Product classification
HS code for CNC punch shear: 8462.42
Machine-tools, punching, notching or nibbling machines (excluding presses) for flat products including combined punching and shearing machines, numerically controlled, for working metal.
Classification of CNC punch shear under HS 8462.42
The CNC punch shear is classified under HS code 8462.42. This classification is unique because the HS nomenclature explicitly groups "combined punching and shearing machines" for flat products under the same subheading as punching and notching machines, provided they are numerically controlled. Even though the machine performs shearing, the presence of punching capabilities or the specific design as a combined unit moves it from the shearing-only category (8462.33) to the punching and combined category (8462.42). This is a result of the specific wording in the HS description for 8462.42. These machines are highly efficient in industrial fabrication, allowing for multiple operations on a single piece of sheet metal in one setup. The classification adheres to the legal notes of Chapter 84 and the specific hierarchical structure of heading 8462, which prioritizes the combined function under the punching subheadings for numerically controlled equipment.
- Covers
- Combined CNC punch and shear machines
- CNC right-angle shear and punch units
- Numerically controlled fabrication centers for punching and shearing
- Automated punch-shear lines
- Integrated CNC sheet metal processing machines
- Also under 8462.42
- Amada EMK Series Turret Punch Presses
- Trumpf TruPunch Series
- LVD Strippit P Series
- Finn-Power EBe Express Bender
- Prima Power Combi Genius
Codes often confused with 8462.42
Common mistake. The most common error is classifying these machines under 8462.33, which is for CNC shearing machines. However, the HS description for 8462.33 explicitly excludes combined punching and shearing machines. Another misclassification is 8462.49, which is for non-CNC combined machines. Users must also avoid 8462.10, which is for forging or die-stamping machines, as the mechanical action of a punch-shear is distinct from forging.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846242 (the code used for CNC punch shear), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846242 (the code used for CNC punch shear) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world imports. Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 846242, not only CNC punch shear.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $252M 26% of world exports
- 2 China $219M 22% of world exports
- 3 Japan $157M 16% of world exports
World total: $975M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $145M 19% of world imports
- 2 China $58M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $43M 5.7% of world imports
Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $749M 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 punch shear
Brazil classifies CNC punch shear under NCM 8462.42.00: HS 8462.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about CNC punch shear
What is the HS code for CNC punch shear?
The HS code for CNC punch shear is 846242 (Machine-tools; punching, notching or nibbling machines (excluding presses) for flat products including combined punching and shearing machines, numerically controlled, for working metal). The HS code for a numerically controlled combined punching and shearing machine for flat products is 8462.42.
How do I classify CNC punch shear for customs?
CNC punch shear is classified under HS code 846242 — Machine-tools; punching, notching or nibbling machines (excluding presses) for flat products including combined punching and shearing machines, numerically controlled, for working metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is it not classified as a shear?
The HS system specifically directs combined punching and shearing machines to the punching subheadings (8462.42) rather than the shearing subheadings (8462.33).
Which countries are the top exporters of CNC punch shear (HS 846242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846242 (the code used for CNC punch shear) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($252M, 26% of world exports), China ($219M) and Japan ($157M). World exports came to about $975M, 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 punch shear (HS 846242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846242 (the code used for CNC punch shear) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($145M, 19% of world imports), China ($58M) and Mexico ($43M). World imports came to about $749M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for CNC punch shear the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846242 for CNC punch 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 punch shear in Brazil?
In Brazil, CNC punch shear (HS 846242) is classified under NCM 8462.42.00.