Product classification
HS code for Vertical mill: 8459.69
Machine-tools, for milling by removing metal, not knee-type, other than numerically controlled.
Classification of vertical mill under HS 8459.69
The HS code 8459.69 is applied to vertical milling machines that are manually operated or otherwise not numerically controlled. This classification sits within Chapter 84, which deals with mechanical appliances and machine tools. Heading 8459 is reserved for machine-tools that remove metal through drilling, boring, or milling. Subheading 8459.69 specifically covers 'other' milling machines that are not knee-type and are not numerically controlled. Unlike CNC versions, these machines require manual intervention for tool positioning and feed rates, typically using handwheels, levers, or mechanical power feeds. The 'vertical' aspect refers to the spindle's orientation, which is perpendicular to the worktable, allowing the cutting tool to move up and down or the table to move into the tool. This code is essential for distinguishing traditional workshop machinery from modern automated systems. It excludes knee-type mills, which have a specific structural design where the table is supported by a heavy casting called a knee that slides up and down the machine column. Proper classification ensures that the correct tariffs are applied to legacy industrial equipment and manual toolroom machinery.
- Covers
- Manual vertical milling machines
- Bed-type manual mills
- Turret mills (non-CNC, non-knee type)
- Manual vertical boring and milling machines
- Prototyping manual vertical mills
- Also under 8459.69
- Cincinnati Milacron (older manual models)
- Induma (manual bed mills)
- F.P. Werkzeugmaschinen (manual)
- Zayer (older manual models)
- Harrison (manual milling)
Codes often confused with 8459.69
Common mistake. The most common error is confusing this with 8459.61, which is for CNC (numerically controlled) versions. Another frequent mistake is using 8459.59, which is specifically for manual milling machines of the knee-type. The distinction between bed-type and knee-type is a common point of contention in customs audits.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845969 (the code used for vertical mill), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845969 (the code used for vertical mill) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.9% of its exports here ($2.5M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 845969, not only vertical mill.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $77M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $49M 20% of world exports
- 3 Italy $25M 10.0% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.9% of its exports here ($2.5M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $248M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $33M 12% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$24M 8.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $20M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $282M 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 vertical mill
Brazil classifies vertical mill under NCM 8459.69.00: HS 8459.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vertical mill
What is the HS code for Vertical mill?
The HS code for Vertical mill is 845969 (Machine-tools; for milling by removing metal, not knee-type, other than numerically controlled). The HS code for a manual (non-CNC) vertical milling machine that is not a knee-type is 8459.69.
How do I classify Vertical mill for customs?
Vertical mill is classified under HS code 845969 — Machine-tools; for milling by removing metal, not knee-type, other than numerically controlled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 8459.69 and 8459.59?
Code 8459.59 is for knee-type machines where the table moves vertically on a 'knee' support, while 8459.69 is for other designs like bed-type mills.
Which countries are the top exporters of vertical mill (HS 845969)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845969 (the code used for vertical mill) in UN Comtrade data were China ($77M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($49M) and Italy ($25M). World exports came to about $248M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.9% of its exports here ($2.5M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of vertical mill (HS 845969)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845969 (the code used for vertical mill) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($33M, 12% of world imports), Russia (about $24M) and India ($20M). World imports came to about $282M, 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 Vertical mill the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845969 for Vertical mill 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 vertical mill in Brazil?
In Brazil, vertical mill (HS 845969) is classified under NCM 8459.69.00.