HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8501.20 – Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W
HS code 8501.20 is the 6-digit subheading for electric motors, universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W. It is used for universal motors for vacuum cleaners, power drill motors, blender motors, sewing machine motors and angle grinder motors.
What HS 8501.20 covers
This category includes universal electric motors, capable of operating on both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), with an output exceeding 37.5 watts. These versatile motors are commonly found in a wide range of household appliances, power tools, and light industrial equipment where high starting torque and variable speed are often desired. The international trade in these motors is significant, with manufacturers supplying them to assembly lines for various products across the globe. Countries with strong industrial manufacturing bases are typically the main exporters, while importers are nations with robust consumer goods and tool production sectors. The trade reflects the global demand for durable and adaptable motor solutions in everyday applications.
- Covers
- Universal motors for vacuum cleaners
- Power drill motors
- Blender motors
- Sewing machine motors
- Angle grinder motors
- Hair dryer motors
- Small industrial fan motors
- Examples
- Bosch motors for power tools
- Dyson vacuum cleaner motors
- Black & Decker drill motors
- Siemens universal motors
- Panasonic appliance motors
Codes often confused with 8501.20
Common mistake. The 'universal AC/DC' and 'exceeding 37.5W' criteria are crucial to distinguish it from smaller motors (850110) or dedicated AC/DC motors (e.g., 850131, 850132). It's important to verify both power and type.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850120 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $215M 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $180M 16% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $83M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $257M 17% of world imports
- 2 Czechia $114M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $68M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 8501.20
Brazil does not split HS 8501.20: its NCM code is 8501.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8501.20
What is HS code 850120?
HS code 850120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W. This category includes universal electric motors, capable of operating on both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), with an output exceeding 37.5 watts. These versatile motors are commonly found in a wide range of household appliances, power tools, and light industrial equipment where high starting torque and variable speed are often desired. The international trade in these motors is significant, with manufacturers supplying them to assembly lines for various products across the globe. Countries with strong industrial manufacturing bases are typically the main exporters, while importers are nations with robust consumer goods and tool production sectors. The trade reflects the global demand for durable and adaptable motor solutions in everyday applications.
What products fall under HS code 850120?
Universal motors for vacuum cleaners, Power drill motors, Blender motors, Sewing machine motors, Angle grinder motors, Hair dryer motors, Small industrial fan motors
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850120?
The 'universal AC/DC' and 'exceeding 37.5W' criteria are crucial to distinguish it from smaller motors (850110) or dedicated AC/DC motors (e.g., 850131, 850132). It's important to verify both power and type.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($215M, 19% of world exports), the United States ($180M) and the Netherlands ($83M). World exports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 850120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($257M, 17% of world imports), Czechia ($114M) and Germany ($68M). World imports came to about $1.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 850120 structured?
HS code 850120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850120?
In Brazil, HS code 850120 is NCM 8501.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.