Product classification

HS code for Cut-to-length line: 8462.32

Machine-tools, slitting lines and cut-to-length lines, for working metal.

Classification of cut-to-length line under HS 8462.32

A cut-to-length line is classified under HS code 8462.32 because it is a specialized machine tool designed for processing metal through shearing. These industrial systems are used to uncoil metal rolls, level the material to remove internal stresses, and then cut it into precise lengths to create flat sheets. Under the 2022 Harmonized System updates, slitting lines and cut-to-length lines were specifically identified within heading 8462 to distinguish them from other types of metal-working machinery. The classification is based on the machine's primary function of \"working metal\" without the removal of material (unlike sawing). These lines are considered integrated units even if they consist of several components like decoilers, levelers, and shears, provided they function together as a single machine for the purpose of cutting metal to length.

Covers
  • Automatic metal cut-to-length lines
  • Steel coil processing lines for sheet production
  • Heavy-duty leveling and shearing lines
  • Rotary shear cut-to-length systems
  • Integrated uncoiling and cutting machines for metal
Also under 8462.32
  • Fagor Arrasate Slitting Lines
  • Stamco Cut-to-Length Lines
  • Salico Slitting Lines
  • Bradbury Group CTL Lines
  • B&K Slitting Systems

Codes often confused with 8462.32

Common mistake. Cut-to-length lines are often confused with individual shearing machines classified under 8462.33 or 8462.39. The distinction lies in the integrated nature of the line, which includes uncoiling and leveling functions. Another common error is classifying these systems under 8455 as rolling mills; however, 8455 is for machines that reduce the thickness of metal, whereas cut-to-length lines merely process existing gauges. Additionally, if the line is designed for materials other than metal, such as paper or plastic, it would be classified in different chapters entirely, such as 8441 or 8477.

8462.33Machine-tools; shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal8462.39Machine-tools; shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, other than numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal84.55Metal-rolling mills and rolls therefor84.41Machines; for making up paper pulp, paper or paperboard, including cutting machines of all kinds84.77Machinery; for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials, n.e.c. in this chapter

Top exporters and importers of HS 846232 (the code used for cut-to-length line), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846232 (the code used for cut-to-length line) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 846232, not only cut-to-length line.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $156M
  2. 2 Italy $109M
  3. 3 Spain $62M

World total: $510M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $66M
  2. 2 India $55M
  3. 3 Canada $38M

World total: $444M 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 cut-to-length line

Brazil classifies cut-to-length line under NCM 8462.32.00: HS 8462.32 with 00 added.

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

Questions about cut-to-length line

What is the HS code for Cut-to-length line?

The HS code for Cut-to-length line is 846232 (Machine-tools; slitting lines and cut-to-length lines, for working metal).

How do I classify Cut-to-length line for customs?

Cut-to-length line is classified under HS code 846232 — Machine-tools; slitting lines and cut-to-length lines, for working metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for a metal cut-to-length line?

The specific HS code for slitting lines and cut-to-length lines for working metal is 8462.32.

Does this code include the decoiler and leveler?

Yes, when imported as a complete functional unit for the purpose of cutting metal to length, the entire line including the decoiler and leveler is classified under 8462.32.

Which countries are the top exporters of cut-to-length line (HS 846232)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846232 (the code used for cut-to-length line) in UN Comtrade data were China ($156M, 31% of world exports), Italy ($109M) and Spain ($62M). World exports came to about $510M, 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 cut-to-length line (HS 846232)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 846232 (the code used for cut-to-length line) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($66M, 15% of world imports), India ($55M) and Canada ($38M). World imports came to about $444M, 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 Cut-to-length line the same in all countries?

The base HS code 846232 for Cut-to-length line 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 cut-to-length line in Brazil?

In Brazil, cut-to-length line (HS 846232) is classified under NCM 8462.32.00.