Electric Motor (HS Code 8501512040)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8501514040 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8501516020 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8501106040 | 37.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8501723000 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8501106040 | 37.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
β‘ Electric Motors: The Power Behind Global Trade
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Electric Motors"?
Electric motors are the core drive components in industrial automation, consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and household appliances. In international trade, they are broadly categorized into AC Motors (Alternating Current) and DC Motors (Direct Current), with furtherη»ε based on power output, phase, and specific applications (e.g., gear motors, brushless DC).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- AC Motors: Generally used in industrial machinery, pumps, fans. Multi-phase AC motors often fall under 8501.51.
- DC Motors: Used in small electronics, tools, and appliances. Brushless DC (BLDC) motors with specific power ranges may fall under 8501.10 or 8501.72.
- Gear Motors: If the motor is integrated with a gearbox for specific use, it may still fall under 8501.51.60.20.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Total Tax Rate | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8501.51.40.40 |
AC Motor, Multi-phase, Output Power within specified range | Industrial multi-phase AC motors | 37.5% | Base: 2.5%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
8501.51.60.20 |
AC Motor, specifically matched with Gear Motor for specific use | Gear motors, specialized industrial drives | 37.5% | Base: 2.5%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
8501.10.60.40 |
DC Brushless Motor, Output Power 18.65Wβ37.5W | Small electronics, drones, precision instruments | 37.8% | Base: 2.8%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
8501.72.30.00 |
Electric Motor (General Category) | Other electric motors not specifically listed above | 37.5% | Base: 2.5%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
8501106040 |
DC Brushless Motor (18.65Wβ37.5W), confirmed by coding | Same as above, 10-digit HS Code format | 37.8% | Base: 2.8%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
π Important Note:
- All listed HS Codes are subject to US Import Tariffs including Base Tariff, Section 301 (25%), and Section 122 (10%).
- Total Tax Rates range from 37.5% to 37.8%, depending on the specific motor type and power rating.
- Section 301 applies to Chinese-origin goods; Section 122 is a recent additional tariff on certain Chinese imports.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current (2026)
π― 1. 8501.51.40.40 β AC Motor, Multi-phase, Specified Power Range
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8501.51.40.40 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Section 301: Imposed under U.S. Trade Act of 1974, Section 301, targeting Chinese goods.
- Section 122: Additional tariff on specific Chinese imports, effective from 2025.
- Total 37.5%: High tariff rate, requires careful cost planning.
π― 2. 8501.51.60.20 β AC Gear Motor, Specific Use
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8501.51.60.20 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Identical tariff structure to8501.51.40.40.
- Applies to gear motors specifically designed for certain applications.
π― 3. 8501.10.60.40 / 8501106040 β DC Brushless Motor (18.65Wβ37.5W)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.8% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 37.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8501.10.60.40 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Slightly higher base tariff (2.8%) due to DC brushless classification.
- Total rate 37.8% is the highest among the listed codes.
π― 4. 8501.72.30.00 β Other Electric Motors
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8501.72.30.00 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Catch-all category for motors not specified in other subheadings.
- Same tariff structure as most AC motors.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Must Provide)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Includes voltage, power, RPM, phase, type (AC/DC, brushless) |
| β Circuit Diagram / Structure Diagram | βοΈ | To confirm if itβs a gear motor or integrated system |
| β Product Photos (with Nameplate) | βοΈ | Clear view of model, brand, input/output specs |
| β Third-party Test Report | βοΈ | FCC, CE, RoHS, UL (if applicable) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state βElectric Motor, AC/DC, Power: XX Wβ |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, may qualify for lower tariffs |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show relationship between motor and accessories |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βMotor Type, Power, Phase: Define Clearly, Avoid Misclassification!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-phase AC Motor | 8501.51.40.40 |
Misclassified as βgeneric motorβ β 37.5% |
| Gear Motor | 8501.51.60.20 |
Misclassified as standard AC motor β 37.5% |
| DC Brushless (18.65Wβ37.5W) | 8501.10.60.40 |
Misclassified as DC motor <18.65W β 2.5% + penalties |
| Other Electric Motor | 8501.72.30.00 |
Misclassified under wrong HS β Audit risk |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Motors | Provide customer order + design drawings to avoid βnon-standardβ classification |
| Motors with Integrated Gearbox | Declare as 8501.51.60.20 if specifically for gear use |
| Brushless DC Motors | Ensure power range is clearly stated; otherwise, may be misclassified |
| Motors for Medical/Industrial Use | If specialized, provide proof to avoid generic classification |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 8501.51.40.40 or similar |
37.5%β37.8% (China origin) | FCC + RoHS | High tariff due to Section 301 & 122 |
| π¨π³ China | 8501.51.40.40 |
5%β7% | CCC + RoHS | No additional tariffs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 8501.51.40.40 |
0%β2% (if CE certified) | CE + ErP | No Section 301/122 |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8501.51.40.40 |
5% | RCM | No additional tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8501.51.40.40 |
0%β2% | PSE | No additional tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the only market imposing high additional tariffs on Chinese-origin electric motors.
- Chinese-origin motors imported into the US face 37.5%β37.8% total tariffs, significantly impacting cost competitiveness.
- Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand) to mitigate tariff risks.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring βElectric Motorβ without specifying type/power
π Consequence: Customs reclassification β 37.8% instead of potential lower rate + penalties
β Mistake 2: Misclassifying DC Brushless Motors as generic DC motors
π Consequence: Underpayment β Audit, back taxes, fines
β Mistake 3: Omitting circuit diagrams for gear motors
π Consequence: Customs unsure if itβs a gear motor β Delayed clearance or return
β Mistake 4: Using vague terms like βMotorβ in commercial invoice
π Consequence: Misclassification risk β High tariffs + penalties
β Correct Practice:
βAC Motor, Multi-phase, 380V, 5.5kW, Industrial Use, Model XYZ, FCC & RoHS Certifiedβ
βDC Brushless Motor, 25W, 12V, Precision Instrument, Model ABC, CE Certifiedβ
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βMotor Type, Power, Phase: Define Clearly, Avoid Misclassification!β
πΉ βHS Code Determines Tariff, 37.5% vs 2.5% Difference, One Step Wrong, Thousands Lost!β
π Pro Tip:
If your motors are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, you may apply for IEEPA Exemption or lower tariffs under free trade agreements.
Recommend Applying for Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) before shipment to avoid customs risks.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Images + Apply for HS Code Pre-classification
π Ensure Your Motors Clear Customs Smoothly, Boost Profits, Stay Competitive!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent Counts in International Trade!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.