Product classification
HS code for Punch press: 8462.62
Machine-tools, cold metal working presses, mechanical presses.
Classification of punch press under HS 8462.62
The classification of a punch press under HS code 8462.62 is determined by its primary function as a machine tool designed for working metal without removing material. According to the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is governed by the terms of the headings. Heading 8462 covers machine tools for forging, hammering, die-stamping, bending, folding, straightening, flattening, shearing, punching, or notching metal. Following the 2022 HS nomenclature updates, the structure of 8462 was significantly revised to better categorize presses by their drive mechanism. Subheading 8462.62 specifically identifies mechanical presses. These machines utilize a mechanical linkage, such as a crankshaft, eccentric, or toggle mechanism, to convert rotational energy into the linear motion of the ram. This classification is distinct from hydraulic or servo-driven presses, which are categorized under different subheadings within the same heading. The machine must be primarily intended for cold working of metal to remain within this specific classification.
- Covers
- Mechanical turret punch presses
- CNC mechanical punching machines
- Single-station mechanical power presses
- Automatic mechanical sheet metal punching units
- Mechanical eccentric presses for metal perforation
- Also under 8462.62
- Schuler mechanical presses
- AIDA stamping presses
- Komatsu mechanical presses
- Seyi mechanical presses
Codes often confused with 8462.62
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 8462.61, which is reserved for hydraulic presses. While both machines perform punching, the power source is the deciding factor. Additionally, 8462.63 covers servo-presses, which are often mistaken for standard mechanical presses due to their advanced electronic controls. Another common error is attempting to classify the machine under 8207.30, which is actually for the interchangeable punching tools (dies) rather than the machine itself. Finally, manual hand-operated punches may be diverted to 8203.40 if they are portable hand tools rather than stationary machine tools.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846262 (the code used for punch press), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846262 (the code used for punch press) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 11% of world imports. Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 846262, not only punch press.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $495M 35% of world exports
- 2 Japan $211M 15% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $138M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$138M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $131M 11% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $101M 8.1% of world imports
Mexico reports $320M of its heading 8462 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $1.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 punch press
Brazil classifies punch press under NCM 8462.62.00: HS 8462.62 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about punch press
What is the HS code for Punch press?
The HS code for Punch press is 846262 (Machine-tools; cold metal working presses, mechanical presses). The HS code for a mechanical punch press used for cold metal working is 8462.62.
How do I classify Punch press for customs?
Punch press is classified under HS code 846262 — Machine-tools; cold metal working presses, mechanical presses. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does the 2022 HS update affect punch press classification?
The 2022 update reorganized heading 8462 to classify presses based on their drive type (mechanical, hydraulic, or servo) rather than just their function, making 8462.62 the specific home for mechanical variants.
Which countries are the top exporters of punch press (HS 846262)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846262 (the code used for punch press) in UN Comtrade data were China ($495M, 35% of world exports), Japan ($211M) and South Korea ($138M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 punch press (HS 846262)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846262 (the code used for punch press) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $138M, 11% of world imports), China ($131M) and Mexico ($101M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Punch press the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846262 for Punch press 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 punch press in Brazil?
In Brazil, punch press (HS 846262) is classified under NCM 8462.62.00.