Product classification
HS code for DC motor: 8501.31
Electric motors and generators, DC, of an output not exceeding 750W.
Classification of DC motor under HS 8501.31
DC motors with an output power not exceeding 750W are classified under HS code 850131. This classification falls under Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. The primary determinants for this code are the type of current (Direct Current) and the power rating. According to the Harmonized System, heading 8501 covers electric motors and generators of all types, excluding starter motors for internal combustion engines. Subheading 850131 specifically captures those DC units that produce a mechanical output or electrical generation (if used as a generator) within the 0 to 750-watt range. This includes a wide variety of small-scale industrial and consumer electronics motors. The classification is based on the continuous rated output power as specified by the manufacturer.
- Covers
- Brushless DC (BLDC) motors under 750W
- Brushed DC motors for small appliances
- DC generators with output up to 750W
- Small actuator motors operating on direct current
- Also under 8501.31
- 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 most common error is misclassifying these units under 850110, which is reserved for motors with an output not exceeding 37.5W. Conversely, motors exceeding 750W must be moved to 850132 (up to 75kW). Another frequent mistake is using 850140, which is strictly for single-phase AC motors. Importers must verify the nameplate rating and current type to avoid these errors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850131 (the code used for DC motor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850131 (the code used for DC motor) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 850131, not only DC motor.
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 DC motor
Brazil splits HS 8501.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8501.31.10DC motors over 37.5 W up to 750 W
- 8501.31.20DC generators up to 750 W
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about DC motor
What is the HS code for DC motor?
The HS code for DC motor is 850131 (Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output not exceeding 750W). For a DC motor with an output not exceeding 750W, the HS code is 850131.
How do I classify DC motor for customs?
DC motor is classified under HS code 850131 — Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output not exceeding 750W. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are stepper motors classified under 850131?
Yes, if the stepper motor operates on DC and its output power is between 37.5W and 750W, it typically falls under 850131.
Which countries are the top exporters of DC motor (HS 850131)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850131 (the code used for DC motor) 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 DC motor (HS 850131)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850131 (the code used for DC motor) 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.
Is the HS code for DC motor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850131 for DC motor is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for DC motor in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850131 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for DC motor depends on the product's details: 8501.31.10 (DC motors over 37.5 W up to 750 W), 8501.31.20 (DC generators up to 750 W).