Product classification
HS code for Industrial robot: 8479.50
Machinery and mechanical appliances, industrial robots, n.e.c. or included.
Classification of industrial robot under HS 8479.50
Industrial robots are classified under HS code 8479.50, a specific subheading within the category for machinery and mechanical appliances having individual functions not specified elsewhere in Chapter 84. To qualify for this classification, the machine must meet the definition of an industrial robot: a multi-functional, automatically controlled, reprogrammable manipulator that is capable of moving in three or more axes. This classification is functional rather than industry-specific, meaning the robot is designed to perform a variety of tasks depending on its programming and end-effectors. If a robot is built for a single, specific task that is covered by another heading (such as a dedicated welding machine), it may be classified elsewhere; however, 8479.50 serves as the primary code for versatile, multi-purpose robotic arms used in manufacturing, assembly, and material handling.
- Covers
- Articulated robotic arms for assembly lines
- SCARA robots for pick-and-place operations
- Delta robots for high-speed packaging
- Collaborative robots (cobots) for industrial assistance
- Multi-axis programmable manipulators for painting or coating
- Also under 8479.50
- KUKA KR CYBERTECH
- FANUC M-20iA
- ABB YuMi
- Yaskawa Motoman GP series
- Universal Robots UR10e
Codes often confused with 8479.50
Common mistake. Industrial robots are frequently misclassified under 8428.90, which covers general lifting and handling machinery. While a robot may move items, if it is a multi-purpose programmable manipulator, 8479.50 takes precedence. Another common error is 8515.31, which is for automatic electric arc welding machines. If a robot is permanently integrated into a welding system and cannot be easily repurposed, it might fall under 8515; however, the standalone robot arm remains 8479.50. Toy robots are also often confused with this code but belong in 9503.
Top exporters and importers of HS 847950 (the code used for industrial robot), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847950 (the code used for industrial robot) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 847950, not only industrial robot.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $1.8B 26% of world exports
- 2 China $824M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $639M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $6.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $850M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $651M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $468M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $6.2B 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 industrial robot
Brazil classifies industrial robot under NCM 8479.50.00: HS 8479.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial robot
What is the HS code for Industrial robot?
The HS code for Industrial robot is 847950 (Machinery and mechanical appliances; industrial robots, n.e.c. or included). The HS code for multi-purpose industrial robots not specified elsewhere is 8479.50.
How do I classify Industrial robot for customs?
Industrial robot is classified under HS code 847950 — Machinery and mechanical appliances; industrial robots, n.e.c. or included. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are automated guided vehicles (AGVs) classified as industrial robots?
Generally, no. AGVs are typically classified under 8427 or 8709 as work trucks or handling equipment, as they lack the multi-axis manipulative arm characteristic of 8479.50 robots.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial robot (HS 847950)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847950 (the code used for industrial robot) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($1.8B, 26% of world exports), China ($824M) and Germany ($639M). World exports came to about $6.8B, 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 industrial robot (HS 847950)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847950 (the code used for industrial robot) in UN Comtrade data were China ($850M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($651M) and Germany ($468M). World imports came to about $6.2B, 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 Industrial robot the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847950 for Industrial robot 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 industrial robot in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial robot (HS 847950) is classified under NCM 8479.50.00.