HS Code 8501: Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)

Q: Is HS code 8501 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 8501 is part of the WCO Harmonized System and is the same in every WCO member country at the 6-digit level. Beyond 6 digits, each country extends the code under its own system (e.g. HTSUS in the US, CN/TARIC in the EU, HSK in Korea, CCCHS in China) for national tariff rates and trade statistics. To see how a specific country classifies this code, select a country.

Q: Which WCO edition does HS code 8501 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and revised approximately every five years. The current edition is HS 2022, which replaced HS 2017 on 1 January 2022. Codes are added, merged, or split between editions to reflect new products and trade patterns, so a code valid in one edition may not exist or may mean something different in another.

Q: How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 8501?

Beyond the international 6-digit level, each country adds its own digits — the US extends to 10 digits (HTSUS), the EU to 8 or 10 (CN/TARIC), China to 13 (CCCHS), Korea to 10 (HSK), Japan to 9, and so on. To find the full code used by a specific country, select a country in TradeInt's HS Code Tool and search for 8501.

What is HS Code 8501

HS Code 8501 covers Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). It is a 4-digit heading within Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recordersand reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts andaccessories of such articles), Section XVI. Its 6-digit subheadings are identical in every HS-adopting country; from the 7th digit onward, each country extends the code for its own tariff and statistics.

Explore global 2026 latest import export trade data and shipment records for Electric Motors and Generators on TradeInt global trade data platform

What does HS Code 8501 Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets) Cover?

Section XVI

Chapters (84-85) Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles

Chapter 85

Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recordersand reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts andaccessories of such articles

HS Code 8501

Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)

HS Code 850110

Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W

HS Code 850120

Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W

HS Code 850131

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output not exceeding 750W

HS Code 850132

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW

HS Code 850134

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 375kW

HS Code 850140

Electric motors; AC motors, single-phase

HS Code 850151

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output not exceeding 750W

HS Code 850152

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW

HS Code 850153

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 75kW

HS Code 850133

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 75kW but not exceeding 375kW

HS Code 850161

Generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output not exceeding 75kVA

HS Code 850162

Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA

HS Code 850163

Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 375kVA but not exceeding 750kVA

HS Code 850164

Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 750kVA

HS Code 850171

Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output not exceeding 50W

HS Code 850172

Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output exceeding 50W

HS Code 850180

Electric generators; (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators)

Click any HS code above to see live 2026 latest Electric Motors and Generators trade data including exporters, importers, and shipment volumes.

What HS Codes for Electrical Machinery Do Not Cover

Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery, equipment, recorded media, and parts. Goods frequently misclassified here but that belong elsewhere include:

Electrically heated blankets, pads, foot-muffs

Chapter 63

Electric medical instruments (X-ray, ECG, MRI)

Chapter 90

Electric vehicles

Chapter 87

Electric lamps and lighting fittings

heading 9405

This list highlights common classification errors only — it is not exhaustive. For binding classification, work with a licensed customs broker or qualified trade compliance professional.

Related HS Codes under Electric Motors and Generators HS 8501

HS Code 850110

Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W

HS Code 850120

Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W

HS Code 850131

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output not exceeding 750W

HS Code 850132

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW

HS Code 850133

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 75kW but not exceeding 375kW

HS Code 850134

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 375kW

HS Code 850140

Electric motors; AC motors, single-phase

HS Code 850151

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output not exceeding 750W

HS Code 850152

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW

HS Code 850153

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 75kW

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 8501?

HS code 8501 covers Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets), a heading within Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recordersand reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts andaccessories of such articles) of the WCO Harmonized System. Headings sit between the broad chapter level and the more specific 6-digit subheading level.

Is HS code 8501 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 8501 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 8501?