HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8460.12 – Machine-tools; flat-surface grinding machines, numerically controlled
HS code 8460.12 is the 6-digit subheading for machine-tools, flat-surface grinding machines, numerically controlled. It is used for CNC surface grinders, CNC creep feed grinders, CNC rotary surface grinders, CNC double disc grinders and CNC profile grinders (flat surface focus).
What HS 8460.12 covers
This category covers advanced numerically controlled (CNC) grinding machines specifically designed for achieving extremely precise and smooth flat surfaces on workpieces. These machines are critical for finishing operations where high surface quality, flatness, and dimensional accuracy are paramount. They are indispensable in industries such as mold & die making, aerospace, automotive (for engine components), and precision tool manufacturing. The CNC capability allows for automated, highly repeatable processes, reducing human error and increasing efficiency. Major importers are industrialized nations with strong high-precision manufacturing sectors (e.g., China, USA, Germany), while key exporters are often countries renowned for their precision engineering and machine tool innovation (e.g., Japan, Germany, Switzerland). The trade in these machines reflects global demand for ultra-precision finishing capabilities, essential for high-performance components and tooling, driving technological advancement in critical sectors.
- Covers
- CNC surface grinders
- CNC creep feed grinders
- CNC rotary surface grinders
- CNC double disc grinders
- CNC profile grinders (flat surface focus)
- CNC jig grinders (flat surface focus)
- Examples
- Okamoto ACC-DX series
- Studer S series (flat grinding modules)
- Kellenberger 1000 series (flat grinding)
- ELB-Schliff smart series
- Chevalier FSG-AD series
Codes often confused with 8460.12
Common mistake. Often confused with other CNC grinding machines like cylindrical grinders (846021) if the flat surface specialization isn't clear, or non-CNC flat surface grinders (846019) if the numerical control aspect is missed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 846012, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 846012 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 Germany $99M 22% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $69M 15% of world exports
- 3 Spain $57M 13% of world exports
World total: $443M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $78M 24% of world imports
- 2 China $70M 21% of world imports
- 3 Germany $47M 14% of world imports
World total: $332M 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 8460.12
Brazil does not split HS 8460.12: its NCM code is 8460.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.60 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8460.12
What is HS code 846012?
HS code 846012 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machine-tools; flat-surface grinding machines, numerically controlled. This category covers advanced numerically controlled (CNC) grinding machines specifically designed for achieving extremely precise and smooth flat surfaces on workpieces. These machines are critical for finishing operations where high surface quality, flatness, and dimensional accuracy are paramount. They are indispensable in industries such as mold & die making, aerospace, automotive (for engine components), and precision tool manufacturing. The CNC capability allows for automated, highly repeatable processes, reducing human error and increasing efficiency. Major importers are industrialized nations with strong high-precision manufacturing sectors (e.g., China, USA, Germany), while key exporters are often countries renowned for their precision engineering and machine tool innovation (e.g., Japan, Germany, Switzerland). The trade in these machines reflects global demand for ultra-precision finishing capabilities, essential for high-performance components and tooling, driving technological advancement in critical sectors.
What products fall under HS code 846012?
CNC surface grinders, CNC creep feed grinders, CNC rotary surface grinders, CNC double disc grinders, CNC profile grinders (flat surface focus), CNC jig grinders (flat surface focus)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 846012?
Often confused with other CNC grinding machines like cylindrical grinders (846021) if the flat surface specialization isn't clear, or non-CNC flat surface grinders (846019) if the numerical control aspect is missed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 846012?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 846012 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($99M, 22% of world exports), Switzerland ($69M) and Spain ($57M). World exports came to about $443M, 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 846012?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 846012 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($78M, 24% of world imports), China ($70M) and Germany ($47M). World imports came to about $332M, 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 846012 structured?
HS code 846012 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (60) 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 846012?
In Brazil, HS code 846012 is NCM 8460.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.