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HSChapter 85
U.S. imports of electromagnetic couplings, clutches & brakes (HS 850520) totaled $10.1M in April 2026, traded with 31 countries.
Importers of Electromagnetic Couplings, Clutches & Brakes paid $1.5M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 16% on $9.7M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Electromagnetic Couplings, Clutches & Brakes imports of $10.1M in April 2026 ran 23% above the year-to-date monthly average of $8.2M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataElectromagnetic clutches and brakes convert electrical signals into precise mechanical engagement or retardation, making them essential motion-control components in machine tools, packaging equipment, printing presses, and industrial automation systems. Germany leads US import supply for this heading — reflecting the country's deep mechanical engineering and precision-drive manufacturing base — followed by Japan and China. The heading consolidates under a single 10-digit line (8505200000), so classification disputes typically arise at the boundary with mechanical clutches of Chapter 84 or with electric motors of heading 8501; the electromagnetic actuation mechanism is the key distinguishing feature. No food, drug, or agricultural admissibility requirements apply.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The critical factor is the actuation mechanism: electromagnetic clutches and brakes engage or disengage via an electromagnetic coil energized by an electrical signal, whereas mechanical clutches rely on friction, springs, or hydraulic pressure without electromagnetic actuation. Technical documentation — including wiring diagrams, coil specifications, and operating principles — should accompany the entry to support classification under 850520 rather than the mechanical clutch provisions of Chapter 84.
Electromagnetic brakes that are general-purpose motion-control components are classified under 850520. However, if a brake is specifically designed and presented as a part of a particular machine (e.g., an elevator or crane), it may be classifiable as a part of that machine under the relevant Chapter 84 or 85 heading. The intended use and degree of specificity to the host machine govern the classification analysis.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8505200000 | ELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLINGS, CLUTCHES AND BRAKES | $10.1M | 15.59% | $1.5M |
ELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLINGS, CLUTCHES AND BRAKES
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8505200000 | ELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLINGS, CLUTCHES AND BRAKES | $7.8M |
ELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLINGS, CLUTCHES AND BRAKES
83.3K no
MACH FOR RECP/CONVR/TRANS/REGN OF VOICE/IMAGE/DATA
HS 851762
SOLID-STATE NON-VOL SEMICONDUCTOR STORAGE DEVICES
HS 852351
SMARTPHONES
HS 851713
PROCESSORS AND CONTROLLERS, ELECTRONIC INTEG CIRCT
HS 854231
CONTROLS ETC W ELECT APPR F ELECT CONT NOV 1000 V
HS 853710
STATIC CONVERTERS; ADP POWER SUPPLIES
HS 850440
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $2.4M | $116K | -$2.2M |
| South Carolina | $1.2M | $912K | -$316K |
| Texas | $663K | $1.4M | +$761K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWARK, NJ | $2.9M | -- | -$2.9M |
| CHICAGO, IL | $941K | $355K | -$586K |
| CHARLESTON, SC | $1.2M | -- | -$1.2M |