Product classification

HS code for CNC drill press: 8459.21

Machine-tools, for drilling by removing metal, numerically controlled.

Classification of CNC drill press under HS 8459.21

The CNC drill press is classified under HS code 8459.21. This code is specific to numerically controlled machine tools for drilling by removing metal. Heading 8459 covers machine tools for drilling, boring, milling, threading, or tapping by removing metal, other than lathes of heading 8458. The classification depends on the machine's primary function being drilling. If the machine is numerically controlled and its primary purpose is to create holes using a rotating bit while the workpiece remains stationary (or moves on a table), it fits here. The CNC aspect allows for automated positioning and depth control, which distinguishes it from manual sensitive or radial drills. It is important to note that for a machine to stay in this category, it must not feature an automatic tool changer that would allow it to perform a variety of different machining operations (like milling and boring) in a single setup, as that would reclassify the unit as a machining center. The 8459.21 code is the standard for industrial-grade CNC drilling stations used in metal fabrication and component manufacturing.

Covers
  • CNC vertical drill presses
  • CNC radial drilling machines
  • CNC multi-spindle drilling machines
  • CNC deep-hole drilling machines
  • CNC turret drilling machines (without automatic tool change)
Also under 8459.21
  • DMG Mori DMC series (drilling functions)
  • Haas EC series (drilling functions)
  • Chiron FZ series (drilling focus)
  • TBT deep hole drilling machines
  • Excellon PCB drilling machines

Codes often confused with 8459.21

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 8457.10 (Machining Centers). If the CNC drill press has an automatic tool changer (ATC) that allows it to switch between different types of tools (drills, mills, taps) automatically, it must be classified under 8457.10. It is also sometimes confused with 8459.31 (CNC boring-milling machines), which are designed for larger-scale hole finishing and surface milling.

8457.10Machining centres; for working metal8459.31Machine-tools; for boring-milling by removing metal, numerically controlled

Top exporters and importers of HS 845921 (the code used for CNC drill press), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845921 (the code used for CNC drill press) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 845921, not only CNC drill press.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $69M
  2. 2 Italy $67M
  3. 3 Spain $40M

World total: $338M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $29M
  2. 2 India $22M
  3. 3 Thailand $17M

World total: $273M 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 CNC drill press

Brazil splits HS 8459.21 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about CNC drill press

What is the HS code for CNC drill press?

The HS code for CNC drill press is 845921 (Machine-tools; for drilling by removing metal, numerically controlled). The HS code for a numerically controlled CNC drill press is 8459.21.

How do I classify CNC drill press for customs?

CNC drill press is classified under HS code 845921 — Machine-tools; for drilling by removing metal, numerically controlled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include CNC machines for drilling wood?

No, HS code 8459.21 is specifically for metalworking. CNC drilling machines for wood, cork, bone, or hard plastics are classified under heading 8465.

Which countries are the top exporters of CNC drill press (HS 845921)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845921 (the code used for CNC drill press) in UN Comtrade data were China ($69M, 20% of world exports), Italy ($67M) and Spain ($40M). World exports came to about $338M, 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 CNC drill press (HS 845921)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 845921 (the code used for CNC drill press) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($29M, 11% of world imports), India ($22M) and Thailand ($17M). World imports came to about $273M, 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.

Is the HS code for CNC drill press the same in all countries?

The base HS code 845921 for CNC drill press is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for CNC drill press in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 845921 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for CNC drill press depends on the product's details: 8459.21.10 (CNC radial drilling machines), 8459.21.91 (CNC drilling machines with multiple heads), 8459.21.99 (Other CNC drilling machines).