Product classification

HS code for Metal punching machine: 8462.49

Machine-tools, punching, notching or nibbling machines (excluding presses) for flat products including combined punching and shearing machines, other than numerically controlled, for working metal.

Classification of metal punching machine under HS 8462.49

The classification of a metal punching machine under HS code 8462.49 is determined by its primary mechanical function and its control system. Heading 8462 encompasses machine-tools for working metal by forging, hammering, or die-stamping, as well as bending, folding, straightening, flattening, shearing, and punching. Specifically, the 8462.4x series is dedicated to punching, notching, or nibbling machines, including those that combine punching and shearing. The distinction between 8462.41 and 8462.49 lies in the technology used to operate the machine. Code 8462.49 is reserved for machines that are not numerically controlled (non-NC). These are typically manual or mechanically operated units where the positioning and operation are not governed by a programmable computer system. This classification applies to machines designed to process flat products, such as sheet metal, by removing a slug or creating a specific shape through the application of force via a die and punch set. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the product is classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Since the machine works metal without removing material (unlike a drill) and is not computer-controlled, 8462.49 is the most specific designation for these industrial tools.

Covers
  • Manual metal punching machines
  • Mechanical notching machines for sheet metal
  • Nibbling machines for flat metal products
  • Combined punching and shearing machines (non-NC)
  • Hydraulic punching presses for metal plates
Also under 8462.49
  • Piranha Ironworkers
  • Edwards Ironworkers
  • Scotchman Ironworkers
  • Baileigh Industrial Punching Machines
  • Geka Ironworkers

Codes often confused with 8462.49

Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these machines under 8462.41, which is reserved for numerically controlled (NC or CNC) punching machines. The distinction is critical as NC machines often carry different tariff rates and regulatory requirements. Another common mistake is using heading 8461 for sawing or cutting-off machines. While both machines might cut metal, 8462 is for machines that do not remove material (punching/shearing), whereas 8461 is for machines that remove material (sawing). Additionally, manual hand tools for punching should be classified in Chapter 82, specifically 8203, rather than as machine-tools in Chapter 84.

84.61Machine-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,82.03Tools, hand; files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar

Top exporters and importers of HS 846249 (the code used for metal punching machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846249 (the code used for metal punching machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 17% 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 846249, not only metal punching machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $102M
  2. 2 United States $29M
  3. 3 Italy $12M

World total: $227M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $50M
  2. 2 United States $39M
  3. 3 China $23M

World total: $288M 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 punching machine

Brazil classifies metal punching machine under NCM 8462.49.00: HS 8462.49 with 00 added.

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

Questions about metal punching machine

What is the HS code for Metal punching machine?

The HS code for Metal punching machine is 846249 (Machine-tools; punching, notching or nibbling machines (excluding presses) for flat products including combined punching and shearing machines, other than numerically controlled, for working metal). The HS code for a metal punching machine that is not numerically controlled is 8462.49.

How do I classify Metal punching machine for customs?

Metal punching machine is classified under HS code 846249 — Machine-tools; punching, notching or nibbling machines (excluding presses) for flat products including combined punching and shearing machines, other than numerically controlled, for working metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 8462.41 and 8462.49?

HS code 8462.41 is for numerically controlled (CNC) machines, while 8462.49 is for manual or mechanical machines without numerical control.

Which countries are the top exporters of metal punching machine (HS 846249)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846249 (the code used for metal punching machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($102M, 45% of world exports), the United States ($29M) and Italy ($12M). World exports came to about $227M, 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 punching machine (HS 846249)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 846249 (the code used for metal punching machine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($50M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($39M) and China ($23M). World imports came to about $288M, 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 punching machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 846249 for Metal punching 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 punching machine in Brazil?

In Brazil, metal punching machine (HS 846249) is classified under NCM 8462.49.00.