Product classification
HS code for Plasma cutting machine: 8456.40
Machine tools, for working any material by removal of material, operated by plasma arc processes,.
Classification of plasma cutting machine under HS 8456.40
Plasma cutting machines are classified under HS code 845640. This code is situated within Chapter 84, which deals with nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8456 covers machine tools for working any material by removal of material, operated by various advanced processes. Subheading 845640 is dedicated to those machines operated by plasma arc processes. These machines use an accelerated jet of hot plasma to cut through electrically conductive materials. The classification depends on the primary function of the machine being the removal of material to create a specific shape or cut, rather than joining materials together. For a machine to be classified here, it must be a machine tool designed to shape or cut workpieces. If the machine is primarily designed for welding (joining) rather than cutting (removal), it would fall under a different chapter entirely, making the functional intent of the equipment the deciding factor for customs officials.
- Covers
- CNC plasma cutting tables
- Handheld plasma arc cutters
- Industrial plasma cutting systems
- Plasma arc machine tools
- Automated plasma cutting units
- 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 cutters are frequently misclassified under HS code 851531 or 851539, which are for electric arc welding machines. While both use an arc, 845640 is for material removal (cutting) while 8515 is for joining (welding). Another confusion arises with laser cutting machines (845611) or water-jet cutting machines (845650), which use different technologies for the same purpose of material removal.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845640 (the code used for plasma cutting machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845640 (the code used for plasma cutting 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 cutting 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 cutting machine
Brazil classifies plasma cutting 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 cutting machine
What is the HS code for Plasma cutting machine?
The HS code for Plasma cutting 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 is 845640.
How do I classify Plasma cutting machine for customs?
Plasma cutting 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.
Does this code include handheld plasma torches?
Yes, handheld plasma arc cutting units are classified under 845640 if their primary function is material removal.
Which countries are the top exporters of plasma cutting machine (HS 845640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845640 (the code used for plasma cutting 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 cutting machine (HS 845640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845640 (the code used for plasma cutting 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 cutting machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845640 for Plasma cutting 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 cutting machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, plasma cutting machine (HS 845640) is classified under NCM 8456.40.00.