85015300
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 75 kW
Subcodes (4)
Scope of subheading 850153 - multi-phase AC motors exceeding 75 kW
Subheading 850153 of the Combined Nomenclature covers multi-phase alternating current motors with an output exceeding 75 kW. These are high-power motors used in heavy industry: gas compressor drives, high-capacity water pumps, industrial fans, cement mills, crushers, rolling mills and mining drives. The dominant type is the three-phase induction (asynchronous) motor with squirrel-cage rotor, though the latest installations increasingly use permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) and synchronous reluctance motors achieving efficiency classes IE4-IE5. Motors in this power class are powered from medium-voltage supply (3.3 kV, 6.6 kV or 10 kV) and can range from 75 kW to several megawatts. Classification under subheading 850153 requires confirmation of multi-phase AC supply and shaft output exceeding 75 kW. There is no upper power limit in this subheading. Power refers to S1 conditions per IEC 60034. Classification follows GRI rules 1 and 6.
Ecodesign and regulatory requirements for AC motors exceeding 75 kW
The Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 imposes efficiency requirements on three-phase induction motors up to 1000 kW (1 MW). Since July 2023, motors rated 75–200 kW must meet at least IE3, while motors 200–1000 kW must meet at least IE2. Motors above 1000 kW are not yet subject to the regulation's requirements. Medium-voltage motors (above 1 kV) are subject to the LVD Directive for low voltage or national regulations for medium-voltage installations. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 covers motors forming part of a machine. ATEX motors for explosive atmospheres are subject to Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX). IEC 60034 defines rated parameters, insulation classes and protection ratings. CBAM does not apply to motors from Chapter 85. Import requires an EORI number and customs declaration with the correct CN code. Transport of large motors requires logistics planning due to weight and dimensions.
Customs duties and trade in multi-phase AC motors exceeding 75 kW
MFN duty rates for multi-phase AC motors under subheading 850153 should be verified in TARIC. This is a high unit value product category - motors above 75 kW cost from tens to hundreds of thousands of EUR. Main manufacturers include firms from Germany, Finland, Japan and China. Preferential rates under FTAs (CETA, EPA, EVFTA, TCA) require compliance with rules of origin. End-use procedure may enable duty reduction for motors destined for specific applications. Importers should check TARIC for current trade measures. Motors above 75 kW imported for modernisation of existing industrial installations represent a significant market segment. Imports from sanctioned countries are subject to restrictions. VAT is charged on import. TARIC codes should be verified before clearance.
Ecodesign requirements for electric motors 8501 53
Electric motors under CN 8501 53 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 AC motors exceeding 75 kW meet?
Under Regulation (EU) 2019/1781, three-phase induction motors rated 75–200 kW must meet at least IE3, while motors 200–1000 kW must meet at least IE2. Motors above 1000 kW are not yet subject to ecodesign requirements, though scope extensions are planned. IE classes are defined in IEC 60034-30-1. ATEX motors and special-purpose motors may benefit from exemptions. The nameplate must display the IE class designation. The importer is responsible for product compliance.
Are multi-phase AC motors exceeding 75 kW subject to CBAM?
No. The CBAM mechanism (Regulation (EU) 2023/956) covers only goods from the following sectors: steel and iron, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. Electric motors from Chapter 85 of the Combined Nomenclature are not within the scope of CBAM. Importing motors under subheading 850153 does not require CBAM registration, purchase of CBAM certificates or filing CBAM declarations, regardless of the country of manufacture or CO2 emission content in the production process.
What documents are required when importing high-power AC motors?
Importing motors under subheading 850153 requires: a commercial invoice with detailed technical specification (power, voltage, speed, insulation class, IE class, IP protection rating), transport document, importer's EORI number, efficiency certificate per IEC 60034-30-1 and any ATEX certificate (for motors destined for explosive atmosphere zones). For preferential duty rates, proof of origin (EUR.1, REX) is required. Wooden packaging requires ISPM 15 marking. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
What ecodesign requirements apply to motors under 8501 53?
Motors under CN 8501 53 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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