phone, it is usually classified as a mobile phone under 8517; if imported separately, it is classified under 8504. The specific determination depends on the packaging and trade method.
Q: What special elements need to be declared when exporting mobile phone chargers to the United States?
A: In addition to conventional elements, attention should be paid to the FCC certification requirements for electronic products in the United States, but HS code declaration is still based on China's tariff. If preferential treatment under a free trade agreement is claimed, the preferential treatment status must be declared.
⚠️ 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.