Product classification
HS code for Waterjet cutting machine: 8456.50
Machine tools, for working any material by removal of material, operated by water-jet cutting machines.
Classification of waterjet cutting machine under HS 8456.50
Waterjet cutting machines are classified under HS code 8456.50. Chapter 84 covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8456 is reserved for machine tools that remove material using specialized processes rather than traditional mechanical cutting tools like saws, lathes, or drills. Subheading 8456.50 specifically identifies water-jet cutting machines. These machines use high-pressure streams of water, often mixed with abrasive materials like garnet, to cut through metals, stone, glass, or composites. The classification logic is based on the method of material removal (water-jet) rather than the material being worked. This code is used to track the trade of high-precision industrial machinery and is distinct from general-purpose pumps or high-pressure cleaners.
- Covers
- CNC waterjet cutting tables
- Pure waterjet cutters for soft materials
- Abrasive waterjet cutting systems
- Multi-axis waterjet machining centers
- High-pressure waterjet intensifier pumps (when part of a system)
- Also under 8456.50
- OMAX Waterjet
- Flow International Waterjet
- KMT Waterjet Systems
- Bystronic ByJet
- WARDJet
Codes often confused with 8456.50
Common mistake. Waterjet cutters are sometimes confused with other machine tools in heading 8456, such as laser cutters (8456.11) or plasma cutters (8456.40). They are also occasionally misclassified under heading 8461, which covers machine tools for planing, shaping, or slotting. However, because waterjet cutting is a specific technology mentioned in 8456.50, that subheading must be used. They should also not be confused with high-pressure water cleaners under 8424.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845650 (the code used for waterjet cutting machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845650 (the code used for waterjet cutting 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 waterjet cutting 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 waterjet cutting machine
Brazil classifies waterjet cutting 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 waterjet cutting machine
What is the HS code for Waterjet cutting machine?
The HS code for Waterjet cutting machine is 845650 (Machine tools; for working any material by removal of material; operated by water-jet cutting machines). The international HS code for water-jet cutting machines is 8456.50.
How do I classify Waterjet cutting machine for customs?
Waterjet cutting 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 this code include the abrasive delivery system?
Yes, if the abrasive delivery system is imported as part of the complete waterjet cutting machine tool, it is classified under 8456.50.
Which countries are the top exporters of waterjet cutting machine (HS 845650)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845650 (the code used for waterjet cutting 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 waterjet cutting machine (HS 845650)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845650 (the code used for waterjet cutting 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 Waterjet cutting machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845650 for Waterjet cutting 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 waterjet cutting machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, waterjet cutting machine (HS 845650) is classified under NCM 8456.50.00.