Product classification
HS code for Micro motor: 8501.10
Electric motors, of an output not exceeding 37.5W.
Classification of micro motor under HS 8501.10
HS code 8501.10 is the designated classification for electric motors with an output not exceeding 37.5 watts. These are commonly known as micro motors. The classification is determined by the rated power output of the motor, which is a fundamental technical specification. Heading 8501 encompasses all electric motors and generators, and the subheadings are organized primarily by power capacity and current type (AC or DC). Micro motors are used in a vast array of applications, including precision instruments, medical devices, and small household appliances. The classification remains 8501.10 even if the motor is equipped with a gearbox or is part of a simple mechanical assembly, provided that the assembly does not take on the character of a specific machine classified elsewhere. This code is vital for the electronics and robotics industries, where small-scale actuation is required. Customs authorities rely on the 37.5W threshold to differentiate these small motors from larger industrial motors, which may be subject to different tariffs or energy efficiency regulations.
- Covers
- DC micro motors for toys
- Stepper motors under 37.5W
- Brushless DC motors for small fans
- Vibration motors for mobile phones
- Synchronous motors for timing devices
- Also under 8501.10
- Mabuchi Motor
- Nidec Corporation
- Maxon Motor
- Portescap
- Johnson Electric
Codes often confused with 8501.10
Common mistake. A common error is classifying micro motors under HS code 9503.00 as toy parts. While they are used in toys, heading 8501 is more specific for electric motors regardless of their end-use. Another mistake is using 8501.20, which is for universal AC/DC motors of an output exceeding 37.5W. Importers must verify the wattage from the technical datasheet to ensure they do not exceed the 37.5W limit for 8501.10. Additionally, if the motor is integrated into a pump or fan, it might be classified under 8413 or 8414 respectively.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850110 (the code used for micro motor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850110 (the code used for micro motor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 850110, not only micro motor.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.5B 22% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $1.5B 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.3B 8.3% of world exports
World total: $16.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.3B 13% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $1.8B 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.2B 7.2% of world imports
World total: $17.3B 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 micro motor
Brazil splits HS 8501.10 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8501.10.11DC motors up to 37.5 W, step angle up to 1.8°
- 8501.10.19Other DC motors up to 37.5 W
- 8501.10.21Synchronous AC motors up to 37.5 W
- 8501.10.29Other AC motors up to 37.5 W
- 8501.10.30Universal motors up to 37.5 W
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about micro motor
What is the HS code for Micro motor?
The HS code for Micro motor is 850110 (Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W). The HS code for electric motors with an output not exceeding 37.5W is 8501.10.
How do I classify Micro motor for customs?
Micro motor is classified under HS code 850110 — Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include gear motors?
Yes, electric motors equipped with gears (gear motors) are still classified under 8501.10 if their output power is 37.5W or less.
Which countries are the top exporters of micro motor (HS 850110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850110 (the code used for micro motor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.5B, 22% of world exports), Switzerland ($1.5B) and Germany ($1.3B). World exports came to about $16.0B, 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 micro motor (HS 850110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850110 (the code used for micro motor) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3B, 13% of world imports), South Korea ($1.8B) and Germany ($1.2B). World imports came to about $17.3B, 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 Micro motor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850110 for Micro 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 micro motor in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850110 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for micro motor depends on the product's details: 8501.10.11 (DC motors up to 37.5 W, step angle up to 1.8°), 8501.10.19 (Other DC motors up to 37.5 W), 8501.10.21 (Synchronous AC motors up to 37.5 W), 8501.10.29 (Other AC motors up to 37.5 W), 8501.10.30 (Universal motors up to 37.5 W).