Product classification
HS code for Slotting machine: 8461.20
Machine-tools, shaping or slotting machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets.
Classification of slotting machine under HS 8461.20
A slotting machine is classified under HS code 8461.20. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8461 covers machine-tools for shaping, slotting, broaching, gear cutting, gear finishing, sawing, or friction-sawing, which operate by removing metal or cermets. The slotting machine is a reciprocating machine tool used to cut internal or external slots, grooves, or keyways. It is distinguished from other machine tools by its vertical reciprocating motion of the cutting tool. Under the Harmonized System, the primary function of the machine—removing metal through a specific mechanical action—dictates its placement in 8461.20, provided it is not a lathe, milling machine, or drilling machine classified elsewhere in headings 8457 to 8460.
- Covers
- Vertical slotting machines
- Keyway slotters
- Metalworking shaping machines
- Reciprocating tool slotters for metal removal
- Also under 8461.20
- Butler 18" Shaper
- Rockford Hydraulic Shaper
- TOS Hostivar Slotter
- W.M.W. Slotting Machine
- Fellows Gear Shaper
Codes often confused with 8461.20
Common mistake. Slotting machines are often confused with broaching machines, which are classified under HS code 8461.30. While both create slots or keyways, a broaching machine uses a multi-toothed tool (a broach) that is pulled or pushed through the workpiece, whereas a slotter uses a single-point tool. Additionally, if the machine is designed for working wood or hard plastics rather than metal, it would be classified under heading 8465. CNC milling machines that can perform slotting functions are classified under 8459.61, not 8461.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846120 (the code used for slotting machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846120 (the code used for slotting machine) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% 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 846120, not only slotting machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $19M 36% of world exports
- 2 China $6.6M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $5.9M 11% of world exports
World total: $52M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $16M 27% of world imports
- 2 Italy $6.0M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $4.8M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $59M 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 codes for slotting machine
Brazil splits HS 8461.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8461.20.10Metal slotting machines
- 8461.20.90Shaping machines for metal
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about slotting machine
What is the HS code for Slotting machine?
The HS code for Slotting machine is 846120 (Machine-tools; shaping or slotting machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets). The HS code for a metalworking slotting machine is 8461.20.
How do I classify Slotting machine for customs?
Slotting machine is classified under HS code 846120 — Machine-tools; shaping or slotting machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a wood-working slotter use this code?
No, HS code 8461.20 is specifically for machines that work by removing metal. Wood-working machinery is classified under heading 8465.
Which countries are the top exporters of slotting machine (HS 846120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846120 (the code used for slotting machine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($19M, 36% of world exports), China ($6.6M) and Italy ($5.9M). World exports came to about $52M, 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 slotting machine (HS 846120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846120 (the code used for slotting machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($16M, 27% of world imports), Italy ($6.0M) and India ($4.8M). World imports came to about $59M, 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 Slotting machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846120 for Slotting 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 slotting machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 846120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for slotting machine depends on the product's details: 8461.20.10 (Metal slotting machines), 8461.20.90 (Shaping machines for metal).