Product classification
HS code for Plasma arc machine: 8456.40
Machine tools, for working any material by removal of material, operated by plasma arc processes,.
Classification of plasma arc machine under HS 8456.40
Plasma arc machines are classified under HS code 8456.40. This code is situated in Chapter 84, which covers machinery and mechanical appliances. Heading 8456 is dedicated to machine tools for working any material by removal of material, using processes other than traditional mechanical cutting (such as laser, ultrasonic, or plasma arc). Subheading 8456.40 specifically identifies machines that operate using plasma arc processes. These machines function by creating an electrical channel of ionized gas (plasma) that transfers energy to a conductive workpiece, melting and blowing the material away to create a precise cut. This classification applies to both large-scale CNC plasma cutting tables and portable plasma cutting units used in metal fabrication. The primary factor for classification is the use of the plasma arc to remove material rather than to join it.
- Covers
- CNC plasma cutting machines
- Manual plasma arc cutters
- Plasma gouging systems
- High-definition plasma cutting tables
- Inverter-based plasma cutting power sources
- Also under 8456.40
- Hypertherm Powermax
- ESAB Cutmaster
- Lincoln Electric Tomahawk
- Miller Spectrum
- Messer Cutting Systems
Codes often confused with 8456.40
Common mistake. Plasma arc machines are often misclassified under HS code 8468, which covers machinery for soldering, brazing, or welding. While plasma can be used for welding, 8456.40 is specifically for machines that remove material (cutting). Another common error is using 8456.11, which is reserved for laser cutting machines. If the machine is a multi-purpose robot, it might be misclassified under 8479, but the specific cutting function usually dictates 8456.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845640 (the code used for plasma arc machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845640 (the code used for plasma arc machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 845640, not only plasma arc machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $93M 25% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $54M 15% of world exports
- 3 Canada $54M 15% of world exports
World total: $367M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $92M 27% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $24M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Canada $20M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $334M 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 plasma arc machine
Brazil classifies plasma arc machine under NCM 8456.40.00: HS 8456.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plasma arc machine
What is the HS code for Plasma arc machine?
The HS code for Plasma arc machine is 845640 (Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by plasma arc processes;). The HS code for machine tools operated by plasma arc processes for removing material is 8456.40.
How do I classify Plasma arc machine for customs?
Plasma arc machine is classified under HS code 845640 — Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by plasma arc processes;. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a plasma welder classified under this code?
No, if the machine is primarily designed for welding (joining material) rather than cutting (removing material), it is typically classified under HS code 8468.20 or 8515.
Which countries are the top exporters of plasma arc machine (HS 845640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845640 (the code used for plasma arc machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($93M, 25% of world exports), the Netherlands ($54M) and Canada ($54M). World exports came to about $367M, 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 plasma arc machine (HS 845640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845640 (the code used for plasma arc machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($92M, 27% of world imports), the Netherlands ($24M) and Canada ($20M). World imports came to about $334M, 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 Plasma arc machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845640 for Plasma arc 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 plasma arc machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, plasma arc machine (HS 845640) is classified under NCM 8456.40.00.