Analysis
Heading 8502 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. It divides into 7 six-digit subheadings and 7 eight-digit tariff lines, with 12 ten-digit statistical suffixes below them.
None of its 7 lines is duty-free at the general rate. Rates run from 2% to 3% with a median of 2.5%, so the line you choose sets the duty.
The largest subheadings are 8502.11 (unnamed, 1 line), 8502.12 (unnamed, 1 line), 8502.13 (unnamed, 1 line) and 8502.20 (unnamed, 1 line).
Its median rate of 2.5% sits at the 67th percentile of the headings in chapter 85.
By Census's concordance, most of its statistical lines are made by Motor and Generator Manufacturing (335312) and Turbine and Turbine Generator Set Units Manufacturing (333611). Those are the NAICS industries a US producer of these goods would report under.
The heading text decides whether a product belongs here at all (General Rule of Interpretation 1); the subheadings and lines below it only apply once that is settled. Section and chapter notes can override the heading wording, so read them for borderline goods.
Tariff lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8502.11.00 | Of an output not exceeding 75 kVA | 2.5% |
| 8502.12.00 | Of an output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA | 2.5% |
| 8502.13.00 | Of an output exceeding 375 kVA | 2% |
| 8502.20.00 | Generating sets with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines | 2% |
| 8502.31.00 | Other generating sets: wind-powered | 2.5% |
| 8502.39.00 | Other generating sets: other | 2.5% |
| 8502.40.00 | Electric rotary converters | 3% |