Product classification
HS code for Water jet machine: 8456.50
Machine tools, for working any material by removal of material, operated by water-jet cutting machines.
Classification of water jet machine under HS 8456.50
The classification of a water jet machine under HS code 845650 is determined by its primary function as a machine tool designed for the removal of material. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically GRI 1, classification is dictated by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8456 covers machine tools for working any material by removal of material through specific processes, and subheading 845650 explicitly identifies water-jet cutting machines. These machines operate by directing a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with abrasive particles like garnet, to erode a narrow line in the target material. This process is distinct from mechanical sawing or milling because it does not involve a physical tool bit or blade making contact with the workpiece. The classification remains the same whether the machine is a pure water jet used for soft materials like foam or food, or an abrasive water jet used for hard materials like titanium, steel, or stone. Furthermore, the presence of a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) system does not change the primary heading, as 8456 encompasses both manual and automated versions of these machine tools.
- Covers
- CNC water jet cutting tables
- Abrasive water jet cutting systems
- Pure water jet cutters for food processing
- High-pressure water jet stripping machines
- Multi-axis water jet machining centers
- Portable water jet cutting units for hazardous environments
- Also under 8456.50
- OMAX Waterjet
- Flow International Waterjet
- KMT Waterjet Systems
- Bystronic ByJet
- WARDJet
Codes often confused with 8456.50
Common mistake. Water jet machines are frequently misclassified under HS code 8424, which covers mechanical appliances for projecting, dispersing, or spraying liquids. While a water jet does project liquid, its purpose is the removal of material (cutting), which is a more specific function covered by 8456. Another common error is using HS code 8461, which applies to machine tools for planing, shaping, slotting, or broaching. However, because 8456 specifically mentions water-jet cutting, it takes precedence over the more general machine tool headings in accordance with GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 845650 (the code used for water jet machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845650 (the code used for water jet machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 845650, not only water jet machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $45M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $24M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $24M 13% of world exports
World total: $182M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $27M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $14M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $10M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $171M 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 water jet machine
Brazil classifies water jet machine under NCM 8456.50.00: HS 8456.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about water jet machine
What is the HS code for Water jet machine?
The HS code for Water jet machine is 845650 (Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by water-jet cutting machines). The primary HS code for a water jet machine is 845650, which specifically covers machine tools for working material by removal of material operated by water-jet cutting processes.
How do I classify Water jet machine for customs?
Water jet machine is classified under HS code 845650 — Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by water-jet cutting machines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the machine uses abrasives?
No, HS code 845650 covers both pure water-jet machines and abrasive water-jet machines, as the fundamental technology of material removal via high-pressure liquid remains the same.
Which countries are the top exporters of water jet machine (HS 845650)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845650 (the code used for water jet machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($45M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($24M) and Germany ($24M). World exports came to about $182M, 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 water jet machine (HS 845650)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845650 (the code used for water jet machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($27M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($14M) and the United Kingdom ($10M). World imports came to about $171M, 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 Water jet machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845650 for Water jet 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 water jet machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, water jet machine (HS 845650) is classified under NCM 8456.50.00.