HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 84.70 – Calculating machines and pocket-size data recording, reproducing and displaying machines with calculating functions; accounting machines, postage-franking machines, ticket-issuing machines and similar, incorporating a calculating device; cash registers
What HS 84.70 covers
Heading 8470 encompasses a diverse range of machines primarily designed for calculating functions, along with certain related office and retail equipment that incorporate a calculating device. This includes everything from basic pocket-size calculators to sophisticated accounting machines, postage-franking machines, ticket-issuing machines, and cash registers. The core criterion for classification here is the presence and primary function of a calculating device. It delineates between simple computational tasks and more complex data processing, which falls under other headings. For importers and exporters, understanding the scope of 8470 is crucial to avoid misclassification, especially when products possess multiple functions. For instance, a Point-of-Sale (POS) system primarily used for transaction calculation and receipt printing would fall here, but if its main function shifts to complex inventory management and data analysis, it might lean towards 8471. Historically, this heading reflects the evolution of office automation, from mechanical adding machines to electronic calculators and specialized retail financial equipment. Its importance for trade compliance lies in accurately identifying the primary function of hybrid devices. As part of Section XVI, it signifies a mechanical appliance, distinguishing it from purely electronic components or general electrical apparatus, ensuring consistent application of tariffs and regulations across global supply chains.
- Covers
Handheld calculators, scientific calculators, graphing calculators, desktop calculators, financial calculators, electronic cash registers, accounting machines, postage meters, ticket vending machines, fare collection machines, currency counting machines with calculation, taximeters, electronic scales with calculating functions, gaming machines incorporating calculation, time recorders with calculation, electronic ledger machines, automatic teller machines (ATMs) with calculating functions (if primary function is calculation), point-of-sale (POS) terminals with integrated calculating functions, credit card processing terminals (if primary function is transaction calculation), coin counting machines with calculation, bill validators with calculation, check processing machines with calculation, digital price calculators for retail.
- Examples
A Japanese manufacturer exports advanced scientific calculators to educational institutions and engineering firms across North America, utilizing fast freight routes to major US ports like Los Angeles and New York. A German company imports a consignment of state-of-the-art electronic cash registers for a new supermarket chain opening in Poland, leveraging intra-EU trade agreements for seamless movement. A Chinese factory produces and ships thousands of compact pocket calculators to stationery retailers and discount stores in developing economies across Africa and South America, often via ocean freight to major ports like Durban or Santos. An Italian firm supplies specialized ticket-issuing machines for public transportation networks in major South American cities, managing complex logistics for installation and maintenance.
Subheadings under 84.70 6
Codes often confused with 84.70
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing devices under 8470 with those in 8471 (Automatic Data Processing machines) or 8543 (Electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions, not elsewhere specified). For example, a sophisticated POS system that primarily performs complex data management and inventory control, rather than just calculation, should be classified under 8471. Conversely, a simple electronic device with a display and keys but without a true calculating function might fall under 8543. Another error can occur with 9017 (Drawing, measuring, calculating instruments, not involving mechanical calculation), where purely manual or non-electronic calculating instruments are mistakenly placed here. The key distinction is the presence and primary role of an *integrated calculating device* versus broader data processing or other specific electrical functions.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8470, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8470 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 $2.7B 38% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $617M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$608M 8.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $7.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 18% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $453M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $366M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $6.5B 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.
Questions about HS 84.70
What is HS code 8470?
HS code 8470 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Calculating machines and pocket-size data recording, reproducing and displaying machines with calculating functions; accounting machines, postage-franking machines, ticket-issuing machines and similar, incorporating a calculating device; cash registers. Heading 8470 encompasses a diverse range of machines primarily designed for calculating functions, along with certain related office and retail equipment that incorporate a calculating device. This includes everything from basic pocket-size calculators to sophisticated accounting machines, postage-franking machines, ticket-issuing machines, and cash registers. The core criterion for classification here is the presence and primary function of a calculating device. It delineates between simple computational tasks and more complex data processing, which falls under other headings. For importers and exporters, understanding the scope of 8470 is crucial to avoid misclassification, especially when products possess multiple functions. For instance, a Point-of-Sale (POS) system primarily used for transaction calculation and receipt printing would fall here, but if its main function shifts to complex inventory management and data analysis, it might lean towards 8471. Historically, this heading reflects the evolution of office automation, from mechanical adding machines to electronic calculators and specialized retail financial equipment. Its importance for trade compliance lies in accurately identifying the primary function of hybrid devices. As part of Section XVI, it signifies a mechanical appliance, distinguishing it from purely electronic components or general electrical apparatus, ensuring consistent application of tariffs and regulations across global supply chains.
What products fall under HS code 8470?
Handheld calculators, scientific calculators, graphing calculators, desktop calculators, financial calculators, electronic cash registers, accounting machines, postage meters, ticket vending machines, fare collection machines, currency counting machines with calculation, taximeters, electronic scales with calculating functions, gaming machines incorporating calculation, time recorders with calculation, electronic ledger machines, automatic teller machines (ATMs) with calculating functions (if primary function is calculation), point-of-sale (POS) terminals with integrated calculating functions, credit card processing terminals (if primary function is transaction calculation), coin counting machines with calculation, bill validators with calculation, check processing machines with calculation, digital price calculators for retail.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8470?
A common misclassification involves confusing devices under 8470 with those in 8471 (Automatic Data Processing machines) or 8543 (Electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions, not elsewhere specified). For example, a sophisticated POS system that primarily performs complex data management and inventory control, rather than just calculation, should be classified under 8471. Conversely, a simple electronic device with a display and keys but without a true calculating function might fall under 8543. Another error can occur with 9017 (Drawing, measuring, calculating instruments, not involving mechanical calculation), where purely manual or non-electronic calculating instruments are mistakenly placed here. The key distinction is the presence and primary role of an *integrated calculating device* versus broader data processing or other specific electrical functions.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8470?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8470 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.7B, 38% of world exports), Hong Kong ($617M) and Vietnam (about $608M). World exports came to about $7.1B, 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 8470?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8470 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 18% of world imports), Hong Kong ($453M) and the United Kingdom ($366M). World imports came to about $6.5B, 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 8470 structured?
HS code 8470 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (70) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.