Product classification
HS code for Small electric motor: 8501.10
Electric motors, of an output not exceeding 37.5W.
Classification of small electric motor under HS 8501.10
Small electric motors are classified under HS code 8501.10. This code is part of Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8501 specifically covers electric motors and generators, excluding generating sets. The subheading 8501.10 is reserved for motors with an output power not exceeding 37.5 watts. This classification is determined by the rated power output of the motor, regardless of whether it operates on direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). These motors are typically used in small household appliances, toys, or precision instruments. The classification process involves verifying the technical specifications provided by the manufacturer to ensure the wattage falls within the prescribed limit. If the motor is integrated into a specific machine and cannot be separated without damage, it might be classified with that machine; however, standalone motors or those imported as distinct components follow the 8501.10 designation. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6 are applied to ensure the product meets the specific power threshold defined in the legal text of the subheading.
- Covers
- Micro DC motors for toys
- Small AC synchronous motors under 37.5W
- Stepper motors for small electronics
- Brushless DC motors for cooling fans
- Actuator motors for medical devices
- Also under 8501.10
- Mabuchi Motor
- Nidec Corporation
- Maxon Motor
- Portescap
- Johnson Electric
Codes often confused with 8501.10
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8501.20, which is specifically for universal AC/DC motors of an output exceeding 37.5W. Another common error is using 8501.31, which covers other DC motors and generators of an output not exceeding 750W but specifically those above the 37.5W threshold. It is also important not to confuse these with parts of motors, which are classified under 8503.00. Precise wattage documentation is required to justify the use of 8501.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850110 (the code used for small electric motor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850110 (the code used for small electric 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 small electric 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 small electric 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 small electric motor
What is the HS code for Small electric motor?
The HS code for Small electric motor is 850110 (Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W). The HS code for an electric motor with an output not exceeding 37.5W is 8501.10.
How do I classify Small electric motor for customs?
Small electric motor is classified under HS code 850110 — Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are toy motors classified differently?
If the motor is imported as part of a complete toy set, it may be classified under Chapter 95. However, if imported as an individual component, 8501.10 is the correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of small electric motor (HS 850110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850110 (the code used for small electric 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 small electric motor (HS 850110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850110 (the code used for small electric 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 Small electric motor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850110 for Small electric 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 electric motor in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850110 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for small electric 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).