Product classification
HS code for Small DC motor: 8501.31
Electric motors and generators, DC, of an output not exceeding 750W.
Classification of small DC motor under HS 8501.31
Small DC motors with an output not exceeding 750W are classified under HS code 8501.31. This classification is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8501 specifically addresses electric motors and generators. The classification of motors is hierarchical, first determined by the type of current (Direct Current vs. Alternating Current) and then by the power output measured in Watts or Kilowatts. For DC motors, the subheadings are split based on power thresholds. Code 8501.31 is the specific designation for any DC motor that produces 750W or less, excluding very small motors under 37.5W which have their own specific subheading. These motors are ubiquitous in small appliances, automotive components, and light industrial machinery. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the motor is brushed or brushless, provided it operates on DC.
- Covers
- Brushless DC (BLDC) motors under 750W
- Brushed DC motors for automotive actuators
- Small DC gear motors
- Permanent magnet DC motors
- 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. A frequent error is classifying very small motors under 8501.31 when they should actually be in HS code 8501.10, which is for motors with an output not exceeding 37.5W. Conversely, if a DC motor exceeds 750W, it must be classified under 8501.32. Another common mistake is misidentifying a Universal Motor (which can run on both AC and DC) as a DC motor; universal motors exceeding 37.5W are typically classified as single-phase AC motors under 8501.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850131 (the code used for small DC motor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850131 (the code used for small 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 small 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 small 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 small DC motor
What is the HS code for Small DC motor?
The HS code for Small DC motor is 850131 (Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output not exceeding 750W). The HS code for a DC motor with an output between 37.5W and 750W is 8501.31.
How do I classify Small DC motor for customs?
Small 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 brushless DC motors classified differently?
No, both brushed and brushless DC motors are classified under 8501.31, provided their power output does not exceed 750W.
Which countries are the top exporters of small DC motor (HS 850131)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850131 (the code used for small 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 small DC motor (HS 850131)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850131 (the code used for small 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 Small DC motor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850131 for Small 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 small DC motor in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850131 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for small 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).