Product classification
HS code for Robotic arm: 8479.50
Machinery and mechanical appliances, industrial robots, n.e.c. or included.
Classification of robotic arm under HS 8479.50
A robotic arm is classified under HS code 8479.50, which covers industrial robots not elsewhere specified or included (n.e.c.). This classification is appropriate for multipurpose robotic arms that are designed to perform a variety of tasks depending on the end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) attached. According to the legal notes of the Harmonized System, if a robot is dedicated to a specific function covered by another heading—such as spraying, welding, or lifting—it must be classified under that specific heading. However, a versatile robotic arm capable of being programmed for different applications like picking, placing, sorting, or light assembly remains in 8479.50. These machines are characterized by their ability to move through three-dimensional space via multiple degrees of freedom. The classification follows GRI 1, as 8479.50 is the residual category for mechanical appliances with individual functions that are not specifically described in any other heading of Chapter 84 or 85.
- Covers
- 6-axis articulated robotic arms
- SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) robots
- Collaborative robots (Cobots) for general assembly
- Delta robots for high-speed pick and place
- Multipurpose industrial robot manipulators
- Also under 8479.50
- KUKA KR CYBERTECH
- FANUC M-20iA
- ABB YuMi
- Yaskawa Motoman GP series
- Universal Robots UR10e
Codes often confused with 8479.50
Common mistake. Robotic arms are frequently misclassified under HS code 8428.90, which covers lifting and handling machinery. While many robots move objects, they are only classified in 8428 if they are specifically and exclusively designed for lifting. They are also often confused with 8515.31 if they are used for welding, or 8424.89 if used for painting. If the robot is imported without a specific end-effector, 8479.50 is generally the safest and most accurate classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 847950 (the code used for robotic arm), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847950 (the code used for robotic arm) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 847950, not only robotic arm.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $1.8B 26% of world exports
- 2 China $824M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $639M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $6.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $850M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $651M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $468M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $6.2B 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 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 robotic arm
Brazil classifies robotic arm under NCM 8479.50.00: HS 8479.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about robotic arm
What is the HS code for Robotic arm?
The HS code for Robotic arm is 847950 (Machinery and mechanical appliances; industrial robots, n.e.c. or included). The HS code for a multipurpose industrial robotic arm is 8479.50.
How do I classify Robotic arm for customs?
Robotic arm is classified under HS code 847950 — Machinery and mechanical appliances; industrial robots, n.e.c. or included. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the software to run the robot?
Software imported on physical media may be classified under 8523, but if it is pre-installed on the robot's controller, it is typically treated as part of the machine under 8479.50.
Which countries are the top exporters of robotic arm (HS 847950)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847950 (the code used for robotic arm) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($1.8B, 26% of world exports), China ($824M) and Germany ($639M). World exports came to about $6.8B, 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 robotic arm (HS 847950)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847950 (the code used for robotic arm) in UN Comtrade data were China ($850M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($651M) and Germany ($468M). World imports came to about $6.2B, 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 Robotic arm the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847950 for Robotic arm 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 robotic arm in Brazil?
In Brazil, robotic arm (HS 847950) is classified under NCM 8479.50.00.