Product classification

HS code for CNC tube bending machine: 8462.51

Machine-tools, for working tube, pipe, hollow section and bar (excluding presses), for working metal, numerically controlled.

Classification of CNC tube bending machine under HS 8462.51

The classification of a CNC tube bending machine under HS code 846251 is determined by its primary function as a machine-tool designed for working metal, specifically tubes, pipes, hollow sections, and bars. The critical distinguishing factor is its "numerically controlled" capability, which allows for precise, automated, and repeatable bending operations. This code specifically excludes presses, focusing on machines that deform metal through bending, folding, or similar processes. The numerical control aspect signifies advanced automation and precision, aligning perfectly with the description of modern CNC bending equipment used in various industries for shaping metal components.

Covers
  • Numerically controlled pipe bending machines
  • Automated tube forming machines with CNC capabilities
  • CNC section bending machines for hollow profiles
  • Precision CNC bar bending equipment
  • Robotic tube benders integrated with numerical control systems
Also under 8462.51
  • BLM Group Elect Series Tube Benders
  • Crippa Tube Bending Machines
  • Transfluid Tube Benders
  • Eaton Leonard Tube Benders
  • Pines CNC Benders

Codes often confused with 8462.51

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 846221, which covers bending, folding, straightening, or flattening machines, numerically controlled, but specifically for working flat metal products. The distinction lies in the form of the metal being worked: 846251 is for tubes, pipes, hollow sections, and bars, while 846221 is for flat sheets or plates. Another potential confusion is with HS code 846259, which covers other machine-tools for working tube, pipe, hollow section, and bar, but are *not* numerically controlled. The presence of numerical control is the key differentiator for classification under 846251.

8462.59Machine-tools; for working tube, pipe, hollow section and bar (excluding presses), for working metal, not numerically controlled

Top exporters and importers of HS 846251 (the code used for CNC tube bending machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846251 (the code used for CNC tube bending machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 846251, not only CNC tube bending machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $77M
  2. 2 Italy $72M
  3. 3 Netherlands $61M

World total: $292M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $57M
  2. 2 Mexico $32M
  3. 3 China $14M

World total: $270M 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 tube bending machine

Brazil classifies CNC tube bending machine under NCM 8462.51.00: HS 8462.51 with 00 added.

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

Questions about CNC tube bending machine

What is the HS code for CNC tube bending machine?

The HS code for CNC tube bending machine is 846251 (Machine-tools; for working tube, pipe, hollow section and bar (excluding presses), for working metal, numerically controlled). The HS code for a CNC tube bending machine is 846251. This code specifically applies to numerically controlled machine-tools designed for working tubes, pipes, hollow sections, and bars, excluding presses.

How do I classify CNC tube bending machine for customs?

CNC tube bending machine is classified under HS code 846251 — Machine-tools; for working tube, pipe, hollow section and bar (excluding presses), for working metal, numerically controlled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What distinguishes HS 846251 from other metal-working machine codes?

HS 846251 is distinguished by two primary characteristics: its function in working tube, pipe, hollow section, and bar, and its numerically controlled operation. This differentiates it from machines working flat metal products (e.g., 846221) and from similar machines that lack numerical control (e.g., 846259), emphasizing its advanced automation and precision capabilities for specific metal forms.

Which countries are the top exporters of CNC tube bending machine (HS 846251)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846251 (the code used for CNC tube bending machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($77M, 26% of world exports), Italy ($72M) and the Netherlands ($61M). World exports came to about $292M, 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 tube bending machine (HS 846251)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 846251 (the code used for CNC tube bending machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($57M, 21% of world imports), Mexico ($32M) and China ($14M). World imports came to about $270M, 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 tube bending machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 846251 for CNC tube bending machine 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 tube bending machine in Brazil?

In Brazil, CNC tube bending machine (HS 846251) is classified under NCM 8462.51.00.