HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8461.40 – Machine-tools; gear cutting, gear grinding or gear finishing machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets
HS code 8461.40 is the 6-digit subheading for machine-tools, gear cutting, gear grinding or gear finishing machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets. It is used for gear hobbing machines, gear shaping machines, gear grinding machines, gear shaving machines and gear honing machines.
What HS 8461.40 covers
This category encompasses highly specialized machine tools essential for the precise manufacturing of gears, which are critical components in almost every mechanical system. Gear cutting machines, such as hobbing and shaping machines, form the initial tooth profiles, while gear grinding and finishing machines refine these profiles to achieve extremely tight tolerances and smooth surfaces, crucial for reducing noise, wear, and improving efficiency. Industries like automotive, aerospace, wind energy, and heavy machinery manufacturing are primary users and drivers of trade for these sophisticated machines. Countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities, particularly Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the USA, are significant exporters, while developing industrial nations and those with large automotive sectors are key importers. Key aspects in trade include the machine's accuracy class, automation features, capacity for different gear types (spur, helical, bevel), and integration with production lines.
- Covers
- Gear hobbing machines
- Gear shaping machines
- Gear grinding machines
- Gear shaving machines
- Gear honing machines
- Bevel gear generators
- Worm gear milling machines
- Examples
- Liebherr Gear Technology
- Gleason Corporation
- Reishauer AG
- Klingelnberg
- FFG Werke (Modul)
Codes often confused with 8461.40
Common mistake. Confusion can arise with general milling machines (8457) or grinding machines (8460) if the specific 'gear' function is not explicitly stated. The defining characteristic here is their dedicated design for gear production.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 846140, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 846140 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% 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 $603M 55% of world exports
- 2 Japan $147M 13% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $127M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $544M 48% of world imports
- 2 India $86M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Russia* ~$60M 5.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.1B 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 8461.40 3
Brazil splits HS 8461.40 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8461.40.10 CNC gear cutting or finishing machinesDe comando numérico
- 8461.40.9 OtherOutras Group
- 8461.40.91 Gear tooth rounding machines, non-CNCRedondeadoras de dentes
- 8461.40.99 Other non-CNC gear cutting or finishing machinesOutras
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 8461.40
What is HS code 846140?
HS code 846140 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machine-tools; gear cutting, gear grinding or gear finishing machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets. This category encompasses highly specialized machine tools essential for the precise manufacturing of gears, which are critical components in almost every mechanical system. Gear cutting machines, such as hobbing and shaping machines, form the initial tooth profiles, while gear grinding and finishing machines refine these profiles to achieve extremely tight tolerances and smooth surfaces, crucial for reducing noise, wear, and improving efficiency. Industries like automotive, aerospace, wind energy, and heavy machinery manufacturing are primary users and drivers of trade for these sophisticated machines. Countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities, particularly Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the USA, are significant exporters, while developing industrial nations and those with large automotive sectors are key importers. Key aspects in trade include the machine's accuracy class, automation features, capacity for different gear types (spur, helical, bevel), and integration with production lines.
What products fall under HS code 846140?
Gear hobbing machines, Gear shaping machines, Gear grinding machines, Gear shaving machines, Gear honing machines, Bevel gear generators, Worm gear milling machines
What are common misclassifications for HS code 846140?
Confusion can arise with general milling machines (8457) or grinding machines (8460) if the specific 'gear' function is not explicitly stated. The defining characteristic here is their dedicated design for gear production.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 846140?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 846140 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($603M, 55% of world exports), Japan ($147M) and Switzerland ($127M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 846140?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 846140 in UN Comtrade data were China ($544M, 48% of world imports), India ($86M) and Russia (about $60M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 846140 structured?
HS code 846140 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 846140?
Brazil splits HS code 846140 into 3 NCM codes: 8461.40.10 (CNC gear cutting or finishing machines), 8461.40.91 (Gear tooth rounding machines, non-CNC), 8461.40.99 (Other non-CNC gear cutting or finishing machines). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.