HS Code: 850490
Transformer and inductor components.
Languages: 中文 English Español 日本語 한국어 Tiếng Việt ไทย Русский

📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 85 is the core chapter for electromechanical products in the HS classification system, covering electric motors, generators, transformers, batteries, switches, lamps, electronic components, and communication equipment. Goods in this chapter generally have the function of producing, converting, storing, or controlling electrical energy, and it is the main classification chapter for technology-intensive products in international trade. Within the chapter, they are arranged according to functional logic, from power generation (8501) to voltage transformation (8504) and then to end-use electrical applications (later sections of Chapter 85), reflecting a complete chain of electrical energy application.
Heading
Heading 8504 specifically covers transformers, static converters (such as rectifiers and inverters), and inductors. The common feature of these devices is that they change voltage, current, or frequency through the principle of electromagnetic induction, or use inductive properties for filtering and energy storage. This heading includes both complete equipment and their dedicated parts. Parts classification requires that they be "solely or principally used" with equipment under 8504 and that they themselves do not constitute goods more specifically covered by another heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 850490 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery, equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "04" represent heading 8504 (transformers, static converters, and inductors). Digits 5-6 "90" are the subheading, indicating "parts." Therefore, 850490 specifically refers to dedicated parts of transformers, static converters, and inductors, rather than complete equipment. If the part itself is a general-purpose item named in another heading (such as a plastic shell or bolt), it is not classified under this code.
Classification Basis
The goods are dedicated parts of transformers or inductors, such as cores, coils, and bobbins. They do not constitute complete equipment but are dedicated for use with equipment under 8504. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, if parts are not more specifically named in other headings and are solely or principally used with 8504 equipment, they should be classified under 850490. If the parts are general-purpose electronic components (such as capacitors or resistors), they are classified under their respective headings.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the type of part, such as "transformer core" or "inductor coil."
⚠️ Declaring it generically as "transformer parts" without specifying the type.
Use
Explain what equipment the part is dedicated for, such as "for power transformers" or "for switching power supply inductors."
⚠️ The description of use is too broad, such as "for electrical appliances."
Material
Declare the main material of the part, such as silicon steel sheet, copper wire, ferrite, plastic, etc.
⚠️ Writing only "metal" without distinguishing the specific material.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing the brand with the manufacturer, or omitting it.
Model
Fill in the model or specification of the part to facilitate customs identification.
⚠️ The model is incomplete or inconsistent with the actual item.
Whether Dedicated Part
Confirm whether the part is dedicated for use with equipment under 8504, answering "yes" or "no."
⚠️ Misreporting a general-purpose part as a dedicated part.
Working Principle
Briefly explain the role of the part in the equipment, such as "for magnetic conduction" or "for electrical conduction."
⚠️ The description is too technical or too simple.
Example:
Product Name: Transformer core; Use: For power transformers; Material: Silicon steel sheet; Brand: No brand; Model: EI-100; Whether Dedicated Part: Yes; Working Principle: Forms the magnetic circuit and conducts magnetic flux.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the goods are solely or principally used with equipment under 8504; 2) whether the goods constitute complete equipment; 3) whether the goods are more specifically named in another heading. If a part is dedicated for use in transformers and is not named in another heading, it is classified under 850490. If the part is a general-purpose electronic component, it is classified according to the component.
Confused Codes:
850431 - Other transformers
850431 covers complete transformers, while 850490 covers their parts; the difference lies in whether they constitute complete equipment.
850450 - Other inductors
850450 covers complete inductors, while 850490 covers their parts; the difference lies in whether they have complete functionality.
854800 - Electrical parts of machinery or apparatus, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter
854800 covers electrical parts not named in other headings of Chapter 85; if a part is dedicated for use with 8504 equipment, it should preferentially be classified under 850490.
732690 - Other articles of iron or steel
If a transformer core is an article of iron or steel and does not constitute a dedicated part, it may be classified under 732690, but a dedicated core should be classified under 850490.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: Which HS code should a transformer core be classified under?
A: If a transformer core is dedicated for use in transformers and is not named in another heading, it should be classified under 850490. However, if the core is a general-purpose article of iron or steel, it may be classified under 732690. Judgment should be based on specificity of use.
Q: How should an inductor coil be classified?
A: If an inductor coil is dedicated for use in inductors, it should be classified under 850490. If the coil is a general-purpose winding, it may be classified under 854411 (copper winding wire). It is necessary to confirm whether it is dedicated.
Q: What is the difference between 850490 and 850450?
A: 850450 covers complete inductors, while 850490 covers parts of inductors. The difference lies in whether the goods have complete functionality. Parts cannot work independently and need to be assembled with other components.
Q: Should a transformer housing be classified under 850490?
A: If the housing is made of plastic and is dedicated for use in transformers, it may be classified under 850490; but if it is a general-purpose plastic shell, it should be classified under 392690. Judgment should be based on specificity of use.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 850490?
A: Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the International Trade Single Window. You may also consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What elements are required for declaring parts under 850490?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, use, material, brand, model, whether it is a dedicated part, working principle, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements.
Q: Are transformer parts and inductor parts classified under the same code?
A: Yes, 850490 covers parts of transformers and inductors. However, it is necessary to ensure that the parts are dedicated for use in these devices.
Q: If a part is a general-purpose item, can it still be classified under 850490?
A: No. General-purpose items should be classified according to their own material or function. For example, standard screws are classified under 7318, not 850490.
⚠️ 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.