HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8461.20 – Machine-tools; shaping or slotting machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets
HS code 8461.20 is the 6-digit subheading for machine-tools, shaping or slotting machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets. It is used for horizontal shaping machine, vertical shaping machine, slotting machine, keyseating machine and gear shaping machine.
What HS 8461.20 covers
This HS code covers machine tools specifically designed for shaping or slotting operations, which involve removing metal, sintered metal carbides, or cermets using a reciprocating cutting tool. Shaping machines typically work on external flat or contoured surfaces, while slotting machines are used for internal keyways, splines, or grooves. Although less prevalent in high-volume production compared to milling or turning, these machines are indispensable for creating specific geometries, internal features, and for tool room applications where flexibility and precision are paramount. Importers are often general engineering workshops, tool and die makers, and heavy machinery manufacturers.
- Covers
- Horizontal shaping machine
- Vertical shaping machine
- Slotting machine
- Keyseating machine
- Gear shaping machine
- Planer-shaper
- Examples
- Butler 18" Shaper
- Rockford Hydraulic Shaper
- TOS Hostivar Slotter
- W.M.W. Slotting Machine
- Fellows Gear Shaper
Codes often confused with 8461.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with milling machines (8457) or planing machines (846110) if the specific reciprocating cutting action and purpose of shaping/slotting are not clearly distinguished.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 846120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 846120 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% 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 Germany $19M 36% of world exports
- 2 China $6.6M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $5.9M 11% of world exports
World total: $52M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $16M 27% of world imports
- 2 Italy $6.0M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $4.8M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $59M 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 8461.20 2
Brazil splits HS 8461.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.61 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8461.20
What is HS code 846120?
HS code 846120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machine-tools; shaping or slotting machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets. This HS code covers machine tools specifically designed for shaping or slotting operations, which involve removing metal, sintered metal carbides, or cermets using a reciprocating cutting tool. Shaping machines typically work on external flat or contoured surfaces, while slotting machines are used for internal keyways, splines, or grooves. Although less prevalent in high-volume production compared to milling or turning, these machines are indispensable for creating specific geometries, internal features, and for tool room applications where flexibility and precision are paramount. Importers are often general engineering workshops, tool and die makers, and heavy machinery manufacturers.
What products fall under HS code 846120?
Horizontal shaping machine, Vertical shaping machine, Slotting machine, Keyseating machine, Gear shaping machine, Planer-shaper
What are common misclassifications for HS code 846120?
Can be confused with milling machines (8457) or planing machines (846110) if the specific reciprocating cutting action and purpose of shaping/slotting are not clearly distinguished.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 846120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 846120 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($19M, 36% of world exports), China ($6.6M) and Italy ($5.9M). World exports came to about $52M, 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 846120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 846120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($16M, 27% of world imports), Italy ($6.0M) and India ($4.8M). World imports came to about $59M, 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 846120 structured?
HS code 846120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (61) 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 846120?
Brazil splits HS code 846120 into 2 NCM codes: 8461.20.10 (Metal slotting machines), 8461.20.90 (Shaping machines for metal). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.