Product classification
HS code for Metal finishing machine: 8460.90
Machine-tools, for deburring, grinding, polishing or otherwise finishing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets by means of grinding stones, abrasives or polishing products, n.e.c. in heading no. 8460.
Classification of metal finishing machine under HS 8460.90
Metal finishing machines are classified under HS code 8460.90. This code is part of Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8460 includes machine-tools for deburring, sharpening, grinding, honing, lapping, polishing, or otherwise finishing metal, sintered metal carbides, or cermets. These machines must operate by means of grinding stones, abrasives, or polishing products. The subheading 8460.90 is a residual category for finishing machines that are not specifically named in the earlier subheadings (such as flat-surface grinders or cylindrical grinders). The classification is based on the machine's primary function: the removal of small amounts of material to achieve a specific surface quality, tolerance, or aesthetic finish. This distinguishes them from machines that perform heavy material removal or primary shaping. The use of an abrasive medium is a critical requirement for classification within heading 8460. If the machine uses a tool other than an abrasive (like a cutting bit), it would likely fall under a different heading in Chapter 84.
- Covers
- Vibratory finishing machines for metal parts
- Centrifugal disc finishing machines
- Manual or automatic metal polishing lathes
- Barrel tumbling machines for deburring metal
- Honing machines for internal cylinder finishing
- Also under 8460.90
- Timesavers 42 Series
- Rösler R 220 EC
- Walther Trowal
- Dynabrade Orbital Sander (industrial)
- Extrude Hone AFM
Codes often confused with 8460.90
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these machines under HS code 8479.89, which is a general category for machines with individual functions. However, because 8460 is more specific to metal finishing via abrasives, it takes precedence under GRI 3(a). Another misclassification is HS code 8424.30 for sandblasting or similar jet-projecting machines. While sandblasting finishes metal, it is classified by the method of projection (jet) rather than the abrasive action of a machine tool. Additionally, grinding machines that are numerically controlled may fall under 8460.12 or 8460.22 rather than 8460.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846090 (the code used for metal finishing machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846090 (the code used for metal finishing machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.8% 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 846090, not only metal finishing machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $254M 39% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $118M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $49M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $651M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $53M 9.8% of world imports
- 2 India $45M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $43M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $547M 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 metal finishing machine
Brazil splits HS 8460.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8460.90.11CNC polishing machines, five or more heads
- 8460.90.12CNC multi-head grinders with rotary work-holder
- 8460.90.19Other CNC deburring or finishing machines
- 8460.90.90Non-CNC deburring, polishing or finishing machines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal finishing machine
What is the HS code for Metal finishing machine?
The HS code for Metal finishing machine is 846090 (Machine-tools; for deburring, grinding, polishing or otherwise finishing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets by means of grinding stones, abrasives or polishing products, n.e.c. in heading no. 8460). The standard HS code for general metal finishing machines (like vibratory or polishing machines) is 8460.90.
How do I classify Metal finishing machine for customs?
Metal finishing machine is classified under HS code 846090 — Machine-tools; for deburring, grinding, polishing or otherwise finishing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets by means of grinding stones, abrasives or polishing products, n.e.c. in heading no. 8460. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include CNC grinding machines?
No, CNC (numerically controlled) grinding machines are usually classified under more specific subheadings like 8460.12 or 8460.23, depending on the type of grinding performed.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal finishing machine (HS 846090)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846090 (the code used for metal finishing machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($254M, 39% of world exports), Switzerland ($118M) and Germany ($49M). World exports came to about $651M, 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 finishing machine (HS 846090)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846090 (the code used for metal finishing machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($53M, 9.8% of world imports), India ($45M) and Germany ($43M). World imports came to about $547M, 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 finishing machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846090 for Metal finishing 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 finishing machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 846090 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for metal finishing machine depends on the product's details: 8460.90.11 (CNC polishing machines, five or more heads), 8460.90.12 (CNC multi-head grinders with rotary work-holder), 8460.90.19 (Other CNC deburring or finishing machines), 8460.90.90 (Non-CNC deburring, polishing or finishing machines).