85013200
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
Scope of subheading 850132 - DC motors from 750 W to 75 kW
Subheading 850132 of the Combined Nomenclature covers direct current (DC) motors with an output exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW. This power range is characteristic of medium-sized industrial drives, electric vehicles, forklifts, hydraulic pumps, compressors and production machinery. The subheading includes brushed motors with shunt, series or compound excitation, as well as high-power brushless BLDC motors and permanent magnet motors. DC motors in the 750 W-75 kW range play an important role in drive systems requiring precise speed and torque control, such as rolling mill drives, paper machines, cranes and lifts. Classification requires confirmation that the motor operates exclusively on direct current - universal AC/DC motors are classified under subheading 850120. Output power is measured at the shaft under continuous rated conditions (S1 per IEC 60034). DC motors below 750 W fall under subheading 850131, while those above 75 kW up to 375 kW fall under 850133. Classification follows GRI rules 1 and 6.
Regulatory requirements for DC motors 750 W-75 kW imported into the EU
Importing DC motors under subheading 850132 requires a customs declaration with the correct CN code, the importer's EORI number and full technical documentation. Motors rated 75–1500 V DC are subject to the LVD Directive (2014/35/EU), requiring CE marking on the finished device or machine. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies when the motor is an integral part of a machine. The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) covers emission and immunity requirements for finished devices. RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU) has limited application to high-power industrial motors - many categories of industrial equipment are excluded from its scope. The Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 does not cover DC motors, focusing on three-phase induction motors. Motors intended for electric vehicles are subject to type-approval requirements under Regulation (EU) 2018/858. CBAM does not apply to electric motors from Chapter 85. Import documentation should include a commercial invoice with technical specification, transport document and manufacturer's declaration of conformity.
Customs duties and trade in DC motors 750 W-75 kW
Current MFN duty rates for DC motors under subheading 850132 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database before each clearance. Preferential rates are available under EU FTAs: CETA (Canada), EPA (Japan), EU-Korea, EVFTA (Vietnam), TCA (United Kingdom). Preferential treatment requires compliance with rules of origin and provision of proof of origin (EUR.1, invoice declaration, REX). Medium-power DC motors are imported mainly from China, Japan, Germany and the USA. Importers should check TARIC for any anti-dumping or countervailing measures. Growing demand for motors for electromobility, including delivery vehicles and electric buses, influences trade volumes in this subheading. Imports from countries under EU sanctions are subject to restrictions, particularly Russia and Belarus. VAT is charged on import. TARIC codes at the 10-digit level should be verified as they may change with nomenclature updates.
Ecodesign requirements for electric motors 8501 32
Electric motors under CN 8501 32 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 DC motor rated exactly 750 W classified under subheading 850131 or 850132?
A DC motor with a shaft output of exactly 750 W is classified under subheading 850131, which covers motors with output not exceeding 750 W. Subheading 850132 covers motors with output exceeding 750 W up to 75 kW. The boundary is precise: 750 W inclusive falls under 850131, above 750 W falls under 850132. Output power refers to mechanical power at the shaft under continuous rated conditions S1 per IEC 60034. In case of uncertainty about actual power, verification based on the manufacturer's documentation and consideration of Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling is recommended.
Are DC motors under subheading 850132 subject to ecodesign regulation?
Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for electric motors but primarily covers three-phase induction (asynchronous) motors. DC motors under subheading 850132 are generally excluded from its scope. However, importers should monitor legislative changes as the European Commission plans to extend the ecodesign regulation to additional motor categories. DC motors intended for vehicles may be subject to separate energy efficiency requirements under type-approval regulations.
What industrial applications use DC motors from subheading 850132?
DC motors rated 750 W-75 kW under subheading 850132 are widely used in industrial drives requiring precise speed control: rolling mills, paper machines, printing presses, cranes, lifts, hoists, electric forklifts, traction vehicles and pump drives. The advantage of DC motors is smooth speed control from zero to maximum by varying supply voltage and high starting torque. In recent years DC motors in many applications are being replaced by AC motors with inverters, but in applications requiring simple control and reliability, DC motors remain popular.
What ecodesign requirements apply to motors under 8501 32?
Motors under CN 8501 32 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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