Product classification
HS code for Metal working machine: 8479.81
Machines and mechanical appliances, for treating metal, including electric wire coil-winders.
Classification of metal working machine under HS 8479.81
The classification of metalworking machines under HS code 8479.81 is governed by the principles of Section XVI of the Harmonized System, which covers machinery and mechanical appliances. Heading 8479 is a residual or basket heading for machines that have individual functions but are not specifically named in any other heading of Chapter 84. For a machine to be classified under 8479.81, it must be designed for the treatment of metal. This treatment often involves processes that do not fit the definitions of machine-tools found in headings 8456 through 8463. For instance, while 8462 covers machines that shape metal through forging or bending, 8479.81 covers machines that treat metal in other ways, such as pickling, tinning, or winding wire into coils. The individual function requirement means the machine must perform its task independently of other machines or as a distinct component of a larger system. This code is critical for specialized industrial equipment used in the secondary processing of metals where the primary goal is surface treatment or structural preparation rather than bulk shaping or cutting. The classification relies on General Rule of Interpretation 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter notes.
- Covers
- Electric wire coil-winders
- Metal pickling machines
- Tinning machines for metal sheets
- Ultrasonic cleaning equipment for metal parts
- Galvanizing machinery
- Metal degreasing machines
- Also under 8479.81
- SCHLEICH winding machines
- ELMOTEC winding machines
- Rösler deburring machines
- Wheelabrator shot blast machines
- Branson ultrasonic cleaners
- EMAG induction hardening systems
Codes often confused with 8479.81
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 8462, which covers machine-tools for working metal by forging, hammering, or die-stamping. It is also often confused with HS code 8463, which covers other machine-tools for working metal without removing material. The primary distinction is that 8479.81 is for treatment and mechanical appliances, whereas 8462 and 8463 are specifically for machine-tools that change the shape of the metal.
Top exporters and importers of HS 847981 (the code used for metal working machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847981 (the code used for metal working machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 12% 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 847981, not only metal working machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 38% of world exports
- 2 Germany $380M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $323M 11% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $302M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $300M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $273M 11% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 working machine
Brazil splits HS 8479.81 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8479.81.10Sheet tension differentiators for electroplating
- 8479.81.90Other metal treating machines and coil-winders
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal working machine
What is the HS code for Metal working machine?
The HS code for Metal working machine is 847981 (Machines and mechanical appliances; for treating metal, including electric wire coil-winders). The HS code for machines and mechanical appliances for treating metal, including electric wire coil-winders, is 8479.81.
How do I classify Metal working machine for customs?
Metal working machine is classified under HS code 847981 — Machines and mechanical appliances; for treating metal, including electric wire coil-winders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include CNC lathes?
No, CNC lathes are classified under HS code 8458 as they are machine-tools for removing metal by turning.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal working machine (HS 847981)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847981 (the code used for metal working machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 38% of world exports), Germany ($380M) and Italy ($323M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 working machine (HS 847981)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847981 (the code used for metal working machine) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($302M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($300M) and China ($273M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 working machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847981 for Metal working 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 working machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 847981 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for metal working machine depends on the product's details: 8479.81.10 (Sheet tension differentiators for electroplating), 8479.81.90 (Other metal treating machines and coil-winders).