Heading 8501

Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)

71 declarable lines

Heading 8501 covers electric motors and electric generators, but not complete generating sets. The heading splits first by machine type: small motors of 37.5 W or less, universal AC/DC motors, other DC motors and DC generators, single-phase AC motors, multi-phase AC motors, AC generators (alternators), and photovoltaic generators. Within each group the subheading depends mainly on output power, then on AC or DC current, phase, gear motor design, and end use.

Products in this heading

Brushless DC fan motor rated 12 W
Single-phase AC gear motor rated 0.5 kW
Three-phase AC induction motor rated 5 kW
Universal AC/DC motor for a hand-held power tool
DC generator rated 500 W
AC alternator rated 100 kVA
Photovoltaic DC generator rated 40 W

How to choose the right subheading

Decide whether the article is a motor or a generator; the heading separates them at the subheading level.
Measure the output in watts or kW, since power bands set most subheadings, for example 37.5 W, 750 W, 75 kW and 375 kW.
For motors, determine whether the current is AC or DC; for AC, whether it is single-phase, multi-phase, or universal AC/DC.
Check whether the motor is a gear motor, which has its own lines under the single-phase and multi-phase AC subheadings.
Check special end uses such as use in civil aircraft or as propulsion for electrically powered vehicles, which can change the rate.

Often confused with

Diesel or gasoline engine driving an alternator as a complete unit
Complete generating sets and rotary converters are classified in 8502, not 8501.
Heading 8502
Power supply unit that converts AC to DC
Static converters and transformers belong to 8504.
Heading 8504
Vacuum cleaner with a built-in electric motor
The complete appliance is classified in 8508, not its motor.
Heading 8508
Kitchen blender or food processor with built-in motor
Electromechanical domestic appliances are classified in 8509.
Heading 8509
Unmounted solar cells assembled into modules or panels
Photovoltaic cells and modules are classified in 8541; 8501 covers photovoltaic generators.
Heading 8541

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a 20 W brushless DC motor?

A brushless DC motor rated above 18.65 W but not over 37.5 W falls under 8501.10.60.40, with a general (MFN) rate of 2.8%.

What is the duty on a 1 kW single-phase AC gear motor?

A single-phase AC gear motor above 746 W is classified under 8501.40.60.20, with a general (MFN) rate of 3.7%.

How do I classify a 5 kW photovoltaic DC generator?

A photovoltaic DC generator over 750 W but not over 75 kW is classified under 8501.72.20.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 2%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.