HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8456.40 – Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by plasma arc processes;
HS code 8456.40 is the 6-digit subheading for machine tools, for working any material by removal of material, operated by plasma arc processes,. It is used for CNC plasma cutting machines, handheld plasma cutters, robotic plasma cutting systems, plasma beveling machines and high-definition plasma cutters.
What HS 8456.40 covers
This HS code covers machine tools that remove material using a high-temperature plasma arc. Plasma cutting is widely used for cutting electrically conductive materials, primarily metals like steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, with high speed and efficiency. These machines are essential in heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and construction industries for cutting thick metal plates and complex shapes. International trade involves manufacturers exporting these robust industrial machines to fabrication shops and large-scale manufacturing facilities globally. The market is driven by the need for fast, precise, and cost-effective metal cutting solutions, especially for materials too thick for laser cutting or requiring higher speeds than oxy-fuel cutting. These machines are critical for high-volume metal processing operations worldwide.
- Covers
- CNC plasma cutting machines
- Handheld plasma cutters
- Robotic plasma cutting systems
- Plasma beveling machines
- High-definition plasma cutters
- Underwater plasma cutting systems
- Gantry plasma cutters
- Examples
- Hypertherm Powermax
- ESAB Cutmaster
- Lincoln Electric Tomahawk
- Miller Spectrum
- Messer Cutting Systems
Codes often confused with 8456.40
Common mistake. Can be confused with 845611 (laser cutting machines) or 845630 (EDM machines) as all are non-contact cutting methods, but plasma uses an ionized gas jet. Also, 8468 (gas-operated welding/cutting machinery) if the "machine tool" aspect for material removal is not emphasized.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 845640, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 845640 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 China $93M 25% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $54M 15% of world exports
- 3 Canada $54M 15% of world exports
World total: $367M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $92M 27% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $24M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Canada $20M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $334M 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 8456.40
Brazil does not split HS 8456.40: its NCM code is 8456.40.00.
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 8456.40
What is HS code 845640?
HS code 845640 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by plasma arc processes;. This HS code covers machine tools that remove material using a high-temperature plasma arc. Plasma cutting is widely used for cutting electrically conductive materials, primarily metals like steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, with high speed and efficiency. These machines are essential in heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and construction industries for cutting thick metal plates and complex shapes. International trade involves manufacturers exporting these robust industrial machines to fabrication shops and large-scale manufacturing facilities globally. The market is driven by the need for fast, precise, and cost-effective metal cutting solutions, especially for materials too thick for laser cutting or requiring higher speeds than oxy-fuel cutting. These machines are critical for high-volume metal processing operations worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 845640?
CNC plasma cutting machines, handheld plasma cutters, robotic plasma cutting systems, plasma beveling machines, high-definition plasma cutters, underwater plasma cutting systems, gantry plasma cutters
What are common misclassifications for HS code 845640?
Can be confused with 845611 (laser cutting machines) or 845630 (EDM machines) as all are non-contact cutting methods, but plasma uses an ionized gas jet. Also, 8468 (gas-operated welding/cutting machinery) if the "machine tool" aspect for material removal is not emphasized.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 845640?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 845640 in UN Comtrade data were China ($93M, 25% of world exports), the Netherlands ($54M) and Canada ($54M). World exports came to about $367M, 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 845640?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 845640 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($92M, 27% of world imports), the Netherlands ($24M) and Canada ($20M). World imports came to about $334M, 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 845640 structured?
HS code 845640 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 845640?
In Brazil, HS code 845640 is NCM 8456.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.