85015200
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)
Of an output exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW
Subcodes (3)
Scope of subheading 850152 - multi-phase AC motors 750 W to 75 kW
Subheading 850152 of the Combined Nomenclature covers multi-phase alternating current motors with an output exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW. This is the most popular power range for electric motors in industry, covering drives for pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, mixers, machine tools, cranes and lifts. The dominant type is the three-phase induction (asynchronous) motor with squirrel-cage rotor, although permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) and synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM) are gaining increasing market share. Classification requires confirmation of multi-phase AC supply and output power in the range above 750 W to 75 kW. Multi-phase motors above 75 kW are classified under subheading 850153. Output power is measured at the shaft under S1 conditions (IEC 60034). This is the most heavily traded electric motor subheading, with the largest import volume into the EU.
Ecodesign and regulatory requirements for multi-phase motors 750 W-75 kW
The Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 imposes stringent efficiency requirements on three-phase induction motors under subheading 850152. Since July 2023, motors rated 0.75–75 kW must meet at least efficiency class IE3 (premium efficiency). Motors rated 0.75–75 kW with 2, 4, 6 or 8 poles are subject to these requirements without exception. Exemptions include ATEX motors for explosive atmospheres, brake motors and motors for special applications specified in the regulation. The LVD Directive (2014/35/EU), EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) and Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 apply to equipment and machines containing these motors. RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU) covers consumer devices. WEEE (2012/19/EU) imposes recycling obligations. CBAM does not apply to motors from Chapter 85. Import documentation must include a specification with the IE efficiency class confirmed by the manufacturer.
Customs duties and trade in multi-phase AC motors 750 W-75 kW
MFN duty rates for multi-phase AC motors under subheading 850152 should be verified in TARIC. This is the subheading with the largest trade volume among electric motors - three-phase induction motors rated 0.75–75 kW form the backbone of industrial drives worldwide. China is the main exporter, supplying the majority of motors imported into the EU in this category. Historically, the European Commission has imposed anti-dumping duties on certain motors from China - importers should check the current status of trade measures in TARIC. Preferential rates under FTAs (CETA, EPA, EVFTA, TCA) require compliance with rules of origin. IE3 requirements eliminate low-efficiency motors from the EU market, affecting import structure and prices. Imports from sanctioned countries are subject to restrictions. VAT is charged on import.
Ecodesign requirements for electric motors 8501 52
Electric motors under CN 8501 52 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
What efficiency class must motors under subheading 850152 meet from 2023?
Under Regulation (EU) 2019/1781, three-phase induction motors rated 0.75–75 kW with 2, 4, 6 or 8 poles must meet at least efficiency class IE3 (premium efficiency) per IEC 60034-30-1 since July 2023. Motors not meeting this requirement cannot be placed on the EU market. Exemptions include ATEX motors, brake motors, single-speed motors with frequency converter operation (which may meet IE2 when operated with an inverter) and other categories listed in the regulation. The nameplate must display the IE class designation.
Do anti-dumping duties apply to three-phase motors from China?
Historically, the European Commission has conducted anti-dumping proceedings concerning electric motors from China. The current status of anti-dumping or countervailing measures on motors under subheading 850152 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database before each customs clearance. TARIC contains current information on applicable additional duties, quotas and duty suspensions. The importer should enter the correct 10-digit TARIC code and country of origin for the system to display all applicable trade measures.
Are PMSM and SynRM motors classified under the same subheading as induction motors?
Yes, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) and synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM) rated above 750 W to 75 kW, powered by multi-phase AC, are classified under subheading 850152, the same as induction motors. This subheading covers all multi-phase AC motors within the given power range, regardless of operating principle. PMSM and SynRM motors achieve efficiency classes IE4-IE5 and are increasingly popular in applications requiring the highest energy efficiency. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
What ecodesign requirements apply to motors under 8501 52?
Motors under CN 8501 52 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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