Product classification

HS code for Metal cutting machine: 8461.50

Machine-tools, sawing or cutting-off machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets.

Classification of metal cutting machine under HS 8461.50

Metal cutting machines are classified under HS code 8461.50 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8461 is designated for machine-tools for planing, shaping, slotting, broaching, gear cutting, gear finishing, sawing, or cutting-off, which operate by removing metal or cermets. The sub-classification 8461.50 is reserved for sawing or cutting-off machines. The defining characteristic for this code is the mechanical removal of material in the form of chips, dust, or shavings. This distinguishes these tools from those that shape metal through deformation or shearing without material loss. To qualify for 8461.50, the machine must be a power-operated tool designed to work on metal, sintered metal carbides, or cermets. The technical distinction between 'sawing' (using a blade with teeth) and 'cutting-off' (often using an abrasive disk) is both captured under this single subheading, provided the process involves material removal.

Covers
  • Band saws for metalworking
  • Circular saws for metal removal
  • Hacksawing machines
  • Abrasive wheel cutting-off machines
  • Reciprocating saw machines for metal
Also under 8461.50
  • Amada Machine Tools
  • Behringer Saws
  • Kasto Maschinenbau
  • FMB Saws
  • Cosen Saws

Codes often confused with 8461.50

Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these machines under HS code 8456. This heading covers machine-tools for working any material by removal of material by laser, light, or photon beam, ultrasonic, or plasma arc processes. While both 8456 and 8461 involve material removal, 8456 is reserved for non-mechanical 'advanced' processes. Another common mistake is using HS code 8462, which covers machine-tools for bending, folding, straightening, or flattening. HS code 8462 also includes shearing and punching machines; however, these do not 'remove' metal in the form of chips, but rather displace or sever it, which is the key legal distinction from 8461.50.

84.56Machine-tools; for working any material by removal of material, by laser or other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electro-discharge, electro-chemical, electron beam, ionic-beam, or plasma arc processes; water-jet cutting machines84.61Machine-tools; for planing, shaping, slotting, broaching, gear cutting and grinding, finishing, sawing, cutting off and other tools working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets n.e.c.84.62Machine-tools (including presses) for working metal by forging, hammering or die forging (excluding rolling mills); machine-tools (including presses, slitting lines and cut-to-length lines) for working metal by bending, folding, straightening, flattening,

Top exporters and importers of HS 846150 (the code used for metal cutting machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846150 (the code used for metal cutting machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 846150, not only metal cutting machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $336M
  2. 2 Germany $151M
  3. 3 Italy $137M

World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $149M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$56M
  3. 3 Germany $52M

World total: $995M 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. 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 metal cutting machine

Brazil splits HS 8461.50 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 metal cutting machine

What is the HS code for Metal cutting machine?

The HS code for Metal cutting machine is 846150 (Machine-tools; sawing or cutting-off machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets). The primary HS code for metal cutting machines that operate by sawing or cutting-off through material removal is 8461.50.

How do I classify Metal cutting machine for customs?

Metal cutting machine is classified under HS code 846150 — Machine-tools; sawing or cutting-off machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include laser cutters?

No, laser cutting machines are classified under HS code 8456.11 or 8456.12, as they remove material via light or photon beams rather than mechanical sawing.

Which countries are the top exporters of metal cutting machine (HS 846150)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846150 (the code used for metal cutting machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($336M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($151M) and Italy ($137M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 metal cutting machine (HS 846150)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 846150 (the code used for metal cutting machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($149M, 15% of world imports), Vietnam (about $56M) and Germany ($52M). World imports came to about $995M, 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 cutting machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 846150 for Metal cutting 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 metal cutting machine in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 846150 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for metal cutting machine depends on the product's details: 8461.50.10 (Metal band sawing machines), 8461.50.20 (Circular metal sawing machines), 8461.50.90 (Other metal sawing or cutting-off machines).