Chapter 84 is the core chapter in the HS classification covering machinery and mechanical appliances, including power machinery, pumps, fans, air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, office equipment, etc. Goods in this chapter usually have power drive, moving parts, and specific functions, which distinguishes them from the electrical equipment of Chapter 85. As a metal-cutting machine tool, a machining center belongs to the machine tool category of this chapter. Heading 8457 specifically covers machining centers, single-station unit construction machines, and multi-station unit construction machines for working metal. A machining center is a CNC machine tool that integrates milling, drilling, boring, tapping, and other functions, can automatically change tools, and completes multi-process machining. It is the core equipment of a flexible manufacturing system. The first 2 digits 84 represent Chapter 84, machinery and mechanical appliances; digits 3-4, 57, represent heading 8457, namely machining centers, single-station unit construction machines, and multi-station unit construction machines; digits 5-6, 10, are subheading 845710, specifically referring to machining centers. This subheading is usually further subdivided by spindle orientation or structure, but HS code 845710 itself is already clearly defined as machining centers. This commodity is a machining center with automatic tool changing and multiple machining functions, which conforms to the description of heading 8457. It differs from CNC lathes of 8458 (mainly turning) and milling machines of 8459 (without automatic tool changing or multiple functions). 845710 specifically targets machining centers, so it is classified under this code.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the core chapter in the HS classification covering machinery and mechanical appliances, including power machinery, pumps, fans, air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, office equipment, etc. Goods in this chapter usually have power drive, moving parts, and specific functions, which distinguishes them from the electrical equipment of Chapter 85. As a metal-cutting machine tool, a machining center belongs to the machine tool category of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8457 specifically covers machining centers, single-station unit construction machines, and multi-station unit construction machines for working metal. A machining center is a CNC machine tool that integrates milling, drilling, boring, tapping, and other functions, can automatically change tools, and completes multi-process machining. It is the core equipment of a flexible manufacturing system.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 84 represent Chapter 84, machinery and mechanical appliances; digits 3-4, 57, represent heading 8457, namely machining centers, single-station unit construction machines, and multi-station unit construction machines; digits 5-6, 10, are subheading 845710, specifically referring to machining centers. This subheading is usually further subdivided by spindle orientation or structure, but HS code 845710 itself is already clearly defined as machining centers.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a machining center with automatic tool changing and multiple machining functions, which conforms to the description of heading 8457. It differs from CNC lathes of 8458 (mainly turning) and milling machines of 8459 (without automatic tool changing or multiple functions). 845710 specifically targets machining centers, so it is classified under this code.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "vertical machining center" or "horizontal machining center". Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "DMG MORI" or "Haitian". Model: Specific model, such as "DMU 50" or "VMC850". Machining Method: Explain the main machining methods, such as milling, drilling, tapping, etc. Control Method: Fill in CNC or non-CNC. Spindle Orientation: Vertical, horizontal, or universal. Power: Main motor power, in kilowatts. Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production), domestic brand, etc. Product Name: Vertical Machining Center; Brand: DMG MORI; Model: DMU 50; Machining Method: Milling, drilling, tapping; Control Method: CNC; Spindle Orientation: Vertical; Power: 15KW; Brand Type: Foreign brand. Misdeclaring a machining center as a milling machine or drilling machine, resulting in incorrect classification. Failure to indicate whether it has automatic tool changing function, affecting heading determination. Non-standard entry of brand and model, affecting customs document review.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "vertical machining center" or "horizontal machining center".
⚠️ Writing only "machine tool" or "processing equipment", which is too general.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "DMG MORI" or "Haitian".
⚠️ Confusing the brand with the model, or filling in the trader's name.
Model
Specific model, such as "DMU 50" or "VMC850".
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry.
Machining Method
Explain the main machining methods, such as milling, drilling, tapping, etc.
⚠️ Failure to indicate whether it has automatic tool changing function.
Control Method
Fill in CNC or non-CNC.
⚠️ Omitting the control method, leading to classification disputes.
Misdeclaring a machining center as a milling machine or drilling machine, resulting in incorrect classification.
Failure to indicate whether it has automatic tool changing function, affecting heading determination.
Non-standard entry of brand and model, affecting customs document review.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classifying machining centers under 845710 is: 1) they have an automatic tool changer; 2) they can perform multiple machining operations (milling, drilling, boring, tapping, etc.); 3) they are usually CNC machine tools. If the automatic tool changing function is lacking, they may be classified under milling machines of 8459 or lathes of 8458. 845811 CNC horizontal lathes: Lathes mainly rotate the workpiece while the tool does not rotate; machining centers mainly rotate the tool while the workpiece is usually fixed. 845931 CNC boring-milling machines: Boring-milling machines may lack automatic tool changing function, or may be used only for boring and milling, while machining centers have more comprehensive functions. 845961 CNC milling machines: Milling machines usually do not have an automatic tool changer, while machining centers have a tool magazine and automatic tool changing. 846090 Other machine tools for working metal: This code is a residual item; machining centers have a specific named heading and should not be classified here. Does it have automatic tool changing function? Can it perform multiple machining operations? Is it a CNC machine tool? Is the spindle orientation vertical or horizontal? Is it used only for working metal?
Basis
The core basis for classifying machining centers under 845710 is: 1) they have an automatic tool changer; 2) they can perform multiple machining operations (milling, drilling, boring, tapping, etc.); 3) they are usually CNC machine tools. If the automatic tool changing function is lacking, they may be classified under milling machines of 8459 or lathes of 8458.
Confused Codes：
845811 - CNC horizontal lathes
Lathes mainly rotate the workpiece while the tool does not rotate; machining centers mainly rotate the tool while the workpiece is usually fixed.
845931 - CNC boring-milling machines
Boring-milling machines may lack automatic tool changing function, or may be used only for boring and milling, while machining centers have more comprehensive functions.
845961 - CNC milling machines
Milling machines usually do not have an automatic tool changer, while machining centers have a tool magazine and automatic tool changing.
846090 - Other machine tools for working metal
This code is a residual item; machining centers have a specific named heading and should not be classified here.
Self-Check：
✓ Does it have automatic tool changing function?
✓ Can it perform multiple machining operations?
✓ Is it a CNC machine tool?
✓ Is the spindle orientation vertical or horizontal?
✓ Is it used only for working metal?
❓ FAQ
How are machining centers and CNC milling machines distinguished in HS codes? Machining centers (845710) have an automatic tool changer and tool magazine and can automatically change tools to complete multi-process machining; CNC milling machines (845961) usually do not have automatic tool changing function and can only perform milling. If the equipment has automatic tool changing function, it should be classified under 845710. When declaring a machining center, how should the brand and model be filled in? The brand should be filled in as the manufacturer or brand name, such as "DMG MORI"; the model should be filled in as the specific model, such as "DMU 50". If it is OEM production, the brand type must indicate "foreign brand (OEM production)". The brand and model must be consistent with the actual goods to avoid customs questions. After a machining center is classified under 845710, how can the tax rate be checked? Tax rates change with national policies. It is recommended to check the latest tax rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Usually attention should be paid to import tariffs, value-added tax, and possible anti-dumping duties. Can used machining centers be classified under 845710? Yes. HS codes do not distinguish between new and used, but imported used equipment requires a pre-shipment inspection certificate and may involve special regulatory conditions. When declaring, "used" and the condition rate should be indicated. What is the difference in classification between machining centers and unit construction machines? Machining centers (845710) are single machines with automatic tool changing and multi-process machining capabilities; unit construction machines (845720/845730) are production lines composed of multiple special-purpose machine tools, usually used for mass production. The two belong to different subheadings under the heading. If a machining center also has turning functions, how should it be classified? If milling is the main function with turning as an additional function, it is still classified under 845710; if turning is the main function, it may be classified under 8458. Judgment should be based on the main machining method and the design principle of the equipment. When importing a machining center, how should the "machining method" in the declaration elements be filled in? The main machining methods should be filled in, such as "milling, drilling, tapping". If it has multiple functions, all may be listed, but they must be consistent with the actual capabilities of the equipment to avoid exaggeration. Under HS code 845710, are vertical and horizontal machining centers distinguished? HS code 845710 is not further subdivided, but some countries may distinguish them under 10-digit codes. Chinese customs requires the spindle orientation to be filled in during declaration for statistics and document review, but classification remains 845710.
Q: How are machining centers and CNC milling machines distinguished in HS codes?
A: Machining centers (845710) have an automatic tool changer and tool magazine and can automatically change tools to complete multi-process machining; CNC milling machines (845961) usually do not have automatic tool changing function and can only perform milling. If the equipment has automatic tool changing function, it should be classified under 845710.
Q: When declaring a machining center, how should the brand and model be filled in?
A: The brand should be filled in as the manufacturer or brand name, such as "DMG MORI"; the model should be filled in as the specific model, such as "DMU 50". If it is OEM production, the brand type must indicate "foreign brand (OEM production)". The brand and model must be consistent with the actual goods to avoid customs questions.
Q: After a machining center is classified under 845710, how can the tax rate be checked?
A: Tax rates change with national policies. It is recommended to check the latest tax rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Usually attention should be paid to import tariffs, value-added tax, and possible anti-dumping duties.
Q: Can used machining centers be classified under 845710?
A: Yes. HS codes do not distinguish between new and used, but imported used equipment requires a pre-shipment inspection certificate and may involve special regulatory conditions. When declaring, "used" and the condition rate should be indicated.
Q: What is the difference in classification between machining centers and unit construction machines?
A: Machining centers (845710) are single machines with automatic tool changing and multi-process machining capabilities; unit construction machines (845720/845730) are production lines composed of multiple special-purpose machine tools, usually used for mass production. The two belong to different subheadings under the heading.
Q: If a machining center also has turning functions, how should it be classified?
A: If milling is the main function with turning as an additional function, it is still classified under 845710; if turning is the main function, it may be classified under 8458. Judgment should be based on the main machining method and the design principle of the equipment.
Q: When importing a machining center, how should the "machining method" in the declaration elements be filled in?
A: The main machining methods should be filled in, such as "milling, drilling, tapping". If it has multiple functions, all may be listed, but they must be consistent with the actual capabilities of the equipment to avoid exaggeration.
Q: Under HS code 845710, are vertical and horizontal machining centers distinguished?
A: HS code 845710 is not further subdivided, but some countries may distinguish them under 10-digit codes. Chinese customs requires the spindle orientation to be filled in during declaration for statistics and document review, but classification remains 845710.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.