Heading 8504

Electrical transformers, static converters (for example, rectifiers) and inductors; parts thereof

54 declarable lines

Heading 8504 covers electrical transformers, static converters such as rectifiers, power supplies and inverters, inductors, and their parts. The heading splits first by article type: ballasts, liquid dielectric transformers, other transformers, static converters, other inductors, then parts. Within transformers and converters, the subheadings split further by power handling capacity or power output and by the end use of the goods.

Products in this heading

Laptop and notebook power adapters
USB phone chargers and AC-to-DC power supplies
Fluorescent lamp ballasts for discharge lamps
Pole-mounted and pad-mounted distribution transformers
Solar or automotive power inverters
Toroidal and ferrite core inductors
Ferrite cores and transformer laminations sold as parts
Speed drive controllers for electric motors

How to choose the right subheading

Decide the article type first: ballast, transformer, static converter, inductor, or part.
For transformers, check whether the cooling medium is liquid dielectric or dry, then the power handling capacity in kVA.
For other transformers, the capacity bands are 1 kVA, 16 kVA, 500 kVA, with separate lines under 1 kVA for rated and unrated units.
For static converters, check whether the unit is a power supply for ADP machines or telecom apparatus before using the residual converter lines.
For converters and inverters, the power output or capacity in watts decides the line within the subheading.

Often confused with

Electric motors and generators
Heading 8504 covers transformers and static converters, not rotating machines.
Heading 8501
Rechargeable batteries and power banks
Cells that store energy are batteries, not converters.
Heading 8507
Surge suppressors, plugs and sockets
Connecting and protecting apparatus for circuits up to 1,000 V is classified in 8536.
Heading 8536
LED light bulbs and lamp assemblies
Finished lamps and LED light sources go to 8539, while lamp ballasts remain in 8504.
Heading 8539
Voltage regulator chips on a semiconductor die
Electronic integrated circuits are classified in 8542 even when they regulate voltage.
Heading 8542

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a laptop power adapter?

A power supply suitable for physical incorporation into an automatic data processing machine is classified under 8504.40.60.01 when the power output does not exceed 50 W, at a general (MFN) rate of Free. Standalone external adapters that are not for incorporation fall under 8504.40.70.01, also at a general (MFN) rate of Free.

What is the duty on a small transformer rated under 40 VA?

Other transformers with a power handling capacity under 1 kVA and less than 40 VA are classified under 8504.31.40.35 at a general (MFN) rate of 6.6%. Units rated 40 VA or greater but under 1 kVA go to 8504.31.40.65, also at 6.6%.

How do I classify a power inverter?

Inverters fall in the residual static converter group and are split by capacity: 8504.40.95.71 covers inverters of a capacity not exceeding 200 W and 8504.40.95.75 covers those exceeding 650 W but not exceeding 20,000 W, both at a general (MFN) rate of Free. Larger units use 8504.40.95.77 or 8504.40.95.78, also Free.

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.