Product classification
HS code for Metal folding machine: 8462.26
Machine-tools, bending, folding, straightening or flattening machines (including presses), for working metal, numerically controlled bending, folding, straightening or fattening machines (not press brakes, panel benders or roll forming machines).
Classification of metal folding machine under HS 8462.26
Metal folding machines that are numerically controlled (NC or CNC) are classified under HS code 8462.26. This classification is found within heading 8462, which covers machine-tools for forging, die-stamping, or working metal by bending, folding, straightening, or flattening. Following the 2022 updates to the Harmonized System, heading 8462 was restructured to provide more granularity. Subheading 8462.26 specifically targets machines designed for bending, folding, straightening, or flattening that are numerically controlled, but excludes press brakes and roll forming machines. The classification is determined by the mechanical action of the machine—folding the metal sheet rather than punching or shearing it—and the presence of a numerical control system. Numerical control implies that the machine's movements are directed by a computer or programmable logic controller (PLC) that follows a sequence of instructions. This technology allows for high precision and repeatability in industrial metal fabrication. The distinction between folding and other bending methods (like press braking) is essential for correct coding.
- Covers
- CNC sheet metal folding machines
- Automatic swing-beam folding machines
- Numerically controlled wire folding machines
- CNC straightening and flattening machines for metal strips
- Programmable panel benders (if categorized as folding machines)
- Also under 8462.26
Faccin 4-Roll Plate Bending Machine (NC), Davi Plate Rolls (NC), Gasparini Bending Machines (NC), MG S.r.l. Plate Bending Machines, Roundo Plate Bending Machines
Codes often confused with 8462.26
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 8462.22, which is specifically for numerically controlled press brakes. While both machines bend metal, a press brake uses a punch and die set, whereas a folding machine uses a folding beam. Another common error is using HS code 8462.29, which is for bending/folding machines that are NOT numerically controlled (manual or basic mechanical machines). Roll forming machines are also excluded from 8462.26 and are instead classified under 8462.24 (CNC) or 8462.25 (non-CNC).
Top exporters and importers of HS 846226 (the code used for metal folding machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846226 (the code used for metal folding machine) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 846226, not only metal folding machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $269M 41% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $105M 16% of world exports
- 3 China $92M 14% of world exports
World total: $655M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $142M 22% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $67M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $37M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $649M 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 folding machine
Brazil classifies metal folding machine under NCM 8462.26.00: HS 8462.26 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal folding machine
What is the HS code for Metal folding machine?
The HS code for Metal folding machine is 846226 (Machine-tools; bending, folding, straightening or flattening machines (including presses), for working metal, numerically controlled bending, folding, straightening or fattening machines (not press brakes, panel benders or roll forming machines)). For a numerically controlled (CNC) metal folding machine, the correct HS code is 8462.26.
How do I classify Metal folding machine for customs?
Metal folding machine is classified under HS code 846226 — Machine-tools; bending, folding, straightening or flattening machines (including presses), for working metal, numerically controlled bending, folding, straightening or fattening machines (not press brakes, panel benders or roll forming machines). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the folding machine is manual?
If the machine is manual or lacks numerical control, it should be classified under HS code 8462.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal folding machine (HS 846226)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846226 (the code used for metal folding machine) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($269M, 41% of world exports), Malaysia ($105M) and China ($92M). World exports came to about $655M, 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 folding machine (HS 846226)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846226 (the code used for metal folding machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($142M, 22% of world imports), Mexico ($67M) and India ($37M). World imports came to about $649M, 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 folding machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846226 for Metal folding 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 folding machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal folding machine (HS 846226) is classified under NCM 8462.26.00.