Chapter 85 covers various electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof, as well as sound recording or reproducing equipment, television image and sound recording or reproducing equipment and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment. Vacuum cleaners, as household electrical appliances, are classified under 8508 as complete machines, while their dedicated parts are classified under the subheading following 8508. Heading 8508 covers vacuum cleaners, including electric vacuum cleaners for household, industrial and similar uses, whether or not with a dust collection device. This heading includes both complete machines and their dedicated parts. However, it should be noted that certain general-purpose parts of vacuum cleaners (such as electric motors, switches, power cords) should not be classified under 8508 if they can be classified under other headings. Heading 8508 is divided into multiple subheadings, with 850870 being the subheading for dedicated parts. Code 850870 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 85 represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 8508 (vacuum cleaners). Digits 5-6, 70, represent subheading 850870, specifically referring to parts of vacuum cleaners. In the HS classification, the first four digits are internationally harmonized headings, and the last two digits are subheadings, which individual countries may further subdivide. 850870 specifically refers to parts used in vacuum cleaners, rather than complete machines or parts of other electrical equipment. The goods are dedicated parts of vacuum cleaners, such as dust bags, filters, suction tubes, floor brushes, etc. These parts are exclusively used in vacuum cleaners under heading 8508 and cannot be classified under other more specific headings. Therefore, according to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, they should be classified under 850870. If the parts are general-purpose electrical parts (such as electric motors), they may be classified under 8501 or 8503, etc., rather than 850870.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers various electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof, as well as sound recording or reproducing equipment, television image and sound recording or reproducing equipment and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment. Vacuum cleaners, as household electrical appliances, are classified under 8508 as complete machines, while their dedicated parts are classified under the subheading following 8508.
Heading
Heading 8508 covers vacuum cleaners, including electric vacuum cleaners for household, industrial and similar uses, whether or not with a dust collection device. This heading includes both complete machines and their dedicated parts. However, it should be noted that certain general-purpose parts of vacuum cleaners (such as electric motors, switches, power cords) should not be classified under 8508 if they can be classified under other headings. Heading 8508 is divided into multiple subheadings, with 850870 being the subheading for dedicated parts.
Digit Breakdown
Code 850870 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 85 represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 8508 (vacuum cleaners). Digits 5-6, 70, represent subheading 850870, specifically referring to parts of vacuum cleaners. In the HS classification, the first four digits are internationally harmonized headings, and the last two digits are subheadings, which individual countries may further subdivide. 850870 specifically refers to parts used in vacuum cleaners, rather than complete machines or parts of other electrical equipment.
Classification Basis
The goods are dedicated parts of vacuum cleaners, such as dust bags, filters, suction tubes, floor brushes, etc. These parts are exclusively used in vacuum cleaners under heading 8508 and cannot be classified under other more specific headings. Therefore, according to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, they should be classified under 850870. If the parts are general-purpose electrical parts (such as electric motors), they may be classified under 8501 or 8503, etc., rather than 850870.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods should be specific and clear, such as "dust bag for vacuum cleaner". Use: Indicate what type of vacuum cleaner the part is dedicated to, such as household, industrial, handheld, etc. Material: Main constituent materials, such as plastic, metal, paper, non-woven fabric, etc. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, indicate "no brand". Model: Part model or compatible vacuum cleaner model, to facilitate customs confirmation of dedicated use. Whether Dedicated Part: Clearly declare whether the part is dedicated to vacuum cleaners under heading 8508. Composition Content: For composite material parts, declare the content of each component, such as the proportion of HEPA filter paper in a filter. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Dust bag for vacuum cleaner
Use: Dedicated to household vacuum cleaner
Material: Non-woven fabric + paper
Brand: XX brand
Model: VB-100
Whether Dedicated Part: Yes
Composition Content: Non-woven fabric 70%, paper 30%
HS Code: 8508700000 Misclassifying general-purpose parts (such as power cords, switches) under 850870; they should be classified under 8544 or 8536, etc. Failing to distinguish complete machines from parts, classifying complete machines under 850870 when they should actually be classified under the preceding subheadings of 8508. Incorrect judgment of dedicated nature, such as declaring parts that can be used in other equipment as dedicated parts.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods should be specific and clear, such as "dust bag for vacuum cleaner".
⚠️ Declaring only as "vacuum cleaner parts", which is too general and easily questioned by customs.
Use
Indicate what type of vacuum cleaner the part is dedicated to, such as household, industrial, handheld, etc.
⚠️ Not indicating the dedicated nature, leading to misclassification under other headings.
Material
Main constituent materials, such as plastic, metal, paper, non-woven fabric, etc.
⚠️ Inaccurate material declaration, such as declaring a paper dust bag as plastic.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Brand does not match actual product, or brand and model not declared.
Model
Part model or compatible vacuum cleaner model, to facilitate customs confirmation of dedicated use.
⚠️ Missing or incorrect model, affecting classification.
Whether Dedicated Part
Clearly declare whether the part is dedicated to vacuum cleaners under heading 8508.
⚠️ Declaring general-purpose parts as dedicated parts, leading to classification errors.
Composition Content
For composite material parts, declare the content of each component, such as the proportion of HEPA filter paper in a filter.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Dust bag for vacuum cleaner
Use: Dedicated to household vacuum cleaner
Material: Non-woven fabric + paper
Brand: XX brand
Model: VB-100
Whether Dedicated Part: Yes
Composition Content: Non-woven fabric 70%, paper 30%
HS Code: 8508700000
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying general-purpose parts (such as power cords, switches) under 850870; they should be classified under 8544 or 8536, etc.
Failing to distinguish complete machines from parts, classifying complete machines under 850870 when they should actually be classified under the preceding subheadings of 8508.
Incorrect judgment of dedicated nature, such as declaring parts that can be used in other equipment as dedicated parts.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criterion for classification is: whether the part is dedicated to vacuum cleaners under heading 8508. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, parts of 8508 that are dedicated to vacuum cleaners are classified under 850870; if they are general-purpose parts, they are classified under other headings according to material or function. Additionally, consideration should be given to whether the parts constitute the essential character of a complete machine; if they already constitute a complete machine, they should be classified under the complete machine subheading. 850811 Electric vacuum cleaners, power ≤1500W: 850811 is for complete machines, 850870 is for parts. If a complete vacuum cleaner is imported, it should be classified under 850811; if it is a part, it should be classified under 850870. 850819 Other electric vacuum cleaners: Also a complete machine subheading, applicable to power >1500W or other types. Parts are not classified here. 850990 Parts of household electrical appliances: 850990 covers parts of household electrical appliances under heading 8509, but vacuum cleaners are classified under 8508, and their parts should be classified under 850870, not 850990. 854442 Wire and cable: If the vacuum cleaner part is a power cord with independent connection function, it should be classified under 854442, not 850870. 848180 Valves, etc.: Certain valves in vacuum cleaners, if general-purpose, may be classified under 8481, but if dedicated to vacuum cleaners, they remain under 850870. Confirm whether the part is dedicated to vacuum cleaners. Confirm whether the part constitutes the essential character of a complete machine. Confirm whether the part is a general-purpose electrical part. Verify whether the part material matches the declaration. Check whether additional declaration elements such as brand and model are required.
Basis
The core criterion for classification is: whether the part is dedicated to vacuum cleaners under heading 8508. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, parts of 8508 that are dedicated to vacuum cleaners are classified under 850870; if they are general-purpose parts, they are classified under other headings according to material or function. Additionally, consideration should be given to whether the parts constitute the essential character of a complete machine; if they already constitute a complete machine, they should be classified under the complete machine subheading.
Confused Codes：
850811 - Electric vacuum cleaners, power ≤1500W
850811 is for complete machines, 850870 is for parts. If a complete vacuum cleaner is imported, it should be classified under 850811; if it is a part, it should be classified under 850870.
850819 - Other electric vacuum cleaners
Also a complete machine subheading, applicable to power >1500W or other types. Parts are not classified here.
850990 - Parts of household electrical appliances
850990 covers parts of household electrical appliances under heading 8509, but vacuum cleaners are classified under 8508, and their parts should be classified under 850870, not 850990.
854442 - Wire and cable
If the vacuum cleaner part is a power cord with independent connection function, it should be classified under 854442, not 850870.
848180 - Valves, etc.
Certain valves in vacuum cleaners, if general-purpose, may be classified under 8481, but if dedicated to vacuum cleaners, they remain under 850870.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the part is dedicated to vacuum cleaners.
✓ Confirm whether the part constitutes the essential character of a complete machine.
✓ Confirm whether the part is a general-purpose electrical part.
✓ Verify whether the part material matches the declaration.
✓ Check whether additional declaration elements such as brand and model are required.
❓ FAQ
Which HS code should dust bags for vacuum cleaners be classified under? If the dust bag is dedicated to vacuum cleaners, it should be classified under 850870. However, note that if the dust bag is a general-purpose type that can be used in other vacuum equipment, it may be classified by material, such as paper under 4819, non-woven fabric under 6307, etc. How to determine whether vacuum cleaner parts are dedicated or general-purpose? Dedicated parts refer to parts used solely or principally in vacuum cleaners under heading 8508, such as floor brushes, suction tubes, dedicated filters. General-purpose parts such as electric motors, switches, power cords, if usable in other equipment, should be classified according to their function or material. Which code should electric motors for vacuum cleaners be classified under? If the electric motor for a vacuum cleaner is a general-purpose motor, it should be classified under 8501; if it is a motor dedicated to vacuum cleaners and forms an inseparable whole with the vacuum cleaner, it may still be classified under 850870. However, typically electric motors as independent components are classified under 8501. What is the difference between 850870 and 850990? 850870 specifically refers to parts of vacuum cleaners, while 850990 refers to parts of other household electrical appliances, such as parts of food grinders and juice extractors. Complete vacuum cleaners are classified under 8508, and their parts under 850870, not 850990. What declaration elements are required for importing vacuum cleaner parts? Product name, use, material, brand, model, whether dedicated part, composition content, etc. are required. For details, refer to the "Standardized Declaration Catalogue" published by customs. Does the classification change if the vacuum cleaner filter contains HEPA material? If the HEPA filter is dedicated to vacuum cleaners, it remains under 850870. However, if the HEPA filter is a general-purpose air filtration material, it may be classified under 8421. The key is whether it is dedicated to vacuum cleaners. How to check the import tariff rate for vacuum cleaner parts? Tariff rates can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the "Import and Export Tariff", or by using customs commodity code query tools. Note that tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to refer to the latest published rates. How to choose HS codes for cross-border e-commerce sales of vacuum cleaner parts? Choose based on the dedicated nature of the parts. If they are dedicated parts, choose 850870; if they are general-purpose parts, choose according to material or function. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use the customs classification advance ruling service.
Q: Which HS code should dust bags for vacuum cleaners be classified under?
A: If the dust bag is dedicated to vacuum cleaners, it should be classified under 850870. However, note that if the dust bag is a general-purpose type that can be used in other vacuum equipment, it may be classified by material, such as paper under 4819, non-woven fabric under 6307, etc.
Q: How to determine whether vacuum cleaner parts are dedicated or general-purpose?
A: Dedicated parts refer to parts used solely or principally in vacuum cleaners under heading 8508, such as floor brushes, suction tubes, dedicated filters. General-purpose parts such as electric motors, switches, power cords, if usable in other equipment, should be classified according to their function or material.
Q: Which code should electric motors for vacuum cleaners be classified under?
A: If the electric motor for a vacuum cleaner is a general-purpose motor, it should be classified under 8501; if it is a motor dedicated to vacuum cleaners and forms an inseparable whole with the vacuum cleaner, it may still be classified under 850870. However, typically electric motors as independent components are classified under 8501.
Q: What is the difference between 850870 and 850990?
A: 850870 specifically refers to parts of vacuum cleaners, while 850990 refers to parts of other household electrical appliances, such as parts of food grinders and juice extractors. Complete vacuum cleaners are classified under 8508, and their parts under 850870, not 850990.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing vacuum cleaner parts?
A: Product name, use, material, brand, model, whether dedicated part, composition content, etc. are required. For details, refer to the "Standardized Declaration Catalogue" published by customs.
Q: Does the classification change if the vacuum cleaner filter contains HEPA material?
A: If the HEPA filter is dedicated to vacuum cleaners, it remains under 850870. However, if the HEPA filter is a general-purpose air filtration material, it may be classified under 8421. The key is whether it is dedicated to vacuum cleaners.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for vacuum cleaner parts?
A: Tariff rates can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the "Import and Export Tariff", or by using customs commodity code query tools. Note that tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to refer to the latest published rates.
Q: How to choose HS codes for cross-border e-commerce sales of vacuum cleaner parts?
A: Choose based on the dedicated nature of the parts. If they are dedicated parts, choose 850870; if they are general-purpose parts, choose according to material or function. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use the customs classification advance ruling service.
⚠️ 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.