Product classification
HS code for Plastic 3D printer: 8485.20
Machines for additive manufacturing, by plastic or rubber deposit.
Classification of plastic 3D printer under HS 8485.20
The classification of plastic 3D printers under HS code 8485.20 represents a significant update in the Harmonized System (HS 2022). Heading 8485 was created to consolidate \"Machines for additive manufacturing,\" which were previously scattered across various headings depending on their material-working characteristics. Subheading 8485.20 is specifically designated for machines that perform additive manufacturing by depositing plastics or rubber. This includes technologies such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), where a plastic filament is melted and extruded layer by layer. It also covers Vat Photopolymerization (like SLA or DLP) when the resin used is a plastic polymer. The classification is determined by the machine's primary function—building a 3D object from a digital model through successive layering—and the specific material it is designed to process. This code ensures that 3D printers are no longer confused with traditional 2D inkjet printers or general-purpose plastic molding machinery.
- Covers
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers
- Stereolithography (SLA) printers using plastic resin
- Desktop 3D printers for PLA and ABS filaments
- Industrial plastic extrusion additive manufacturing systems
- Digital Light Processing (DLP) printers for polymers
- Also under 8485.20
- Ultimaker S series
- Formlabs Form series
- Stratasys F series
- HP Jet Fusion
- Prusa i3 MK3S+
Codes often confused with 8485.20
Common mistake. Prior to 2022, these were often classified under 8477.80 (machinery for working rubber or plastics). They are also sometimes incorrectly classified under 8443.32, which is reserved for traditional 2D printers. Metal 3D printers must be classified under 8485.30, not 8485.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848520 (the code used for plastic 3D printer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848520 (the code used for plastic 3D printer) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 848520, not only plastic 3D printer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.5B 70% of world exports
- 2 Germany $143M 6.8% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $114M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $238M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $142M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $95M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 plastic 3D printer
Brazil classifies plastic 3D printer under NCM 8485.20.00: HS 8485.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic 3D printer
What is the HS code for Plastic 3D printer?
The HS code for Plastic 3D printer is 848520 (Machines for additive manufacturing; by plastic or rubber deposit). The HS code for additive manufacturing machines that work by depositing plastics or rubber is 8485.20.
How do I classify Plastic 3D printer for customs?
Plastic 3D printer is classified under HS code 848520 — Machines for additive manufacturing; by plastic or rubber deposit. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a metal 3D printer use this code?
No, machines for additive manufacturing by metal deposit are classified under HS code 8485.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic 3D printer (HS 848520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848520 (the code used for plastic 3D printer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 70% of world exports), Germany ($143M) and Czechia ($114M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 plastic 3D printer (HS 848520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848520 (the code used for plastic 3D printer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($238M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($142M) and the Netherlands ($95M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Plastic 3D printer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848520 for Plastic 3D printer 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 plastic 3D printer in Brazil?
In Brazil, plastic 3D printer (HS 848520) is classified under NCM 8485.20.00.