HS Code for Power Supplies

A power supply is a static converter and points toward heading 8504 of the HTSUS, which covers electrical transformers, static converters (including rectifiers and power supplies) and inductors. The finished converter points toward subheading 8504.40, where the lines branch by function and rating: speed drive controllers, rectifiers, telecommunication power supplies, and other converters, with several breakouts for units of a power output not exceeding 50 W. Parts of these converters point toward subheading 8504.90. Across the lines featured here the general duty rate is Free. Identifying whether the item is a complete power supply or a part, and its function or power output, is the first step in exploring the most appropriate subheading.

A power supply (the unit that converts and regulates electrical power for a device) is a static converter and points toward heading 8504 of the HTSUS (electrical transformers, static converters and inductors). Heading 8504 is the natural starting point, and the first branch is whether the item is a complete converter or a part.

Complete static converters point toward subheading 8504.40. Within it, the lines branch by function and rating. Speed drive controllers for electric motors point toward 8504.40.40; rectifiers and rectifying apparatus point toward the 8504.40.60 line; power supplies as such point toward the 8504.40.70 line; converters for telecommunication apparatus point toward 8504.40.85; and other converters point toward 8504.40.95. Several of these carry a further breakout for units with a power output not exceeding 50 W, so the power rating is worth confirming.

Parts of these converters point toward subheading 8504.90. Printed circuit assemblies used in a power supply point toward 8504.90.20, other parts of converters toward 8504.90.41, parts of telecommunication converters or inductors toward 8504.90.65, other parts of converters and inductors toward 8504.90.75, and parts identifiable for transformers toward the 8504.90.96 line. Distinguishing a complete power supply from a sub-assembly or part is the key first judgment.

A practical way to approach it is to confirm the item is a static converter, then decide whether it is a complete unit (8504.40, by function and power output) or a part (8504.90). That sequence usually points toward a single most-appropriate subheading to explore. Two adjacencies are worth watching: a device that is really a transformer belongs on the transformer lines of the same heading (8504.31 to 8504.34) rather than the converter lines, and a power supply that is built into and imported with a complete apparatus may be classified with that apparatus rather than on its own.

The general duty rate across the power-supply and converter lines featured here in heading 8504 is Free, including speed drive controllers, rectifiers, telecommunication power supplies, other converters, and the parts lines under 8504.90. Because these lines already enter at Free, the main reason to identify the right subheading is arriving at a better classification suggestion rather than a change in estimated duty. Note that other subheadings of heading 8504, such as the transformer lines, can carry non-Free rates, so confirming the item is a converter rather than a transformer is worthwhile. Preferential rates under free trade agreements may also apply for qualifying origins. These figures are estimates for general planning purposes only.