Product classification

HS code for Laser engraving machine: 8456.11

Machine-tools, for working any material by removal of material, operated by laser.

Classification of laser engraving machine under HS 8456.11

Laser engraving machines are classified under HS code 8456.11. This heading is part of Chapter 84 and is dedicated to machine-tools designed for working any material by the removal of material. The specific sub-classification 8456.11 is reserved for machines that operate using laser processes. The classification is based on the machine's primary function: the ablation or removal of a substrate's surface to create an image, text, or pattern. Unlike traditional mechanical engraving tools that use a physical bit, these machines use a concentrated beam of light. The Harmonized System groups these machines by their technology (laser) rather than the material they work on, meaning a laser engraver for wood, metal, or plastic all fall under this same code. This ensures a consistent classification for high-tech material-removal tools regardless of their specific industrial application, provided the core mechanism is a laser beam.

Covers
  • CO2 laser engraving systems
  • Fiber laser engravers for metal
  • UV laser marking and engraving machines
  • CNC laser engraving machine tools
Also under 8456.11
  • TRUMPF TruLaser
  • Bystronic ByStar Fiber
  • Amada FO-M2
  • Mazak Optiplex
  • IPG Photonics laser systems

Codes often confused with 8456.11

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification is HS code 8466, which covers parts and accessories for machine tools rather than the machines themselves. Another error is 8515.80, which covers laser welding or soldering machines; however, if the machine's primary purpose is material removal (engraving), 8456.11 takes precedence. Some importers also mistakenly use 8443.32, which is for printers, but laser engravers are considered machine tools, not office equipment.

84.66Parts & accessories suited for use only/mainly with machines of headings 8456-8465, including work/tool holders, self-opening dieheads, dividing heads & other special attachments for the machines; tool holders for any type of tool for working in the hand8515.80Welding machines and apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no. 8515, whether or not capable of cutting8443.32Printing, copying, and facsimile machines; single-function printing, copying or facsimile machines, capable of connecting to an automatic data processing machine or to a network

Top exporters and importers of HS 845611 (the code used for laser engraving machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845611 (the code used for laser engraving machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 845611, not only laser engraving machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.3B
  2. 2 Germany $963M
  3. 3 Japan $773M

World total: $6.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $755M
  2. 2 United States $587M
  3. 3 Germany $430M

World total: $5.9B 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 codes for laser engraving machine

Brazil splits HS 8456.11 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about laser engraving machine

What is the HS code for Laser engraving machine?

The HS code for Laser engraving machine is 845611 (Machine-tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by laser). The HS code for a machine-tool that works by removing material using a laser is 8456.11.

How do I classify Laser engraving machine for customs?

Laser engraving machine is classified under HS code 845611 — Machine-tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by laser. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can a laser engraver be classified as a hobby tool?

Regardless of whether it is for industrial or hobbyist use, if the machine operates by laser material removal, it is classified under 8456.11.

Which countries are the top exporters of laser engraving machine (HS 845611)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845611 (the code used for laser engraving machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 37% of world exports), Germany ($963M) and Japan ($773M). World exports came to about $6.4B, 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 laser engraving machine (HS 845611)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 845611 (the code used for laser engraving machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($755M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($587M) and Germany ($430M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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 Laser engraving machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 845611 for Laser engraving 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 laser engraving machine in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 845611 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for laser engraving machine depends on the product's details: 8456.11.11 (CNC laser cutters for metal sheet over 8 mm), 8456.11.19 (Other CNC laser machine tools), 8456.11.90 (Non-CNC laser machine tools).