Product classification
HS code for Universal motor: 8501.20
Electric motors, universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W.
Classification of universal motor under HS 8501.20
Universal motors are classified under HS code 8501.20 within the Harmonized System. This classification is found in Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8501 is the primary heading for electric motors and generators. A universal motor is defined by its ability to operate on either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power sources. For a motor to be classified under subheading 8501.20, it must have an output exceeding 37.5 Watts. The classification is driven by the motor's technical specification as a "universal" type rather than its specific application in a consumer or industrial product. These motors are characterized by having a series-wound stator and rotor, allowing for high starting torque and high-speed operation. The HS code 8501.20 is applied regardless of whether the motor is imported as a standalone component or as part of a kit, provided it has not yet been incorporated into a specific finished appliance which might change its classification to that of the appliance itself.
- Covers
- AC/DC universal motors for vacuum cleaners
- Universal motors for kitchen blenders
- High-speed universal motors for power tools
- Series-wound AC/DC motors exceeding 37.5W
- Replacement universal motors for domestic appliances
- Commutator motors capable of AC/DC operation
- Also under 8501.20
- Bosch motors for power tools
- Dyson vacuum cleaner motors
- Black & Decker drill motors
- Siemens universal motors
- Panasonic appliance motors
Codes often confused with 8501.20
Common mistake. Universal motors are often confused with HS code 8501.10, which is reserved for motors with an output not exceeding 37.5 Watts. They are also frequently misclassified under 8501.31 (DC motors) or 8501.40 (Single-phase AC motors) if the technician does not recognize the dual-current capability. It is vital to check the technical data sheet to confirm the motor is truly "universal" (AC/DC) to avoid using the more general AC or DC specific codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850120 (the code used for universal motor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850120 (the code used for universal motor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 850120, not only universal motor.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $215M 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $180M 16% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $83M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $257M 17% of world imports
- 2 Czechia $114M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $68M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 code for universal motor
Brazil classifies universal motor under NCM 8501.20.00: HS 8501.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about universal motor
What is the HS code for Universal motor?
The HS code for Universal motor is 850120 (Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W). The HS code for universal AC/DC motors with an output exceeding 37.5 Watts is 8501.20.
How do I classify Universal motor for customs?
Universal motor is classified under HS code 850120 — Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a motor for a small toy be classified here?
Usually no, as most small toy motors have an output of 37.5 Watts or less, which would place them under HS code 8501.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of universal motor (HS 850120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850120 (the code used for universal motor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($215M, 19% of world exports), the United States ($180M) and the Netherlands ($83M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 universal motor (HS 850120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850120 (the code used for universal motor) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($257M, 17% of world imports), Czechia ($114M) and Germany ($68M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Universal motor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850120 for Universal 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 universal motor in Brazil?
In Brazil, universal motor (HS 850120) is classified under NCM 8501.20.00.