HS Code 8501Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)

What HS code 8501 covers

A motor turns electric power into movement. A generator does the reverse and turns movement into electric power. Heading 8501 holds both. It sits in Section XVI, which groups machinery and electrical equipment.

The key limit is in the heading name: generating sets are excluded. A generating set is a generator joined to an engine or other power source, and it has its own heading. In India, traders often call this heading HSN code 8501. The number is the same.

The heading is split by machine type first. It is then split by output, which is the power the machine delivers. Output is measured in watts (W) and kilowatts (kW) for motors. For AC generators it is measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA).

HS 8501 subheadings by motor and generator type

The list above gives each official description. Here is the same set grouped in plain words, so you can see the pattern.

• Small motors: 850110 covers motors up to 37.5W. 850120 covers universal AC/DC motors above 37.5W.
• They step up from 750W to 75kW, then 375kW, then above 375kW.
• Single-phase AC motors: 850140, with no output bands.
• The bands are up to 75kVA, 375kVA, 750kVA and above 750kVA.
• 850180 covers photovoltaic AC generators.

How to choose the right 8501 code

Work through the choice in order. Each step cuts the list down.

Check the output on the nameplate or data sheet. Always compare it with the exact limit in the code description. A machine at exactly 750W belongs in the lower band, because the lower bands say "not exceeding".

• Step 1: Is it a motor or a generator?
• Step 2: For a motor, is it DC, universal AC/DC, single-phase AC or multi-phase AC?
• Step 3: For a generator, is it an AC alternator or a photovoltaic type?
• Step 4: Match the output to the band: W, kW or kVA.
• Step 5: If two codes still seem to fit, run the item through the HS code classifier before you file.

8501 vs related headings

Several nearby headings are easy to mix up with 8501. Each one has a clear dividing line.

Complete generating sets and rotary converters go to 8502, not 8501. Parts made for motors and generators go to 8503, not 8501. Ignition and starting equipment for engines, and generators used with those engines, go to 8511. Transformers, rectifiers and other static converters go to 8504.

Photovoltaic cells and solar panels are different from photovoltaic generators. Cells and modules are classed with semiconductor devices in 8541. Check the product description before you pick between 850171, 850172, 850180 and 8541.

Find importers and exporters under HS code 8501

Once you have the code, you can look up who trades in it. Search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product. The same search works for motors, alternators and photovoltaic generators.

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.

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