85013100
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND PARTS THEREOF; SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, TELEVISION IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF SUCH ARTICLES›Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)
Other DC motors; DC generators, other than photovoltaic generators - Of an output not exceeding 750 W
Scope of subheading 850131 - DC motors with output up to 750 W
Subheading 850131 of the Combined Nomenclature covers direct current (DC) motors with an output not exceeding 750 W (0.75 kW). This category encompasses a wide range of designs: brushed motors with permanent magnets, brushed motors with electromagnetic excitation, brushless DC (BLDC) motors and DC stepper motors within this power range. DC motors up to 750 W are used in industrial automation, robotics, small electric vehicles (scooters, e-bikes), ventilation systems, gate and shutter drives, pumps and conveyors. Key classification criteria: the motor must operate exclusively on direct current (it cannot be a universal AC/DC motor - those are classified under 850120) and shaft output must not exceed 750 W. DC motors from 750 W to 75 kW are classified under 850132. Output power is measured at the shaft under rated conditions specified by the manufacturer. A motor-generator (dynamo) is classified as a generator under subheadings 850171 or 850172. Classification follows GRI rules 1 and 6.
EU regulations for importing DC motors up to 750 W
Importing DC motors under subheading 850131 into the EU requires a customs declaration with the correct CN code and the importer's EORI number. These motors may be subject to the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) as components of electrical and electronic equipment - importers should hold a RoHS compliance declaration from the manufacturer. The WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) imposes obligations on manufacturers and importers of finished devices containing these motors. The Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for electric motors but primarily covers three-phase induction motors - DC motors are generally excluded. The LVD Directive (2014/35/EU) applies to equipment rated 75–1500 V DC, which may include motors powered at higher voltages. The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) applies to finished devices. Motors intended for electric vehicles may be subject to additional type-approval requirements. CBAM does not cover electric motors from Chapter 85. Import documentation: commercial invoice, technical specification with rated data, transport document.
Customs duties and trade in DC motors under subheading 850131
MFN duty rates for DC motors up to 750 W under subheading 850131 should be verified in TARIC before each customs clearance. DC motors used in IT equipment may qualify for a 0% ITA rate - this applies e.g. to computer fan motors or disk drive motors. Preferential rates are available under EU FTAs: CETA (Canada), EPA (Japan), EU-Korea, EVFTA (Vietnam), TCA (United Kingdom). Rules of origin must be met and proof of origin provided. China is the leading exporter of low-power DC motors - importers should check TARIC for current trade measures from this origin. Growing demand for BLDC motors in electric vehicles and IoT devices affects trade dynamics in this subheading. DC motors for e-scooters and e-bikes form a significant share of EU import volume. Imports from sanctioned countries require verification of current restrictions. VAT is charged at the national rate on import. The correct 10-digit TARIC code should be established before clearance.
Ecodesign requirements for electric motors 8501 31
Electric motors under CN 8501 31 are subject to Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781, requiring minimum efficiency class IE3 or IE4 for three-phase motors. Since 1 July 2023, motors 75–200 kW must meet IE4. MFN duty: 2.7%. Import requires a CE declaration (LVD + EMC) and ecodesign documentation. Non-compliant motors may be refused entry by market surveillance authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Is a brushless DC (BLDC) motor classified under subheading 850131?
Yes, brushless DC (BLDC) motors with shaft output up to 750 W are classified under subheading 850131 as they are DC motors from a customs classification perspective. Although BLDC motors use electronic commutation, they remain DC motors in terms of power supply and tariff classification. The key criterion is shaft output not exceeding 750 W and DC operation. If a BLDC motor is integrated with an inverter and control electronics into a single unit, classification may require analysis under GRI rule 3b. Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling is recommended in case of doubt.
How is DC motor output power correctly determined for customs classification?
Output power for DC motors classified under subheading 850131 is the mechanical power measured at the shaft under rated (continuous operation) conditions specified by the manufacturer on the nameplate or in the data sheet. It is not the electrical input power, which is higher due to losses. For motors with multiple duty cycles (e.g. S1, S2, S3 per IEC 60034), rated power refers to continuous duty S1. Correct power determination is critical as it decides classification: up to 750 W falls under 850131, while over 750 W up to 75 kW falls under 850132.
Are DC motors for electric bicycles under subheading 850131 subject to additional regulations?
DC motors for electric bicycles classified under subheading 850131 as standalone components are subject to standard import requirements. However, complete electric bicycles with an installed motor are classified under heading 8711 as motorcycles or 8712 as bicycles, depending on power and assist mode. Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 governs type-approval of two-wheeled vehicles. Bicycles with pedal assist up to 250 W and 25 km/h (pedelecs) fall under the Machinery Directive. A motor imported separately as a spare part does not require vehicle type-approval.
What ecodesign requirements apply to motors under 8501 31?
Motors under CN 8501 31 are subject to Regulation (EU) 2019/1781. Three-phase motors must meet IE3 or IE4 efficiency class depending on power and market placement date.
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