Product classification

HS code for Single-phase motor: 8501.40

Electric motors, AC motors, single-phase.

Classification of single-phase motor under HS 8501.40

Single-phase AC motors are classified under HS code 8501.40. Heading 8501 encompasses all electric motors and generators, and the subheadings are determined by the type of current (AC or DC), the number of phases, and the power output. Single-phase motors are designed to operate on a single-phase alternating current supply, which is standard for residential and light commercial power grids. This classification includes various types of single-phase designs, such as split-phase, capacitor-start, and permanent split capacitor motors. However, there is a power threshold: motors with an output not exceeding 37.5 W are classified under 8501.10 regardless of whether they are AC or DC. Therefore, 8501.40 is reserved for single-phase AC motors with an output exceeding 37.5 W. The classification is based on the electrical configuration of the stator and the fact that the motor requires only two power wires (plus a ground) to operate, distinguishing it from industrial three-phase motors.

Covers
  • Single-phase AC induction motors
  • Capacitor-start single-phase motors
  • Universal motors exceeding 37.5 W
  • Shaded-pole single-phase motors
  • Single-phase synchronous motors
Also under 8501.40
  • Nidec single-phase motors
  • Emerson single-phase motors
  • Baldor-Reliance single-phase motors
  • WEG single-phase motors
  • Panasonic appliance motors

Codes often confused with 8501.40

Common mistake. Single-phase motors are often misclassified under 8501.10 if the power output is very low (under 37.5 W). They are also frequently confused with 8501.51, which covers multi-phase (usually three-phase) AC motors with an output not exceeding 750 W. It is vital to check the motor's nameplate for the phase count and wattage to ensure the correct code is applied.

8501.10Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W8501.51Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output not exceeding 750W

Top exporters and importers of HS 850140 (the code used for single-phase motor), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850140 (the code used for single-phase motor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 850140, not only single-phase motor.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.7B
  2. 2 Mexico $932M
  3. 3 United States $312M

World total: $6.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.7B
  2. 2 Mexico $432M
  3. 3 Germany $225M

World total: $6.0B 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 single-phase motor

Brazil splits HS 8501.40 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8501.40.111-phase synchronous motors over 37.5 W to 15 kW
  • 8501.40.19Other single-phase AC motors over 37.5 W to 15 kW
  • 8501.40.21Single-phase synchronous motors over 15 kW
  • 8501.40.29Other single-phase AC motors over 15 kW

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about single-phase motor

What is the HS code for Single-phase motor?

The HS code for Single-phase motor is 850140 (Electric motors; AC motors, single-phase). The HS code for single-phase AC motors with an output exceeding 37.5 W is 8501.40.

How do I classify Single-phase motor for customs?

Single-phase motor is classified under HS code 850140 — Electric motors; AC motors, single-phase. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include universal motors?

Yes, universal motors (which can run on AC or DC) are typically classified here if they are intended for AC single-phase use and exceed the 37.5 W limit.

Which countries are the top exporters of single-phase motor (HS 850140)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850140 (the code used for single-phase motor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.7B, 43% of world exports), Mexico ($932M) and the United States ($312M). World exports came to about $6.2B, 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 single-phase motor (HS 850140)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 850140 (the code used for single-phase motor) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 29% of world imports), Mexico ($432M) and Germany ($225M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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.

Is the HS code for Single-phase motor the same in all countries?

The base HS code 850140 for Single-phase 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 single-phase motor in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 850140 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for single-phase motor depends on the product's details: 8501.40.11 (1-phase synchronous motors over 37.5 W to 15 kW), 8501.40.19 (Other single-phase AC motors over 37.5 W to 15 kW), 8501.40.21 (Single-phase synchronous motors over 15 kW), 8501.40.29 (Other single-phase AC motors over 15 kW).