HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8457.20 – Machines; unit construction machines (single station), for working metal

HS code 8457.20 is the 6-digit subheading for machines, unit construction machines (single station), for working metal. It is used for single-station drilling unit, single-station boring unit, single-station milling unit, unit head tapping machine and modular drilling machine.

What HS 8457.20 covers

Unit construction machines, specifically single-station types, are specialized machine tools built from standardized modules designed for performing a single, dedicated operation (e.g., drilling, boring, milling) on a metal workpiece. Unlike multi-functional machining centers, they are optimized for repetitive, high-volume tasks within a production line. These machines are frequently found in industries like automotive component manufacturing, appliance production, and general engineering, where specific operations need to be performed efficiently and consistently. Importers are typically countries seeking to industrialize or expand their manufacturing capacity, while exporters are established machine tool producers. Key aspects include their robustness, reliability, and ability to be integrated into transfer lines, offering a cost-effective solution for dedicated manufacturing processes and optimizing assembly lines.

Covers
  • Single-station drilling unit
  • Single-station boring unit
  • Single-station milling unit
  • Unit head tapping machine
  • Modular drilling machine
  • Dedicated single-operation machine
  • Transfer line station
Examples
  • Felsomat single-station machines
  • Hydromat rotary transfer machines (as individual stations)
  • Pfiffner transfer machines (individual stations)
  • Chiron FZ series (can be configured as single-station units)
  • Grob G-series (as part of a larger system)

Codes often confused with 8457.20

Common mistake. Often confused with general drilling (84592x) or milling machines (84595x) due to their single-operation nature, but 845720 emphasizes their modular, unit-construction design for specific tasks.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 845720, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 845720 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 Spain $54M
  2. 2 China $18M
  3. 3 Italy $13M

World total: $134M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $32M
  2. 2 Russia* ~$23M
  3. 3 Canada $21M

World total: $144M 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 8457.20 2

Brazil splits HS 8457.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 8457.20.10 CNC single-station unit construction machinesDe comando numérico
  2. 8457.20.90 Non-CNC single-station unit construction machinesOutras

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.57 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8457.20

What is HS code 845720?

HS code 845720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machines; unit construction machines (single station), for working metal. Unit construction machines, specifically single-station types, are specialized machine tools built from standardized modules designed for performing a single, dedicated operation (e.g., drilling, boring, milling) on a metal workpiece. Unlike multi-functional machining centers, they are optimized for repetitive, high-volume tasks within a production line. These machines are frequently found in industries like automotive component manufacturing, appliance production, and general engineering, where specific operations need to be performed efficiently and consistently. Importers are typically countries seeking to industrialize or expand their manufacturing capacity, while exporters are established machine tool producers. Key aspects include their robustness, reliability, and ability to be integrated into transfer lines, offering a cost-effective solution for dedicated manufacturing processes and optimizing assembly lines.

What products fall under HS code 845720?

Single-station drilling unit, Single-station boring unit, Single-station milling unit, Unit head tapping machine, Modular drilling machine, Dedicated single-operation machine, Transfer line station

What are common misclassifications for HS code 845720?

Often confused with general drilling (84592x) or milling machines (84595x) due to their single-operation nature, but 845720 emphasizes their modular, unit-construction design for specific tasks.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 845720?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 845720 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($54M, 40% of world exports), China ($18M) and Italy ($13M). World exports came to about $134M, 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 845720?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 845720 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($32M, 22% of world imports), Russia (about $23M) and Canada ($21M). World imports came to about $144M, 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 845720 structured?

HS code 845720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (57) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 845720?

Brazil splits HS code 845720 into 2 NCM codes: 8457.20.10 (CNC single-station unit construction machines), 8457.20.90 (Non-CNC single-station unit construction machines). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.