HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8456.50 – Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by water-jet cutting machines

HS code 8456.50 is the 6-digit subheading for machine tools, for working any material by removal of material, operated by water-jet cutting machines. It is used for abrasive waterjet cutting machines, pure waterjet cutting machines, 3D waterjet cutting systems, robotic waterjet cutters and micro waterjet machines.

What HS 8456.50 covers

This category includes machine tools that remove material using a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with an abrasive (abrasive waterjet). Waterjet cutting is highly versatile, capable of cutting virtually any material, from metals and composites to stone, glass, and food, without heat-affected zones or mechanical stress. These machines are crucial in aerospace, automotive, architectural, and general manufacturing industries for precision cutting of complex shapes and delicate materials. International trade involves specialized manufacturers exporting these sophisticated machines to diverse industrial sectors globally. The market is driven by the demand for cold cutting processes, environmental friendliness, and the ability to process a wide range of materials with high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for sensitive or diverse material applications.

Covers
  • Abrasive waterjet cutting machines
  • Pure waterjet cutting machines
  • 3D waterjet cutting systems
  • Robotic waterjet cutters
  • Micro waterjet machines
  • Waterjet drilling machines
  • Portable waterjet cutters
Examples
  • OMAX Waterjet
  • Flow International Waterjet
  • KMT Waterjet Systems
  • Bystronic ByJet
  • WARDJet

Codes often confused with 8456.50

Common mistake. Can be confused with 845690 (other processes) if the specific water-jet mechanism isn't clearly identified, or with 8465 (woodworking machines) or 8464 (stone/ceramic working machines) if the material being cut is the primary focus rather than the cutting technology.

8456.90Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by other processes n.e.c. in heading 845684.65Machine-tools; (including machines for nailing, stapling, glueing or otherwise assembling) for working wood, cork, bone, hard plastics or rubber or similar hard materials84.64Machine-tools; for working stone, ceramics, concrete, asbestos-cement or like mineral materials or for cold working glass

Top exporters and importers of HS code 845650, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 845650 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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. 1 China $45M
  2. 2 United States $24M
  3. 3 Germany $24M

World total: $182M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $27M
  2. 2 Germany $14M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $10M

World total: $171M 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 8456.50

Brazil does not split HS 8456.50: its NCM code is 8456.50.00.

  1. 8456.50.00 Water-jet cutting machinesMáquinas de corte a jato de água

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 8456.50

What is HS code 845650?

HS code 845650 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by water-jet cutting machines. This category includes machine tools that remove material using a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with an abrasive (abrasive waterjet). Waterjet cutting is highly versatile, capable of cutting virtually any material, from metals and composites to stone, glass, and food, without heat-affected zones or mechanical stress. These machines are crucial in aerospace, automotive, architectural, and general manufacturing industries for precision cutting of complex shapes and delicate materials. International trade involves specialized manufacturers exporting these sophisticated machines to diverse industrial sectors globally. The market is driven by the demand for cold cutting processes, environmental friendliness, and the ability to process a wide range of materials with high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for sensitive or diverse material applications.

What products fall under HS code 845650?

Abrasive waterjet cutting machines, pure waterjet cutting machines, 3D waterjet cutting systems, robotic waterjet cutters, micro waterjet machines, waterjet drilling machines, portable waterjet cutters

What are common misclassifications for HS code 845650?

Can be confused with 845690 (other processes) if the specific water-jet mechanism isn't clearly identified, or with 8465 (woodworking machines) or 8464 (stone/ceramic working machines) if the material being cut is the primary focus rather than the cutting technology.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 845650?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 845650 in UN Comtrade data were China ($45M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($24M) and Germany ($24M). World exports came to about $182M, 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 845650?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 845650 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($27M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($14M) and the United Kingdom ($10M). World imports came to about $171M, 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 845650 structured?

HS code 845650 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 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 845650?

In Brazil, HS code 845650 is NCM 8456.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.