Product classification
HS code for Metal slitting machine: 8462.32
Machine-tools, slitting lines and cut-to-length lines, for working metal.
Classification of metal slitting machine under HS 8462.32
Metal slitting machines are classified under HS code 8462.32. This code is specifically designated for slitting lines and cut-to-length lines for working metal. These machines are industrial-scale systems used to process large metal coils by cutting them into narrower strips (slitting) or into specific lengths (cut-to-length). The classification falls under Chapter 84, which covers mechanical appliances and machine tools. Unlike general shearing machines, slitting lines are characterized by their ability to perform continuous longitudinal cuts on coiled material. The inclusion of this specific sub-heading in the 2022 HS nomenclature update reflects the industrial importance of these specialized processing lines, separating them from general-purpose shearing or punching machines.
- Covers
- Automatic metal coil slitting lines
- Rotary slitting machines for steel strips
- Cut-to-length lines for aluminum coils
- Precision foil slitting machines
- Heavy-duty steel coil processing lines
- Narrow strip slitting equipment
- Also under 8462.32
- Fagor Arrasate Slitting Lines
- Stamco Cut-to-Length Lines
- Salico Slitting Lines
- Bradbury Group CTL Lines
- B&K Slitting Systems
Codes often confused with 8462.32
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these machines under 8462.39, which is the "other" category for non-NC shearing machines. However, because 8462.32 specifically mentions "slitting lines," it takes precedence according to GRI 1. Another misclassification occurs with 8455, which covers metal-rolling mills. While slitting lines often work with rolled metal, they do not reduce the thickness of the metal (rolling), but rather change its width or length (shearing/slitting). Additionally, if the slitting machine is part of a larger manufacturing line (like a tube mill), it might be classified with the entire plant under a different heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846232 (the code used for metal slitting machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846232 (the code used for metal slitting machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 846232, not only metal slitting machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $156M 31% of world exports
- 2 Italy $109M 21% of world exports
- 3 Spain $62M 12% of world exports
World total: $510M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $66M 15% of world imports
- 2 India $55M 12% of world imports
- 3 Canada $38M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $444M 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 slitting machine
Brazil classifies metal slitting machine under NCM 8462.32.00: HS 8462.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal slitting machine
What is the HS code for Metal slitting machine?
The HS code for Metal slitting machine is 846232 (Machine-tools; slitting lines and cut-to-length lines, for working metal). The specific HS code for metal slitting lines and cut-to-length lines is 8462.32.
How do I classify Metal slitting machine for customs?
Metal slitting machine is classified under HS code 846232 — Machine-tools; slitting lines and cut-to-length lines, for working metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a slitting machine different from a shearing machine in the HS system?
Yes, while slitting is a form of shearing, the HS system provides a specific code (8462.32) for slitting lines, whereas general shearing machines are under 8462.33 or 8462.39.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal slitting machine (HS 846232)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846232 (the code used for metal slitting machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($156M, 31% of world exports), Italy ($109M) and Spain ($62M). World exports came to about $510M, 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 slitting machine (HS 846232)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846232 (the code used for metal slitting machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($66M, 15% of world imports), India ($55M) and Canada ($38M). World imports came to about $444M, 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 slitting machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846232 for Metal slitting 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 slitting machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal slitting machine (HS 846232) is classified under NCM 8462.32.00.