Product classification
HS code for CNC metal shear: 8462.33
Machine-tools, shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal.
Classification of CNC metal shear under HS 8462.33
The CNC metal shear is classified under HS code 8462.33. This classification is determined by the machine's primary function as a tool for shearing flat metal products and its operation via numerical control. According to the Harmonized System (HS) Explanatory Notes for heading 8462, this category includes machine tools for working metal by changing its shape or form. Subheading 8462.33 specifically targets shearing machines, excluding presses, that are designed for flat products and are numerically controlled. The "numerically controlled" aspect refers to machines where the movement and operation are dictated by a computer program, ensuring high precision in the cutting process. This classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the machine is designed for flat products like sheet metal or plates, it is distinguished from machines designed for other profiles or non-automated control systems.
- Covers
- Hydraulic CNC guillotine shears
- CNC swing beam shears
- Numerically controlled plate shearing machines
- CNC variable rake shears
- Automated metal sheet cutting shears
- Also under 8462.33
- Amada HFE M2 Series Shears
- Trumpf TruShear
- Bystronic ByCut
- LVD PPEB Shears
- Durma CNC Shears
Codes often confused with 8462.33
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8462.32, which is for shearing machines that are not numerically controlled. Additionally, 8462.39 is often confused with this code; however, 8462.39 is reserved for shearing machines that work on products other than flat sheets, such as bars or angles. Another frequent error involves 8462.42, which covers combined punching and shearing machines. If the machine only performs shearing and does not have punching capabilities, it must remain in 8462.33.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846233 (the code used for CNC metal shear), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846233 (the code used for CNC metal shear) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.8% 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 846233, not only CNC metal shear.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $59M 38% of world exports
- 2 Germany $24M 15% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $24M 15% of world exports
World total: $155M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $12M 8.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $11M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $10M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $138M 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 code for CNC metal shear
Brazil classifies CNC metal shear under NCM 8462.33.00: HS 8462.33 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about CNC metal shear
What is the HS code for CNC metal shear?
The HS code for CNC metal shear is 846233 (Machine-tools; shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal). The HS code for a numerically controlled metal shearing machine for flat products is 8462.33.
How do I classify CNC metal shear for customs?
CNC metal shear is classified under HS code 846233 — Machine-tools; shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include manual shears?
No, manual or non-CNC shears are classified under 8462.32 (for flat products) or 8462.39 (for other products) depending on the material shape and machine design.
Which countries are the top exporters of CNC metal shear (HS 846233)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846233 (the code used for CNC metal shear) in UN Comtrade data were China ($59M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($24M) and Türkiye ($24M). World exports came to about $155M, 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 metal shear (HS 846233)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846233 (the code used for CNC metal shear) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($12M, 8.8% of world imports), the United States ($11M) and Saudi Arabia ($10M). World imports came to about $138M, 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 metal shear the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846233 for CNC metal shear 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 metal shear in Brazil?
In Brazil, CNC metal shear (HS 846233) is classified under NCM 8462.33.00.