HS Code for Additive manufacturing machine

Additive manufacturing machines, commonly known as 3D printers, are classified under HS code 8485.80 when they utilize materials other than metal, plastics, rubber, plaster, cement, ceramics, or glass. This heading was introduced in the 2022 HS nomenclature update to provide a dedicated location for these advanced technologies, which were previously classified based on the material they processed or as general machinery. Heading 8485 is part of Chapter 84, which encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. The subheading 8485.80 serves as a residual category for machines that deposit materials such as wax, food products, or biological tissues. Classification follows GRI 1, as the heading text explicitly mentions machines for additive manufacturing. The shift to heading 8485 reflects the global effort to standardize the classification of 3D printing technology regardless of the specific mechanical method used for layer-by-layer deposition.

Products Included

• 3D printers for food products
• Bio-printers for tissue engineering
• Wax-based additive manufacturing machines
• Composite material 3D printers (non-plastic/metal)
• Multi-material additive manufacturing systems

Common Misclassification

Before the 2022 update, these machines were often classified under 8477.80 (machinery for working plastics) or 8463.90 (machinery for working metal). Even now, confusion persists between 8485.10 (metal), 8485.20 (plastics/rubber), and 8485.30 (ceramics/glass). If a machine is designed to print multiple materials or materials not listed in the first three subheadings, it must be classified under 8485.80. Additionally, 3D printers are sometimes incorrectly classified as office printers under 8443.32, which is incorrect as 8443 is for 2D printing on paper.

FAQ

What is the HS code for additive manufacturing machine?

The HS code for additive manufacturing machines using materials other than metal, plastic, or ceramics is 8485.80.

Does this code cover 3D printers for home use?

Yes, if the home 3D printer uses materials not specified in 8485.10 through 8485.30, it falls under 8485.80, regardless of its size or intended user.