85013400
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 375 kW
Scope of subheading 850134 - DC motors exceeding 375 kW
Subheading 850134 of the Combined Nomenclature covers direct current (DC) motors with an output exceeding 375 kW. These are the largest DC motors used in heavy industry: hot and cold rolling mill drives in steelworks, winding engines in deep mines, ship propulsion, high-power locomotives and specialised test drives. Motors in this class range from several hundred kilowatts to several megawatts and can weigh from several to dozens of tonnes. Designs typically feature separately excited or compound windings, often with multiple poles and advanced cooling systems (forced ventilation, liquid cooling). Classification requires confirmation that shaft output exceeds 375 kW under rated conditions S1 (IEC 60034) and that the motor operates exclusively on direct current. Trade in these motors is niche due to their specialised applications and high unit value. Orders are often based on individual project specifications. Classification follows GRI rules 1 and 6.
Regulations and import requirements for DC motors exceeding 375 kW
Importing high-power DC motors under subheading 850134 into the EU is subject to the Union Customs Code. The LVD Directive (2014/35/EU) applies to motors rated 75–1500 V DC. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 covers motors integrated into machines. Due to the specialised nature of these products, end-use customs procedure is often applied, which may enable reduced or zero duty subject to specified utilisation. The Ecodesign Regulation does not cover DC motors. Transport of motors weighing several tonnes requires logistics planning, oversize vehicle permits and appropriate handling infrastructure. Wooden packaging requires ISPM 15 compliance. High-power DC motors intended for defence or dual-use applications may require an export/import licence under Regulation (EU) 2021/821. CBAM does not apply. Documentation: commercial invoice, technical specification, installation drawings, transport document, material certificates.
Customs duties and trade specifics for DC motors exceeding 375 kW
MFN duty rates for DC motors under subheading 850134 should be verified in TARIC. Due to their specialised nature and high unit value (often hundreds of thousands of EUR), imports of these motors are relatively infrequent and mainly relate to investment projects in steelworks, mining and transport. Main manufacturers are from Germany, the USA, Japan and China. Preferential rates from FTAs (CETA, EPA, TCA) may be available upon compliance with rules of origin. End-use procedure may provide more favourable customs treatment. DC motors exceeding 375 kW are increasingly rare in new projects, as AC drive technology with inverters offers lower operating costs. However, in modernisation of existing DC-powered production lines, replacing a motor with an identical DC unit remains economically justified. Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to sanctions. VAT is charged on import. TARIC codes should be verified before clearance.
Ecodesign requirements for electric motors 8501 34
Electric motors under CN 8501 34 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
Are DC motors exceeding 375 kW still manufactured and traded?
Yes, DC motors exceeding 375 kW under subheading 850134 are still manufactured, though in significantly smaller volumes than AC motors. Main applications are modernisation and replacement of motors in existing steel, mining and railway traction installations where DC power infrastructure is already in place. New projects increasingly choose AC motors with inverters due to lower operating and maintenance costs. Specialist manufacturers in Germany, the USA and Japan continue to offer custom DC motors. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Can end-use procedure reduce duty on DC motors under subheading 850134?
End-use customs procedure under Article 254 of the Union Customs Code may enable reduced or zero duty rates on DC motors imported for a specified application. Requirements include obtaining end-use authorisation from the competent customs authority before import, committing to use the goods in accordance with the declared purpose, and maintaining records confirming end-use. This procedure is mainly used for imports of components for investment projects. Details can be found in TARIC and the implementing provisions of the UCC.
What technical documentation is required when importing high-power DC motors?
Importing DC motors under subheading 850134 requires detailed technical documentation including: a data sheet with rated parameters (output power, voltage, current, speed, insulation class, IP protection rating), dimensional and installation drawings, material certificate for windings and magnetic core, declaration of conformity with LVD (if applicable), and factory acceptance test report. For preferential duty rates, proof of origin (EUR.1 or REX) is required. Wooden packaging must bear ISPM 15 marking.
What ecodesign requirements apply to motors under 8501 34?
Motors under CN 8501 34 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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