Product classification
HS code for Knee mill: 8459.59
Machine-tools, for milling by removing metal, knee-type, other than numerically controlled.
Classification of knee mill under HS 8459.59
The classification of a knee mill under HS code 8459.59 is determined by its mechanical design and the nature of its control system. Heading 8459 covers machine tools used for drilling, boring, milling, threading, or tapping by removing metal. Within this heading, the 8459.5 series is specifically dedicated to knee-type milling machines. These machines are characterized by a worktable supported by a "knee" that slides vertically on the machine's column. The specific subheading 8459.59 is reserved for those knee mills that are "other than numerically controlled." This means the machine is operated manually through handwheels or mechanical levers rather than through a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) system. To qualify for this code, the machine must be primarily designed for metal removal; machines designed for working wood, bone, or hard plastics are classified elsewhere. The manual nature of the 8459.59 classification is a critical distinction in international trade, as it separates traditional toolroom equipment from high-speed automated industrial machinery.
- Covers
- Manual vertical knee mills
- Manual horizontal knee mills
- Universal knee-type milling machines (non-CNC)
- Toolroom milling machines with manual knee adjustment
- Bench-top manual knee mills for metalworking
- Also under 8459.59
- Bridgeport Series I (manual)
- Acra AM-3VK
- Grizzly G0795
- Jet JMD-18
- Clausing 8520
Codes often confused with 8459.59
Common mistake. Knee mills are frequently confused with HS code 8459.51, which covers knee-type milling machines that are numerically controlled (CNC). If the machine has a computer interface for automated path control, it must be moved to 8459.51. Additionally, they are sometimes misclassified under 8459.69, which covers "other" milling machines. However, 8459.69 is only for machines that do not feature the specific knee-and-column construction, such as bed-type mills or bridge mills. Finally, if the machine is designed for materials other than metal, such as wood, it should be classified under heading 8465.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845959 (the code used for knee mill), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845959 (the code used for knee mill) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 16% 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 845959, not only knee mill.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $47M 60% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$14M 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $2.2M 2.8% of world exports
World total: $79M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Russia* ~$12M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 India $11M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 14% of world imports
World total: $79M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 knee mill
Brazil classifies knee mill under NCM 8459.59.00: HS 8459.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about knee mill
What is the HS code for Knee mill?
The HS code for Knee mill is 845959 (Machine-tools; for milling by removing metal, knee-type, other than numerically controlled). The HS code for a manual knee-type milling machine for metal removal is 8459.59.
How do I classify Knee mill for customs?
Knee mill is classified under HS code 845959 — Machine-tools; for milling by removing metal, knee-type, other than numerically controlled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 8459.59 and 8459.69?
The distinction lies in the structural design; 8459.59 is specifically for machines where the table is supported by a vertical knee, whereas 8459.69 is for other milling machine structures like bed mills.
Which countries are the top exporters of knee mill (HS 845959)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845959 (the code used for knee mill) in UN Comtrade data were China ($47M, 60% of world exports), Taiwan (about $14M) and Canada ($2.2M). World exports came to about $79M, 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 knee mill (HS 845959)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845959 (the code used for knee mill) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $12M, 16% of world imports), India ($11M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $79M, 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 Knee mill the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845959 for Knee mill 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 knee mill in Brazil?
In Brazil, knee mill (HS 845959) is classified under NCM 8459.59.00.