HS Code 84.64 – Machine-tools; for working stone, ceramics, concrete, asbestos-cement or like mineral materials or for cold working glass

HS code 8464 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machine-tools; for working stone, ceramics, concrete, asbestos-cement or like mineral materials or for cold working glass. Heading 8464 encompasses a specialized category of machine-tools designed for the rigorous working of stone, ceramics, concrete, asbestos-cement, and other similar mineral materials, as well as for the cold working of glass. This classification is critical for industries involved in construction, monumental masonry, ceramics manufacturing, and glass processing. The scope includes heavy-duty machinery capable of cutting, grinding, polishing, drilling, and shaping these hard, often brittle materials. It explicitly excludes hand tools or simple implements, focusing instead on industrial-scale machines that require precision and power. Key sub-categories often include stone cutting saws, ceramic tile polishing lines, concrete grinding machines, and various types of glass edge grinders or beveling machines. The 'cold working' aspect for glass is vital, differentiating these machines from those used in hot glass forming (e.g., 8475). For trade compliance, correctly classifying these high-value capital goods ensures proper duty assessment, adherence to import/export regulations, and eligibility for trade agreement benefits. Historically, these machines have been central to infrastructure development and architectural design, with advancements continually improving efficiency and precision. As part of Chapter 84, which covers a vast array of nuclear reactors, boilers, and mechanical appliances, heading 8464 highlights the specific mechanical solutions developed for processing challenging non-metallic mineral materials, underscoring the chapter's focus on industrial machinery and equipment.

Stone cutting bridge saws, multi-spindle stone polishing machines, CNC stone carving machines, ceramic tile cutting machines, concrete floor grinders, diamond wire saws for quarrying, glass edge grinding machines, glass beveling machines, glass drilling machines, slab polishing lines for granite, marble cutting machines, ceramic grinding mills (machine-tool type), concrete block cutting machines, asbestos-cement pipe manufacturing machines (shaping), glass engraving machines, waterjet cutting machines for stone, stone profiling machines, tile presses (shaping), masonry saws, concrete surface preparation machines, terrazzo floor grinders, glass washing machines (integrated with cold working), ceramic kiln furniture shaping machines, stone calibrating machines, glass sandblasting machines (integrated).

Common misclassifications for 8464 often arise from confusion with general construction machinery or simpler hand tools. For instance, excavators or loaders, even if used in quarries, are classified elsewhere (e.g., 8429) as they excavate or move earth/materials, rather than 'working' the material into a new form. Handheld power tools for concrete or stone (e.g., angle grinders, concrete breakers) belong to 8467. Another pitfall is machines for hot working glass, which fall under 8475. The key distinction for 8464 is the 'machine-tool' aspect for shaping or processing hard mineral materials or cold working glass, not just moving them or using basic manual power.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8464 in UN Comtrade data were China ($834M, 31% of world exports), Italy ($680M) and Germany ($227M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8464 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($333M, 12% of world imports), China ($272M) and India ($166M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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.

HS code 8464 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (64) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.