Product classification
HS code for Wafer handling equipment: 8486.40
Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture or repair of masks and reticles, assembling semiconductor devices or electronic integrated circuits, or for lifting, handling, loading or unloading items of heading 8486.
Classification of wafer handling equipment under HS 8486.40
Wafer handling equipment is classified under HS code 8486.40, a specialized heading created to consolidate machinery used in the semiconductor manufacturing chain. Heading 8486 is dedicated to machines and apparatus used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor boules, wafers, devices, integrated circuits, or flat panel displays. Subheading 8486.40 specifically covers machines for lifting, handling, loading, or unloading these items. This includes highly specialized robotic arms, automated material handling systems (AMHS), and wafer transfer stations that operate within cleanroom environments. The classification is driven by the "sole or principal use" rule; even if the equipment performs functions similar to general lifting machinery, its dedicated design for semiconductor wafers necessitates classification under 8486.40. This heading was introduced to simplify the classification of the complex and integrated equipment used in high-tech fabrication facilities.
- Covers
- Automated Material Handling Systems (AMHS) for cleanrooms
- Wafer transport robots and robotic arms
- Front Opening Unified Pod (FOUP) loaders and openers
- Wafer sorters and transfer tools
- Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) designed for wafer pods
- Also under 8486.40
- KLA-Tencor e-beam mask writers
- Advantest V93000 ATE
- ASM Pacific Technology (ASMPT) wire bonders
- Disco DAD3000 dicing saws
- Teradyne UltraFLEX
Codes often confused with 8486.40
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 8428.90, which covers "other" lifting, handling, loading, or unloading machinery. While 8428 is a general heading for handling equipment, Note 9 to Chapter 84 directs that machines meeting the description of heading 8486 must be classified there and nowhere else in the nomenclature. Another error is using 8479.89 for general industrial robots; if the robot is specifically for wafer handling, 8486.40 is the legally required code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848640 (the code used for wafer handling equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848640 (the code used for wafer handling equipment) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 848640, not only wafer handling equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $4.7B 32% of world exports
- 2 Japan $2.4B 16% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $1.9B 13% of world exports
World total: $14.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.6B 31% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$3.2B 21% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $1.6B 11% of world imports
World total: $15.0B 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 wafer handling equipment
Brazil classifies wafer handling equipment under NCM 8486.40.00: HS 8486.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wafer handling equipment
What is the HS code for Wafer handling equipment?
The HS code for Wafer handling equipment is 848640 (Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture or repair of masks and reticles, assembling semiconductor devices or electronic integrated circuits, or for lifting, handling, loading or unloading items of heading 8486). The correct HS code for equipment used solely or principally for handling semiconductor wafers is 8486.40.
How do I classify Wafer handling equipment for customs?
Wafer handling equipment is classified under HS code 848640 — Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture or repair of masks and reticles, assembling semiconductor devices or electronic integrated circuits, or for lifting, handling, loading or unloading items of heading 8486. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are general-purpose warehouse robots included here?
No, only robots and handling systems specifically designed for the semiconductor manufacturing process or cleanroom environments for wafers fall under 8486.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of wafer handling equipment (HS 848640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848640 (the code used for wafer handling equipment) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($4.7B, 32% of world exports), Japan ($2.4B) and South Korea ($1.9B). World exports came to about $14.8B, 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 wafer handling equipment (HS 848640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848640 (the code used for wafer handling equipment) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.6B, 31% of world imports), Taiwan (about $3.2B) and South Korea ($1.6B). World imports came to about $15.0B, 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 Wafer handling equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848640 for Wafer handling equipment 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 wafer handling equipment in Brazil?
In Brazil, wafer handling equipment (HS 848640) is classified under NCM 8486.40.00.