Product classification

HS code for Laser marking machine: 8456.11

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

Classification of laser marking machine under HS 8456.11

Laser marking machines are classified under HS code 8456.11. Although "marking" might sound like a surface treatment, the Harmonized System (HS) classifies these devices as machine-tools that work by the removal of material. Laser marking typically involves the ablation of a very thin layer of the material or a localized chemical change induced by the removal of microscopic particles to create a permanent mark. Because the technology relies on a laser beam to "work" the material, it falls squarely under heading 84.56. This heading covers machine-tools for working any material by removal of material, operated by laser or other light or photon beam processes. The classification is technology-driven, meaning that as long as the marking is achieved through laser-based material interaction, the machine is categorized here. This applies to fiber, CO2, and vanadate laser systems used across various industries for traceability and branding.

Covers
  • Fiber laser marking systems for serial numbers
  • Laser etching machines for electronic components
  • Industrial laser coders for packaging
  • Handheld laser marking units
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. Laser marking machines are sometimes incorrectly classified under HS code 8443.32, which is intended for computer printers. However, because the laser marking machine modifies the substrate itself rather than applying ink, it is a machine tool. Another common mistake is using 9013.20, which covers lasers themselves as components, but a complete marking machine is a finished machine tool under 8456.11.

8443.32Printing, copying, and facsimile machines; single-function printing, copying or facsimile machines, capable of connecting to an automatic data processing machine or to a network9013.20Lasers; other than laser diodes

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845611 (the code used for laser marking 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 marking 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 marking 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 marking machine

What is the HS code for Laser marking machine?

The HS code for Laser marking machine is 845611 (Machine-tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by laser). The HS code for laser marking machines that operate by material removal is 8456.11.

How do I classify Laser marking machine for customs?

Laser marking 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.

Is there a different code for metal vs plastic marking?

No, HS code 8456.11 is material-neutral; it covers laser-operated machine tools regardless of whether they are marking metal, plastic, or other materials.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845611 (the code used for laser marking 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 marking machine (HS 845611)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 845611 (the code used for laser marking 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 marking machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 845611 for Laser marking 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 marking machine in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 845611 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for laser marking 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).