HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8459.21 – Machine-tools; for drilling by removing metal, numerically controlled
HS code 8459.21 is the 6-digit subheading for machine-tools, for drilling by removing metal, numerically controlled. It is used for CNC drilling machine, CNC multi-spindle drilling machine, CNC deep hole drilling machine, CNC radial drilling machine and CNC gantry drilling machine.
What HS 8459.21 covers
This category covers numerically controlled (NC/CNC) machine tools specifically designed for drilling operations on metal. These machines use rotating cutting tools to create holes in workpieces with high precision, repeatability, and speed. CNC technology allows for automated control of drilling depth, feed rates, and hole patterns, making them essential for modern manufacturing. They are widely used across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and general fabrication, where accurate hole placement and consistent quality are critical. Major importers include industrialized nations and those investing in advanced manufacturing capabilities, such as China, USA, Germany, and India. Exporters are typically countries with strong machine tool industries, like Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and South Korea. Their ability to handle complex drilling patterns and integrate into automated production lines is a key trade advantage.
- Covers
- CNC drilling machine
- CNC multi-spindle drilling machine
- CNC deep hole drilling machine
- CNC radial drilling machine
- CNC gantry drilling machine
- CNC PCB drilling machine
- CNC gun drilling machine
- Examples
- DMG Mori DMC series (drilling functions)
- Haas EC series (drilling functions)
- Chiron FZ series (drilling focus)
- TBT deep hole drilling machines
- Excellon PCB drilling machines
Codes often confused with 8459.21
Common mistake. Often confused with 845929 (non-NC drilling machines) or even machining centers (845710) if drilling is a primary function, but 845921 is specifically for numerically controlled machines whose primary function is drilling.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 845921, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 845921 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 $69M 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $67M 20% of world exports
- 3 Spain $40M 12% of world exports
World total: $338M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $29M 11% of world imports
- 2 India $22M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $17M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $273M 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 codes for 8459.21 3
Brazil splits HS 8459.21 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8459.21.10 CNC radial drilling machinesRadiais
- 8459.21.9 OtherOutras Group
- 8459.21.91 CNC drilling machines with multiple headsDe mais de um cabeçote mono ou multifuso
- 8459.21.99 Other CNC drilling machinesOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.59 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8459.21
What is HS code 845921?
HS code 845921 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machine-tools; for drilling by removing metal, numerically controlled. This category covers numerically controlled (NC/CNC) machine tools specifically designed for drilling operations on metal. These machines use rotating cutting tools to create holes in workpieces with high precision, repeatability, and speed. CNC technology allows for automated control of drilling depth, feed rates, and hole patterns, making them essential for modern manufacturing. They are widely used across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and general fabrication, where accurate hole placement and consistent quality are critical. Major importers include industrialized nations and those investing in advanced manufacturing capabilities, such as China, USA, Germany, and India. Exporters are typically countries with strong machine tool industries, like Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and South Korea. Their ability to handle complex drilling patterns and integrate into automated production lines is a key trade advantage.
What products fall under HS code 845921?
CNC drilling machine, CNC multi-spindle drilling machine, CNC deep hole drilling machine, CNC radial drilling machine, CNC gantry drilling machine, CNC PCB drilling machine, CNC gun drilling machine
What are common misclassifications for HS code 845921?
Often confused with 845929 (non-NC drilling machines) or even machining centers (845710) if drilling is a primary function, but 845921 is specifically for numerically controlled machines whose primary function is drilling.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 845921?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 845921 in UN Comtrade data were China ($69M, 20% of world exports), Italy ($67M) and Spain ($40M). World exports came to about $338M, 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 845921?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 845921 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($29M, 11% of world imports), India ($22M) and Thailand ($17M). World imports came to about $273M, 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 845921 structured?
HS code 845921 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (59) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 845921?
Brazil splits HS code 845921 into 3 NCM codes: 8459.21.10 (CNC radial drilling machines), 8459.21.91 (CNC drilling machines with multiple heads), 8459.21.99 (Other CNC drilling machines). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.