HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8501.31 – Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output not exceeding 750W
HS code 8501.31 is the 6-digit subheading for electric motors and generators, DC, of an output not exceeding 750W. It is used for DC servo motors, brushless DC motors for electric vehicles (small), permanent magnet DC motors, geared DC motors and DC generators for small power systems.
What HS 8501.31 covers
This HS code covers direct current (DC) electric motors and generators with an output not exceeding 750 watts. These motors are highly valued for their precise control, compact size, and efficiency, making them indispensable in a wide array of applications including automotive systems, robotics, medical devices, and various industrial automation solutions. The international trade in these specialized DC motors is driven by the global demand for components in these high-tech and industrial sectors. Exporters are typically countries with advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities, while importers are nations with significant assembly operations for the aforementioned end products. The trade highlights the critical role of precision DC power in modern technology.
- Covers
- DC servo motors
- Brushless DC motors for electric vehicles (small)
- Permanent magnet DC motors
- Geared DC motors
- DC generators for small power systems
- Automotive window motors
- Medical pump motors
- Examples
- Faulhaber DC motors
- Portescap brushless DC motors
- Maxon DCX motors
- Johnson Electric automotive motors
- Bosch DC motors for e-bikes
Codes often confused with 8501.31
Common mistake. The 'DC' and 'not exceeding 750W' are key differentiators from universal motors (850120) or larger DC motors (850132). It's important not to confuse them with AC-only motors.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850131, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850131 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 $4.0B 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.6B 11% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $1.0B 7.4% of world exports
World total: $14.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.7B 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.9B 13% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $1.2B 8.0% of world imports
World total: $15.1B 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 codes for 8501.31 2
Brazil splits HS 8501.31 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
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 8501.31
What is HS code 850131?
HS code 850131 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output not exceeding 750W. This HS code covers direct current (DC) electric motors and generators with an output not exceeding 750 watts. These motors are highly valued for their precise control, compact size, and efficiency, making them indispensable in a wide array of applications including automotive systems, robotics, medical devices, and various industrial automation solutions. The international trade in these specialized DC motors is driven by the global demand for components in these high-tech and industrial sectors. Exporters are typically countries with advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities, while importers are nations with significant assembly operations for the aforementioned end products. The trade highlights the critical role of precision DC power in modern technology.
What products fall under HS code 850131?
DC servo motors, Brushless DC motors for electric vehicles (small), Permanent magnet DC motors, Geared DC motors, DC generators for small power systems, Automotive window motors, Medical pump motors
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850131?
The 'DC' and 'not exceeding 750W' are key differentiators from universal motors (850120) or larger DC motors (850132). It's important not to confuse them with AC-only motors.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850131?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850131 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.0B, 29% of world exports), Germany ($1.6B) and Hungary ($1.0B). World exports came to about $14.1B, 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 850131?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850131 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.7B, 18% of world imports), Germany ($1.9B) and Mexico ($1.2B). World imports came to about $15.1B, 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.
How is HS code 850131 structured?
HS code 850131 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850131?
Brazil splits HS code 850131 into 2 NCM codes: 8501.31.10 (DC motors over 37.5 W up to 750 W), 8501.31.20 (DC generators up to 750 W). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.