Product classification
HS code for Metal 3D printer: 8485.10
Machines for additive manufacturing, by metal deposit.
Classification of metal 3D printer under HS 8485.10
The classification of metal 3D printers under HS code 8485.10 represents a significant update in the Harmonized System, specifically introduced in the 2022 nomenclature. Previously, additive manufacturing machines were often classified based on the material they processed or as "machines having individual functions" under heading 8479. However, the creation of heading 8485 provided a dedicated space for additive manufacturing technology. Subheading 8485.10 specifically covers machines that build objects by depositing metal, layer by layer. This includes various advanced industrial technologies such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). The classification is determined by the "additive" nature of the machine's operation, which distinguishes it from traditional "subtractive" machine tools like lathes or milling machines found in headings 8457 through 8463. According to the Explanatory Notes, these machines must create three-dimensional objects from a digital model by the successive addition of material. Even if the machine includes secondary subtractive capabilities (hybrid machines), it is generally classified under 8485 if the additive function is the principal function. This code ensures that metal-based 3D printing technology is tracked separately from plastic, glass, or ceramic-based systems, reflecting the unique economic and industrial importance of metal additive manufacturing in aerospace, medical, and automotive sectors.
- Covers
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM) machines
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) systems
- Electron Beam Melting (EBM) printers
- Metal Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) equipment
- Directed Energy Deposition (DED) metal printers
- Also under 8485.10
- EOS M series
- SLM Solutions SLM series
- GE Additive Arcam EBM
- Velo3D Sapphire
- Desktop Metal Studio System
Codes often confused with 8485.10
Common mistake. Metal 3D printers are often misclassified under 8463.90 (other machine tools for working metal without removing material) or 8479.89 (other machines with individual functions). Before 2022, these were common fallback codes. Additionally, they should not be confused with 8485.20, which is specifically for additive manufacturing with plastics or rubber, or 8485.30, which covers plaster, cement, or glass. If the machine is primarily a CNC mill that happens to have a small additive attachment, it might still be classified under 8457, so the principal function must be carefully evaluated.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848510 (the code used for metal 3D printer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848510 (the code used for metal 3D printer) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% 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 848510, not only metal 3D printer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $316M 61% of world exports
- 2 China $76M 15% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $28M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $514M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $178M 38% of world imports
- 2 Germany $38M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Japan $19M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $469M 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 metal 3D printer
Brazil classifies metal 3D printer under NCM 8485.10.00: HS 8485.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal 3D printer
What is the HS code for Metal 3D printer?
The HS code for Metal 3D printer is 848510 (Machines for additive manufacturing; by metal deposit). The international HS code for additive manufacturing machines that deposit metal is 8485.10.
How do I classify Metal 3D printer for customs?
Metal 3D printer is classified under HS code 848510 — Machines for additive manufacturing; by metal deposit. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the printer can do both metal and plastic?
Under GRI 3(b), the machine is classified by the material that gives it its essential character. Industrial machines are usually specialized for one or the other; if truly multi-material, 8485.80 (other) might apply.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal 3D printer (HS 848510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848510 (the code used for metal 3D printer) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($316M, 61% of world exports), China ($76M) and the United Kingdom ($28M). World exports came to about $514M, 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 metal 3D printer (HS 848510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848510 (the code used for metal 3D printer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($178M, 38% of world imports), Germany ($38M) and Japan ($19M). World imports came to about $469M, 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 Metal 3D printer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848510 for Metal 3D printer 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 metal 3D printer in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal 3D printer (HS 848510) is classified under NCM 8485.10.00.