Product classification
HS code for Surface grinder: 8460.19
Machine-tools, flat-surface grinding machines, other than numerically controlled.
Classification of surface grinder under HS 8460.19
The classification of surface grinders under HS code 8460.19 is determined by the machine's primary function and its control system. Heading 8460 encompasses machine tools designed for deburring, sharpening, grinding, honing, lapping, polishing, or otherwise finishing metal or cermets by means of grinding wheels, abrasives, or polishing products. Specifically, the 8460.1x series is reserved for flat-surface grinding machines. Since 8460.12 is designated for numerically controlled (CNC) machines, the 8460.19 code serves as the residual category for all other flat-surface grinders, including manual, mechanical, or hydraulic models. These machines operate by using a rotating abrasive wheel to remove material from a workpiece, creating a flat surface with high precision. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the machine uses a reciprocating table or a rotary table, provided the operation is not CNC-driven. These machines are essential in toolrooms and maintenance shops where high-precision flat surfaces are required but the complexity of a CNC system is not necessary. The technical distinction lies in the absence of a programmable logic controller or computer numerical control unit that manages the axes of motion automatically. Furthermore, these machines must be designed for metalworking; machines for working stone, ceramics, or wood fall under different headings such as 8464 or 8465.
- Covers
- Manual reciprocating surface grinders
- Hydraulic flat-surface grinding machines
- Rotary table surface grinders (non-CNC)
- Hand-operated precision surface grinders
- Semi-automatic flat-surface finishing machines
- Also under 8460.19
- Kent KGS-250
- Chevalier FSG-618M
- Okamoto ACC-618
- ELB-Schliff Smart-Line
- Jones & Shipman 540
Codes often confused with 8460.19
Common mistake. Surface grinders are frequently confused with CNC models under 8460.12. The distinction is strictly based on the presence of a numerical control system. Additionally, they may be misclassified under 8460.29, which is for grinding machines that do not produce a flat surface, such as cylindrical or internal grinders. Machines used for polishing rather than grinding should be checked against 8460.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846019 (the code used for surface grinder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846019 (the code used for surface grinder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 846019, not only surface grinder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $37M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $26M 17% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$21M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $153M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $18M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $18M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 India $14M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $181M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 surface grinder
Brazil classifies surface grinder under NCM 8460.19.00: HS 8460.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about surface grinder
What is the HS code for Surface grinder?
The HS code for Surface grinder is 846019 (Machine-tools; flat-surface grinding machines, other than numerically controlled). The HS code for a non-numerically controlled flat-surface grinding machine is 8460.19.
How do I classify Surface grinder for customs?
Surface grinder is classified under HS code 846019 — Machine-tools; flat-surface grinding machines, other than numerically controlled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include CNC surface grinders?
No, CNC or numerically controlled surface grinders are classified under HS code 8460.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of surface grinder (HS 846019)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846019 (the code used for surface grinder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($37M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($26M) and Taiwan (about $21M). World exports came to about $153M, 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 surface grinder (HS 846019)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846019 (the code used for surface grinder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($18M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($18M) and India ($14M). World imports came to about $181M, 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 Surface grinder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846019 for Surface grinder 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 surface grinder in Brazil?
In Brazil, surface grinder (HS 846019) is classified under NCM 8460.19.00.