HS Heading 8501 : Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)
HEADING DEFINITION & DISAMBIGUATION
HS Heading 8501 encompasses electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). It classifies 17 6-digit WCO subheadings within Chapter 85 under the Harmonized System [USITC HTS 2026].
Subheadings Under Heading 8501
| HS Code | WCO 6-Digit Subheading Description | Chapter | Operational Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8501.10 | Motors of an output not exceeding 37.5 W | 85 | View 8501.10 Package → |
| 8501.20 | Universal AC/DC motors of an output exceeding 37.5 W | 85 | View 8501.20 Package → |
| 8501.31 | Other DC motors; DC generators, other than photovoltaic generators, Of an output not exceeding |
85 | View 8501.31 Package → |
| 8501.32 | Other DC motors; DC generators, other than photovoltaic generators, Of an output exceeding |
85 | View 8501.32 Package → |
| 8501.33 | Other DC motors; DC generators, other than photovoltaic generators, Of an output exceeding |
85 | View 8501.33 Package → |
| 8501.34 | Other DC motors; DC generators, other than photovoltaic generators, Of an output exceeding |
85 | View 8501.34 Package → |
| 8501.40 | Other AC motors, single-phase | 85 | View 8501.40 Package → |
| 8501.51 | Other AC motors, multi-phase, Of an output not exceeding |
85 | View 8501.51 Package → |
| 8501.52 | Other AC motors, multi-phase, Of an output exceeding |
85 | View 8501.52 Package → |
| 8501.53 | Other AC motors, multi-phase, Of an output exceeding |
85 | View 8501.53 Package → |
| 8501.61 | AC generators (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, Of an output not exceeding 75 kVA | 85 | View 8501.61 Package → |
| 8501.62 | AC generators (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, Of an output exceeding |
85 | View 8501.62 Package → |
| 8501.63 | AC generators (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, Of an output exceeding |
85 | View 8501.63 Package → |
| 8501.64 | AC generators (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, Of an output exceeding |
85 | View 8501.64 Package → |
| 8501.71 | Photovoltaic DC generators, Of an output not exceeding 50 W | 85 | View 8501.71 Package → |
| 8501.72 | Photovoltaic DC generators, Of an output exceeding 50 W | 85 | View 8501.72 Package → |
| 8501.80 | Photovoltaic AC generators | 85 | View 8501.80 Package → |
DISAMBIGUATION & CLASSIFICATION GUIDE
How to Select the Correct Subheading Under Heading 8501
Commercial shipments must be declared under the exact 6-digit WCO subheading that matches physical, chemical, or processing characteristics. Review the subheading descriptions above and verify against binding CBP CROSS rulings prior to entry filing.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Heading 8501 ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
CBP e-Rulings database for Heading 8501 precedent rulings.
WCO Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization Harmonized System 2022 nomenclature standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau HTS-to-NAICS concordance and Schedule B export database.
Heading 8501 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commercial articles are grouped under HS Heading 8501?
HS Heading 8501 covers Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets), grouping 17 6-digit WCO subheadings.
How are 6-digit subheadings structured under Heading 8501?
Subheadings under Heading 8501 range from 8501.11 to 8501.90, classifying goods by processing state, origin, or material composition.
What is the representative US import duty rate for Heading 8501?
US MFN general duty rates for Heading 8501 commodities range from Duty-Free up to representative ad valorem percentages under the 2026 US HTS.
Are Section 301 tariffs applicable to goods under Heading 8501?
Section 301 additional tariffs depend on the specific 8-digit or 10-digit US HTS code and country of origin (e.g. China Lists 1–4A).
What PGA message set flags apply to Heading 8501?
Partner Government Agency flags (FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA) apply depending on the specific commodity sub-classification.
How do I distinguish between subheadings under Heading 8501?
Review WCO subheading terms and candidate descriptions. For example, unroasted vs. roasted or decaffeinated vs. non-decaffeinated.
Can goods under Heading 8501 enter duty-free under USMCA?
Yes. Goods originating in USMCA territories (US, Mexico, Canada) enter duty-free under SPI code P with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Heading 8501?
Eligible import shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal customs entry of Heading 8501?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer get a binding CBP classification ruling for Heading 8501?
Importers may apply for a binding ruling via CBP National Commodity Specialist Division under 19 CFR Part 177.