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 includes various equipment for generating, transforming, storing, and using electricity, as well as appliances operating on the principles of electric heating, electric motive power, electromagnetism, etc. However, this chapter does not include: mechanical appliances of Chapter 84 (such as household washing machines, dishwashers, etc., which, although equipped with electric motors, are classified in Chapter 84 according to their function); optical, medical, and other instruments of Chapter 90; lamps and lighting fittings of Chapter 94; toys of Chapter 95, etc. The key characteristic of this chapter is that the primary function of the goods depends on electrical energy. Heading 8509 specifically covers household electrical appliances, including vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, food grinders, food mixers, juice extractors, etc., as well as other household electrical appliances listed under this heading, such as electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, electric hair clippers, etc. However, it should be noted that this heading does not include: electric dishwashers (classified under 8422), electric washing machines (classified under 8450), electric sewing machines (classified under 8452), electrothermic appliances (classified under 8516), etc. The core of this heading is "household" and "electric," and not more specifically named under other headings. Code 850980 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof). Digits 3-4 "09" represent heading 8509 (household electrical appliances, whether or not incorporating electric heating elements, other than appliances of heading 8516). Digits 5-6 "80" represent subheading 850980, i.e., "other household electrical appliances," referring to other household electrical appliances not specifically named under heading 8509. If it is a vacuum cleaner, it is classified under 8508; food grinders, etc. are classified under 8509.40; and 850980 is a residual subheading covering such items as electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, electric hair clippers, electric massagers (non-medical use), electric shoe polishers, etc. This commodity is classified under 850980 because it is a household electrical appliance and is not specifically named under other subheadings of 8509 (such as 850940 food grinders, mixers, juice extractors), nor is it more specifically named under other headings (such as 8510 electric shavers, electric hair clippers, but 8510 is a separate heading, so electric shavers should be classified under 8510 rather than 8509). Therefore, only goods that are household electrical appliances, do not fall under other subheadings of 8509, and do not fall under other headings are classified under 850980.
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 includes various equipment for generating, transforming, storing, and using electricity, as well as appliances operating on the principles of electric heating, electric motive power, electromagnetism, etc. However, this chapter does not include: mechanical appliances of Chapter 84 (such as household washing machines, dishwashers, etc., which, although equipped with electric motors, are classified in Chapter 84 according to their function); optical, medical, and other instruments of Chapter 90; lamps and lighting fittings of Chapter 94; toys of Chapter 95, etc. The key characteristic of this chapter is that the primary function of the goods depends on electrical energy.
Heading
Heading 8509 specifically covers household electrical appliances, including vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, food grinders, food mixers, juice extractors, etc., as well as other household electrical appliances listed under this heading, such as electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, electric hair clippers, etc. However, it should be noted that this heading does not include: electric dishwashers (classified under 8422), electric washing machines (classified under 8450), electric sewing machines (classified under 8452), electrothermic appliances (classified under 8516), etc. The core of this heading is "household" and "electric," and not more specifically named under other headings.
Digit Breakdown
Code 850980 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof). Digits 3-4 "09" represent heading 8509 (household electrical appliances, whether or not incorporating electric heating elements, other than appliances of heading 8516). Digits 5-6 "80" represent subheading 850980, i.e., "other household electrical appliances," referring to other household electrical appliances not specifically named under heading 8509. If it is a vacuum cleaner, it is classified under 8508; food grinders, etc. are classified under 8509.40; and 850980 is a residual subheading covering such items as electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, electric hair clippers, electric massagers (non-medical use), electric shoe polishers, etc.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 850980 because it is a household electrical appliance and is not specifically named under other subheadings of 8509 (such as 850940 food grinders, mixers, juice extractors), nor is it more specifically named under other headings (such as 8510 electric shavers, electric hair clippers, but 8510 is a separate heading, so electric shavers should be classified under 8510 rather than 8509). Therefore, only goods that are household electrical appliances, do not fall under other subheadings of 8509, and do not fall under other headings are classified under 850980.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the function of the goods, such as "electric toothbrush," "electric massager," etc. Use: Describe the usage scenario of the commodity, such as "household use," "personal care use," etc., emphasizing non-industrial, non-commercial use. Working Principle: Briefly describe the electric principle of the commodity, such as "electric motor driven," "electromagnetic vibration," etc., to distinguish from electrothermic appliances. Brand: The brand name of the declared commodity; if no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: The model or specification of the declared commodity, to facilitate customs identification. Power: The rated power (watts) of the commodity, reflecting its electric characteristics. Material: The main material of the commodity, such as plastic, metal, etc., to assist classification. Product Name: Electric toothbrush; Use: Household oral cleaning; Working Principle: Electric motor drives brush head vibration; Brand: Philips; Model: HX3216; Power: 1W; Material: Plastic + nylon bristles. Mistakenly classifying electric shavers under 850980, when they should actually be classified under 8510.10. Mistakenly classifying electrothermic appliances (such as hair dryers) under 8509, when they should be classified under 8516. Misdeclaring industrial electric appliances as household use, resulting in classification errors.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the function of the goods, such as "electric toothbrush," "electric massager," etc.
⚠️ Declaring generically as "household electrical appliance" or "small home appliance," resulting in unclear classification.
Use
Describe the usage scenario of the commodity, such as "household use," "personal care use," etc., emphasizing non-industrial, non-commercial use.
⚠️ Misdeclaring as "commercial use" or "industrial use," which may result in classification under other headings.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the electric principle of the commodity, such as "electric motor driven," "electromagnetic vibration," etc., to distinguish from electrothermic appliances.
⚠️ Misdeclaring electrothermic appliances (such as hair dryers) as electric appliances, which should be classified under 8516.
Brand
The brand name of the declared commodity; if no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
The model or specification of the declared commodity, to facilitate customs identification.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual goods.
Power
The rated power (watts) of the commodity, reflecting its electric characteristics.
⚠️ Incorrect power unit or failure to declare.
Material
The main material of the commodity, such as plastic, metal, etc., to assist classification.
⚠️ Material description too general.
Example： Product Name: Electric toothbrush; Use: Household oral cleaning; Working Principle: Electric motor drives brush head vibration; Brand: Philips; Model: HX3216; Power: 1W; Material: Plastic + nylon bristles.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying electric shavers under 850980, when they should actually be classified under 8510.10.
Mistakenly classifying electrothermic appliances (such as hair dryers) under 8509, when they should be classified under 8516.
Misdeclaring industrial electric appliances as household use, resulting in classification errors.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification criteria: First, confirm whether the commodity is a household electrical appliance; second, check whether it falls under a specifically named subheading of 8509 (such as vacuum cleaners 8508, food grinders 8509.40, etc.); third, exclude goods more specifically named under other headings (such as 8510 electric shavers, 8516 electrothermic appliances); finally, classify under 850980. It should also be noted that 8509 does not include electrothermic appliances of heading 8516; even if a product has both electric and electrothermic functions, if heating is the primary function, it is still classified under 8516. 8510 Electric shavers, electric hair clippers: 8510 is a separate heading specifically covering electric shavers and electric hair clippers; even if for household use, they are classified under 8510, not 8509. 8516 Electrothermic appliances: 8516 covers electrothermic appliances such as hair dryers, electric irons, rice cookers, etc. If the primary function of the commodity is electrothermic, even if equipped with an electric motor, it is classified under 8516. 8508 Vacuum cleaners: 8508 specifically covers vacuum cleaners, including household and industrial use; therefore, household vacuum cleaners are classified under 8508, not 8509. 8422 Dishwashers: 8422 covers household dishwashers, which are mechanical appliances; even if electric, they are classified under 8422, not 8509. 8450 Household washing machines: 8450 covers household washing machines, including those with electric devices; they are classified under 8450, not 8509. Is the commodity for household use? Is it electric rather than electrothermic? Does it fall under other subheadings of 8509? Does it fall under 8510 or 8516, etc.? Does it fall under Chapter 84 machinery?
Basis
Core classification criteria: First, confirm whether the commodity is a household electrical appliance; second, check whether it falls under a specifically named subheading of 8509 (such as vacuum cleaners 8508, food grinders 8509.40, etc.); third, exclude goods more specifically named under other headings (such as 8510 electric shavers, 8516 electrothermic appliances); finally, classify under 850980. It should also be noted that 8509 does not include electrothermic appliances of heading 8516; even if a product has both electric and electrothermic functions, if heating is the primary function, it is still classified under 8516.
Confused Codes：
8510 - Electric shavers, electric hair clippers
8510 is a separate heading specifically covering electric shavers and electric hair clippers; even if for household use, they are classified under 8510, not 8509.
8516 - Electrothermic appliances
8516 covers electrothermic appliances such as hair dryers, electric irons, rice cookers, etc. If the primary function of the commodity is electrothermic, even if equipped with an electric motor, it is classified under 8516.
8508 - Vacuum cleaners
8508 specifically covers vacuum cleaners, including household and industrial use; therefore, household vacuum cleaners are classified under 8508, not 8509.
8422 - Dishwashers
8422 covers household dishwashers, which are mechanical appliances; even if electric, they are classified under 8422, not 8509.
8450 - Household washing machines
8450 covers household washing machines, including those with electric devices; they are classified under 8450, not 8509.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the commodity for household use?
✓ Is it electric rather than electrothermic?
✓ Does it fall under other subheadings of 8509?
✓ Does it fall under 8510 or 8516, etc.?
✓ Does it fall under Chapter 84 machinery?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the specific tax rates for goods under 850980? You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or professional customs declaration software. Tax rates include import tariffs, value-added tax, consumption tax, etc., and different rates may apply depending on trade agreements and country of origin. It is recommended to refer to the latest customs tariff. Should electric toothbrushes be classified under 850980 or 960321? Electric toothbrushes should be classified under 850980 because they are household electrical appliances. 960321 covers toothbrushes (including dental plate brushes), but typically refers to non-electric toothbrushes. According to the General Rules for Interpretation, electric toothbrushes have an electric function and should be classified under Chapter 85. What is the difference between 850980 and 851020? 850980 covers other household electrical appliances, while 851020 covers electric shavers. Electric shavers are specifically named and should be classified under 8510 with priority, not 8509. Which code should an electric massager with heating function be classified under? If the primary function of the massager is massage (electric) and heating is an auxiliary function, it is classified under 850980; if the primary function is heating, it is classified under 8516. Judgment should be based on the working principle and primary function. What elements should be noted when declaring goods under 850980? It is necessary to declare the product name, use, working principle, brand, model, power, material, etc. Emphasis should be placed on stating that it is for household use and electric, to avoid confusion with electrothermic appliances. How can HS codes be determined for small home appliances sold via cross-border e-commerce? Determine based on the function, use, and working principle of the commodity. You can refer to customs tariffs, classification decisions, or consult professional customs brokers. Note that HS codes may differ slightly between countries, but the first 6 digits are usually consistent. Does 850980 include electric toys? No. Electric toys are classified under 9503 because Chapter 95 specifically names them. 8509 only covers household electrical appliances; toys are not household appliances. If a commodity is both electric and electrothermic, how should it be classified? Judge based on the primary function. If the primary function is electric (such as an electric blender with heating), it may be classified under 8509; if the primary function is electrothermic (such as an electric kettle), it is classified under 8516. Reference can be made to General Rule 3 (b).
Q: How can I check the specific tax rates for goods under 850980?
A: You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or professional customs declaration software. Tax rates include import tariffs, value-added tax, consumption tax, etc., and different rates may apply depending on trade agreements and country of origin. It is recommended to refer to the latest customs tariff.
Q: Should electric toothbrushes be classified under 850980 or 960321?
A: Electric toothbrushes should be classified under 850980 because they are household electrical appliances. 960321 covers toothbrushes (including dental plate brushes), but typically refers to non-electric toothbrushes. According to the General Rules for Interpretation, electric toothbrushes have an electric function and should be classified under Chapter 85.
Q: What is the difference between 850980 and 851020?
A: 850980 covers other household electrical appliances, while 851020 covers electric shavers. Electric shavers are specifically named and should be classified under 8510 with priority, not 8509.
Q: Which code should an electric massager with heating function be classified under?
A: If the primary function of the massager is massage (electric) and heating is an auxiliary function, it is classified under 850980; if the primary function is heating, it is classified under 8516. Judgment should be based on the working principle and primary function.
Q: What elements should be noted when declaring goods under 850980?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, use, working principle, brand, model, power, material, etc. Emphasis should be placed on stating that it is for household use and electric, to avoid confusion with electrothermic appliances.
Q: How can HS codes be determined for small home appliances sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: Determine based on the function, use, and working principle of the commodity. You can refer to customs tariffs, classification decisions, or consult professional customs brokers. Note that HS codes may differ slightly between countries, but the first 6 digits are usually consistent.
Q: Does 850980 include electric toys?
A: No. Electric toys are classified under 9503 because Chapter 95 specifically names them. 8509 only covers household electrical appliances; toys are not household appliances.
Q: If a commodity is both electric and electrothermic, how should it be classified?
A: Judge based on the primary function. If the primary function is electric (such as an electric blender with heating), it may be classified under 8509; if the primary function is electrothermic (such as an electric kettle), it is classified under 8516. Reference can be made to General Rule 3 (b).
⚠️ 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.