Product classification
HS code for Guillotine shear: 8462.39
Machine-tools, shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, other than numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal.
Classification of guillotine shear under HS 8462.39
The guillotine shear is classified under HS code 846239, which pertains to machine tools for shearing metal. This specific code is used for shearing machines that are not numerically controlled (non-NC) and are designed for working with flat products. The classification is part of the broader category of machines that change the shape of metal without removing material (other than shearing). Under the 2022 HS updates, the 8462 heading was restructured to better distinguish between different types of metal-forming machines. 846239 continues to cover mechanical or hydraulic shears that lack computer-automated control systems. The machine must be designed for industrial metalworking to fall under this heading. It excludes combined punching and shearing machines, which are classified elsewhere within the same heading. Proper classification requires identifying the drive mechanism and the absence of a numerical control unit, as these factors significantly impact the applicable duty rates and trade statistics.
- Covers
- Manual guillotine shears for metal plates
- Hydraulic metal shears (non-NC)
- Mechanical power shears for flat metal products
- Pneumatic guillotine shears
- Bench-mounted metal shearing machines
- Also under 8462.39
- Accurshear Hydraulic Shears
- Cincinnati Mechanical Shears
- Piranha Shears
- Baileigh Industrial Shears
- Edwards Shears
Codes often confused with 8462.39
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is under 846232, which is reserved for numerically controlled (NC or CNC) shearing machines. Importers often fail to distinguish between a machine with a simple digital readout and one with true numerical control. It is also sometimes confused with 8203.30 (metal cutting shears) which are hand tools, or 846249 (punching or notching machines).
Top exporters and importers of HS 846239 (the code used for guillotine shear), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846239 (the code used for guillotine shear) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% of world imports. Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 846239, not only guillotine shear.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $85M 36% of world exports
- 2 Italy $55M 23% of world exports
- 3 United States $12M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $238M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $45M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $41M 13% of world imports
- 3 Canada $18M 5.5% of world imports
Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $322M 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 guillotine shear
Brazil classifies guillotine shear under NCM 8462.39.00: HS 8462.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about guillotine shear
What is the HS code for Guillotine shear?
The HS code for Guillotine shear is 846239 (Machine-tools; shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, other than numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal). The HS code for a non-numerically controlled guillotine shear for metal is 846239.
How do I classify Guillotine shear for customs?
Guillotine shear is classified under HS code 846239 — Machine-tools; shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, other than numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the addition of a digital display make it numerically controlled?
Generally, no. A digital display for measurement (DRO) does not constitute numerical control. To be classified under 846232 instead of 846239, the machine must have a control system that automatically executes a programmed sequence of operations.
Which countries are the top exporters of guillotine shear (HS 846239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846239 (the code used for guillotine shear) in UN Comtrade data were China ($85M, 36% of world exports), Italy ($55M) and the United States ($12M). World exports came to about $238M, 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 guillotine shear (HS 846239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846239 (the code used for guillotine shear) in UN Comtrade data were India ($45M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($41M) and Canada ($18M). World imports came to about $322M, 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 it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Guillotine shear the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846239 for Guillotine 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 guillotine shear in Brazil?
In Brazil, guillotine shear (HS 846239) is classified under NCM 8462.39.00.