Product classification

HS code for LCD manufacturing machine: 8486.30

Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of flat panel displays.

Classification of LCD manufacturing machine under HS 8486.30

Machines and apparatus used solely or principally for the manufacture of flat panel displays, including LCDs, are classified under HS code 8486.30. This heading was established to consolidate equipment used in the high-tech semiconductor and display manufacturing industries. Chapter 84 generally covers mechanical appliances, but heading 8486 is a specialized "use-based" heading that takes precedence over other functional headings in the chapter. To qualify for 8486.30, the machine must be specifically designed for the production of flat panel displays. This includes the various stages of production, such as substrate processing, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), etching, and the assembly of the liquid crystal layers. The classification is determined by GRI 1 and Note 11 to Chapter 84, which emphasizes that machines meeting the description in heading 8486 must be classified there and nowhere else in the nomenclature.

Covers
  • Apparatus for chemical vapor deposition on LCD substrates
  • Spinners for applying photoresist to glass
  • Dry-etching machines for FPD manufacture
  • Liquid crystal injection machines
  • Automated glass substrate handling robots
Also under 8486.30
  • Canon Tokki OLED Deposition Equipment
  • Applied Materials AKT-PECVD
  • LG Display production lines
  • Samsung Display fabrication equipment
  • ULVAC FPD manufacturing systems

Codes often confused with 8486.30

Common mistake. These machines are often misclassified under 8479.89, which is the general category for machines with individual functions not specified elsewhere. However, because 8486 is more specific to the industry, it must be used. Another error is using 8419.89 for industrial ovens or 8424.89 for spraying appliances used in the production line. While those headings describe the function, Note 11 to Chapter 84 mandates that if the machine is for flat panel display manufacturing, 8486.30 is the only correct code. Parts for these machines are also often misclassified under 8486.90 but are sometimes incorrectly placed in general parts categories like 8487.

8479.89Machines and mechanical appliances; having individual functions, n.e.c. or included in this chapter84.86Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor boules or wafers, semiconductor devices, electronic integrated circuits or flat panel displays; machines & apparatus specified in note 11 (C) to this Chapter8419.89Machinery, plant and laboratory equipment; for treating materials by change of temperature, other than for making hot drinks or cooking or heating food8424.89Mechanical appliances; for projecting, dispersing or spraying liquids or powders, for other than agricultural or horticultural use, whether or not hand-operated8486.90Machines and apparatus of heading 8486; parts and accessories84.87Machinery parts; not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features, n.e.c. in this chapter

Top exporters and importers of HS 848630 (the code used for LCD manufacturing machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848630 (the code used for LCD manufacturing machine) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 88% 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 848630, not only LCD manufacturing machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $1.8B
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$1.1B
  3. 3 South Korea $976M

World total: $4.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $3.7B
  2. 2 South Korea $170M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$116M

World total: $4.2B 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 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 LCD manufacturing machine

Brazil classifies LCD manufacturing machine under NCM 8486.30.00: HS 8486.30 with 00 added.

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

Questions about LCD manufacturing machine

What is the HS code for LCD manufacturing machine?

The HS code for LCD manufacturing machine is 848630 (Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of flat panel displays). The correct HS code is 8486.30, covering machines for the manufacture of flat panel displays.

How do I classify LCD manufacturing machine for customs?

LCD manufacturing machine is classified under HS code 848630 — Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of flat panel displays. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include machines for OLED production?

Yes, 8486.30 covers machines for the manufacture of all types of flat panel displays, including LCD, OLED, and plasma.

Which countries are the top exporters of LCD manufacturing machine (HS 848630)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848630 (the code used for LCD manufacturing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($1.8B, 44% of world exports), Taiwan (about $1.1B) and South Korea ($976M). World exports came to about $4.1B, 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 LCD manufacturing machine (HS 848630)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 848630 (the code used for LCD manufacturing machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.7B, 88% of world imports), South Korea ($170M) and Taiwan (about $116M). World imports came to about $4.2B, 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 LCD manufacturing machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 848630 for LCD manufacturing 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 LCD manufacturing machine in Brazil?

In Brazil, LCD manufacturing machine (HS 848630) is classified under NCM 8486.30.00.