HS code for electric motors

Products described as electric motors are usually classified under heading 8501 of the Harmonized System. Pick the 6-digit subheading that matches your product, then add the importing country's national digits.

Heading 8501Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)

Subheadings of heading 8501

Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W
Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W
Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output not exceeding 750W
Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW
Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 75kW but not exceeding 375kW
Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 375kW
Electric motors; AC motors, single-phase
Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output not exceeding 750W
Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW
Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 75kW
Generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output not exceeding 75kVA
Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA
Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 375kVA but not exceeding 750kVA
Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 750kVA
Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output not exceeding 50W
Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output exceeding 50W
Electric generators; (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators)

Click a code to copy it.

How to confirm the code

Read the heading and subheading texts above and pick the one that describes what your product is made of and what it does.
Check the section and chapter notes of chapter 85, which can include or exclude products.
Add the national digits from the importing country's tariff (8 to 10 digits) and confirm with a customs broker, or ask customs for a binding ruling if the duty matters.

Search the HS code lookup →Chapter 85

Source: HS 2022 nomenclature, 6-digit level (UN Comtrade). Descriptions are in English, as in the official nomenclature. Digits after the 6th differ by country.

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Common questions

What is the HS code for electric motors?

Products described as electric motors are usually classified under HS heading 8501; the subheading depends on the material and use of the product. Confirm the full national code in the importing country's tariff.

Is the HS code the same in every country?

The first 6 digits are the same in every country that uses HS 2022, and national codes are built on them: the EU's CN, the US HTS, India's ITC-HS and HSN codes and Brazil's NCM all start with these digits. Each country adds its own digits (usually to 8 or 10) and sets the duty rate, so check the destination country's tariff.

What if my product is different?

Materials, function and how the product is put up can change the heading. Search your own description in the HS code lookup, read the chapter notes, and ask a customs broker or the customs authority for a ruling when in doubt.

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