HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8456.12 – Machine-tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by other light or photon beam processes (not laser)
HS code 8456.12 is the 6-digit subheading for machine-tools, for working any material by removal of material, operated by other light or photon beam processes (not laser). It is used for electron beam machining (EBM) systems, focused ion beam (FIB) systems, plasma etching machines, UV light curing systems (for material removal applications) and X-ray micromachining systems.
What HS 8456.12 covers
This category includes machine tools that remove material using light or photon beams, but specifically excludes laser-based systems. This often refers to technologies like electron beam machining (EBM) or focused ion beam (FIB) systems, which use charged particle beams rather than coherent light. These machines are employed for ultra-precision machining, micro-fabrication, and surface modification, particularly in industries requiring extreme accuracy and minimal heat-affected zones, such as semiconductor manufacturing, nanotechnology, and advanced materials research. Trade in these highly specialized machines is typically between technologically advanced nations, driven by innovation in microelectronics, scientific research, and high-end industrial applications. They represent a niche but critical segment of the high-tech manufacturing equipment market, enabling the creation of components at the micro and nano scales.
- Covers
- Electron beam machining (EBM) systems
- Focused ion beam (FIB) systems
- Plasma etching machines
- UV light curing systems (for material removal applications)
- X-ray micromachining systems
- Ion beam milling machines
- Examples
- Zeiss Crossbeam FIB-SEM
- JEOL EBM systems
- Raith EBL systems
- FEI (now Thermo Fisher Scientific) FIB systems
Codes often confused with 8456.12
Common mistake. Often confused with 845611 (laser machines) due to the "light or photon beam" description, but the key distinction is "not laser." Also, could be confused with 8543 (electrical machines with individual functions) if not clearly a machine tool for material removal.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 845612, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 845612 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 53% 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.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $25M 53% of world exports
- 2 United States $6.0M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.8M 4.0% of world exports
World total: $46M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $9.1M 17% of world imports
- 2 Canada $5.4M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$4.8M 8.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $54M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 8456.12 3
Brazil splits HS 8456.12 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8456.12.1 Numerically controlledDe comando numérico Group
- 8456.12.11 CNC non-laser light-beam cutters, metal over 8 mmPara corte de chapas metálicas de espessura superior a 8 mm
- 8456.12.19 Other CNC non-laser light-beam machine toolsOutras
- 8456.12.90 Non-CNC non-laser light-beam machine toolsOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.56 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8456.12
What is HS code 845612?
HS code 845612 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machine-tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by other light or photon beam processes (not laser). This category includes machine tools that remove material using light or photon beams, but specifically excludes laser-based systems. This often refers to technologies like electron beam machining (EBM) or focused ion beam (FIB) systems, which use charged particle beams rather than coherent light. These machines are employed for ultra-precision machining, micro-fabrication, and surface modification, particularly in industries requiring extreme accuracy and minimal heat-affected zones, such as semiconductor manufacturing, nanotechnology, and advanced materials research. Trade in these highly specialized machines is typically between technologically advanced nations, driven by innovation in microelectronics, scientific research, and high-end industrial applications. They represent a niche but critical segment of the high-tech manufacturing equipment market, enabling the creation of components at the micro and nano scales.
What products fall under HS code 845612?
Electron beam machining (EBM) systems, focused ion beam (FIB) systems, plasma etching machines, UV light curing systems (for material removal applications), X-ray micromachining systems, ion beam milling machines
What are common misclassifications for HS code 845612?
Often confused with 845611 (laser machines) due to the "light or photon beam" description, but the key distinction is "not laser." Also, could be confused with 8543 (electrical machines with individual functions) if not clearly a machine tool for material removal.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 845612?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 845612 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($25M, 53% of world exports), the United States ($6.0M) and Germany ($1.8M). World exports came to about $46M, 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 goods under HS code 845612?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 845612 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.1M, 17% of world imports), Canada ($5.4M) and Bangladesh (about $4.8M). World imports came to about $54M, 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.
How is HS code 845612 structured?
HS code 845612 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (56) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 845612?
Brazil splits HS code 845612 into 3 NCM codes: 8456.12.11 (CNC non-laser light-beam cutters, metal over 8 mm), 8456.12.19 (Other CNC non-laser light-beam machine tools), 8456.12.90 (Non-CNC non-laser light-beam machine tools). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.