Product classification
HS code for Plate shear: 8462.39
Machine-tools, shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, other than numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal.
Classification of plate shear under HS 8462.39
The classification of a plate shear under HS code 8462.39 is determined by its function as a machine-tool for working metal. Chapter 84 covers mechanical appliances, and heading 8462 specifically addresses machine-tools for working metal by forging, hammering, or die-stamping, as well as bending, folding, straightening, flattening, shearing, punching, or notching. Subheading 8462.39 is designated for shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products that are not numerically controlled (non-CNC). This classification is reserved for machines that perform straight-line cuts on metal plates or sheets. The distinction between numerically controlled (CNC) and manual or conventional machines is a primary factor in HS classification for machine tools. If the machine is integrated with a punching function, it would be classified elsewhere within the same heading. The "other" designation in 8462.39 indicates it is the residual category for non-CNC shearing machines that are not specifically mentioned in 8462.32. These machines are essential in metal fabrication shops for sizing raw metal stock before further processing.
- Covers
- Manual guillotine shears for metal plates
- Hydraulic non-CNC plate shearing machines
- Mechanical power shears for sheet metal
- Bench-mounted lever shears for metalworking
- Pedal-operated metal shearing machines
- Also under 8462.39
- Accurshear Hydraulic Shears
- Cincinnati Mechanical Shears
- Piranha Shears
- Baileigh Industrial Shears
- Edwards Shears
Codes often confused with 8462.39
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using 8462.32, which is specifically for numerically controlled (CNC) shearing machines. Another error is using 8462.49, which applies to punching or notching machines. If the tool is a handheld power tool rather than a stationary machine tool, it should be classified under 8467.11 or 8467.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846239 (the code used for plate shear), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846239 (the code used for plate shear) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% of world imports. Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 846239, not only plate shear.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $85M 36% of world exports
- 2 Italy $55M 23% of world exports
- 3 United States $12M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $238M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $45M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $41M 13% of world imports
- 3 Canada $18M 5.5% of world imports
Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $322M 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 plate shear
Brazil classifies plate shear under NCM 8462.39.00: HS 8462.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plate shear
What is the HS code for Plate shear?
The HS code for Plate shear is 846239 (Machine-tools; shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, other than numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal). The HS code for a non-numerically controlled shearing machine for metal plates is 8462.39.
How do I classify Plate shear for customs?
Plate shear is classified under HS code 846239 — Machine-tools; shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, other than numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the plate shear is controlled by a computer (CNC)?
If the plate shear is numerically controlled, it must be classified under HS code 8462.32 instead of 8462.39.
Which countries are the top exporters of plate shear (HS 846239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846239 (the code used for plate shear) in UN Comtrade data were China ($85M, 36% of world exports), Italy ($55M) and the United States ($12M). World exports came to about $238M, 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 plate shear (HS 846239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846239 (the code used for plate shear) in UN Comtrade data were India ($45M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($41M) and Canada ($18M). World imports came to about $322M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Plate shear the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846239 for Plate shear 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 plate shear in Brazil?
In Brazil, plate shear (HS 846239) is classified under NCM 8462.39.00.