85011000
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)
Motors of an output not exceeding 37,5 W
Subcodes (4)
Scope of subheading 850110 - electric motors with output up to 37.5 W
Subheading 850110 of the Combined Nomenclature covers electric motors with an output not exceeding 37.5 W. These are miniature drive units used in consumer electronics, building automation, medical devices, toys, computer fans, disk drives and positioning systems. Typical designs include brushed DC motors, stepper motors, brushless DC (BLDC) motors and small AC synchronous motors powered through control circuits. Classification under subheading 850110 is based solely on output power, regardless of current type (AC or DC). Output power is measured at the motor shaft under rated conditions specified by the manufacturer. Motors exceeding 37.5 W are classified under other subheadings of heading 8501, depending on current type and power range. It is important to distinguish standalone motors from servo drives with integrated control electronics - a complete servo mechanism may require different classification. Classification follows the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), in particular rules 1 and 6, with reference to the notes to Chapter 85 of the CN.
Import regulations and compliance requirements for subheading 850110 motors
Importing electric motors with output up to 37.5 W into the European Union is subject to the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold an EORI number and file a customs declaration with the correct CN code. These motors may fall within the scope of the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU), which restricts the use of lead, mercury, cadmium and other hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) imposes collection and recycling obligations on manufacturers and importers of electrical equipment containing these motors. Ecodesign regulations may set minimum energy efficiency requirements for certain categories of electric motors, though motors below 120 W are generally excluded from Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 on induction motors. The LVD Directive (2014/35/EU) and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) may apply to finished devices containing these motors. Goods from Chapter 85 are not subject to CBAM. Import documentation should include a commercial invoice, transport document and motor technical specification.
Customs duties and trade preferences for subheading 850110
Current MFN duty rates for electric motors under subheading 850110 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Motors may qualify for a 0% rate under the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) if they are components of IT equipment - this must be verified at the 10-digit TARIC code level. Preferential duty rates are available under EU free trade agreements, including CETA with Canada, EPA with Japan, EU-Korea FTA, EVFTA with Vietnam and TCA with the United Kingdom. The condition for applying preferential rates is compliance with rules of origin and presentation of proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, invoice declaration or REX entry). Importers should check TARIC for any anti-dumping or countervailing duties applicable to motors from specific countries of origin. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be subject to sanctions restrictions. National VAT is charged on every import. TARIC codes at the 10-digit level may change with annual nomenclature updates, so verification before customs clearance is essential.
Ecodesign requirements for electric motors 8501 10
Electric motors under CN 8501 10 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
How is a motor under subheading 850110 distinguished from a servo mechanism or stepper motor with electronics?
Subheading 850110 covers electric motors as standalone drive units with output up to 37.5 W, regardless of type (brushed DC, BLDC, stepper, AC synchronous). The key criterion is shaft output power of 37.5 W or less. If the motor is integrated with control electronics, an encoder and mechanics into a complete servo drive, it may be classified separately, e.g. under heading 8501 or 8537. A stepper motor without built-in electronics is classified under 850110 as long as its power does not exceed 37.5 W. In case of doubt, Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling is recommended.
Are miniature electric motors under subheading 850110 subject to ecodesign requirements?
Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 sets ecodesign requirements for electric motors but primarily covers three-phase induction motors rated from 0.12 kW (120 W) to 1000 kW. Motors with output up to 37.5 W under subheading 850110 fall below this threshold and are generally not subject to minimum energy efficiency requirements under this regulation. However, current legislation should be monitored as the European Commission progressively expands the scope of ecodesign rules. Special motors, such as those for medical devices or aerospace applications, may be subject to separate exemptions.
What documents are required when importing motors up to 37.5 W into the EU?
Importing motors under subheading 850110 requires: a commercial invoice with technical description (output power, voltage, motor type, intended use), a transport document (CMR, B/L or AWB), the importer's EORI number and the manufacturer's technical specification. For preferential duty rates, an EUR.1 certificate, invoice declaration or REX entry is needed. Depending on the end use, documents proving RoHS 2 compliance (manufacturer's declaration) and CE documentation for the finished device may be required. Duty rates and trade measures should be verified in TARIC before clearance.
What ecodesign requirements apply to motors under 8501 10?
Motors under CN 8501 10 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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