HTS code 8501 — Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)

Tariff lines under heading 8501

Full 10-digit codes with their general (MFN) duty rates. The correct line depends on the product's material, construction, and use.

Documents required to import under 8501

Customs paperwork typically required to import these goods into the United States. Conditional items depend on shipment value, transport mode, or origin.

• Commercial InvoiceRequired
• Packing ListRequired
• Bill of Lading / Airway BillRequired
• CBP Entry Summary (7501)Required

  Prepared and filed by your customs broker

• CBP Entry / Release (3461)Required

  Prepared and filed by your customs broker

• Customs Bond (CBP 301)Conditional

  Required for formal entries — generally shipments valued over $2,500

  Single-entry or continuous bond, obtained through your broker or a surety

• Importer Security Filing (ISF "10+2")Conditional

  Required for ocean freight only

  Filed electronically at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port

• Importer ID Input Record (CBP 5106)Conditional

  Required to establish or update your importer-of-record number with CBP

  One-time setup for a new importer; not filed per shipment

• Entry Manifest (CBP 7533)Conditional

  Alternative to the 3461 for informal, low-value, or contiguous-country entries

• FCC Declaration (Form 740)Conditional

  Required for electronic devices that emit radio frequency

• FDA Radiation Declaration (Form 2877)Conditional

  Required for products that emit radiation (X-ray, laser, microwave, etc.)

Common questions

What is HTS code 8501?

HTS heading 8501 covers electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets). It sits in Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and electronics) of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule and contains 71 tariff lines.

What is the duty rate for HTS 8501?

General duty rates from 2% to 6.7%, with 9 duty-free lines. The general rate applies to most-favoured-nation trading partners; goods from countries with a free trade agreement may qualify for a reduced or duty-free special rate.

How many digits does a full HTS code have?

US import entries require the full 10-digit HTS code. Heading 8501 is the first four digits — the remaining six narrow it down to the specific product, which is what determines the duty rate you actually pay.

Related headings in Chapter 85

• 8502Electric generating sets and rotary converters
• 8503Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading 8501 or 8502
• 8504Electrical transformers, static converters (for example, rectifiers) and inductors; parts thereof
• 8505Electromagnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization; electromagnetic or permanent magnet chucks, clamps and similar holding devices; electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes; electromagnetic lifting heads; parts thereof
• 8506Primary cells and primary batteries; parts thereof
• 8507Electric storage batteries, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square); parts thereof
• 8508Vacuum cleaners; parts thereof
• 8509Electromechanical domestic appliances, with self-contained electric motor, other than vacuum cleaners of heading 8508; parts thereof