Chapter 84 is a core chapter in the HS classification system, covering nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances, and their parts. This chapter includes power machinery, agricultural machinery, metalworking machine tools, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, etc. Among them, machine tool commodities (such as 8460-8462) are important categories in international trade, involving various processing methods such as turning, grinding, and stamping. Chapter 84 commodities generally have high added value and technology-intensive characteristics, and classification requires key attention to functional principles, processing objects, and whether they operate independently. Heading 8460 specifically covers machine tools for deburring, sharpening, grinding, honing, lapping, polishing, or otherwise finishing metals, sintered metal carbides, or cermets by means of grinding stones, abrasives, or polishing products. It includes surface grinding machines, cylindrical grinding machines, internal grinding machines, centerless grinding machines, tool grinding machines, etc. Machine tools under this heading may be numerically controlled (CNC) or non-numerically controlled, but grinding must be the primary processing method. Note: 8460 does not include gear cutting machines (8461) or sawing machines (8461). The first 2 digits 84: indicates Chapter 84, belonging to the broad category of machinery, mechanical appliances, and their parts. The 3rd-4th digits 60: indicates heading 8460, namely finishing machine tools for grinding, lapping, polishing, etc. The 5th-6th digits 11: under 8460, subheading 846011 specifically refers to numerically controlled surface grinding machines. Among them, the 5th digit '1' represents the numerically controlled (CNC) type, and the 6th digit '1' represents surface grinding machines. Specifically, 846011 is listed alongside 846012 (numerically controlled cylindrical grinding machines), 846013 (numerically controlled internal grinding machines), etc., and is distinguished according to the processing object and machine tool structure. This commodity is a numerically controlled surface grinding machine, whose core function is to use a grinding wheel for precision grinding of metal surfaces, conforming to the definition of 'grinding machine tools' under 8460. Because it adopts a numerical control system, it is classified under 8460.11 rather than 8460.19 (other surface grinding machines). It differs from 8461 (gear cutting machines) in that the processing object is not gears; it differs from 8459 (milling machines) in that it uses grinding rather than milling. Therefore, 846011 is the precise classification.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is a core chapter in the HS classification system, covering nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances, and their parts. This chapter includes power machinery, agricultural machinery, metalworking machine tools, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, etc. Among them, machine tool commodities (such as 8460-8462) are important categories in international trade, involving various processing methods such as turning, grinding, and stamping. Chapter 84 commodities generally have high added value and technology-intensive characteristics, and classification requires key attention to functional principles, processing objects, and whether they operate independently.
Heading
Heading 8460 specifically covers machine tools for deburring, sharpening, grinding, honing, lapping, polishing, or otherwise finishing metals, sintered metal carbides, or cermets by means of grinding stones, abrasives, or polishing products. It includes surface grinding machines, cylindrical grinding machines, internal grinding machines, centerless grinding machines, tool grinding machines, etc. Machine tools under this heading may be numerically controlled (CNC) or non-numerically controlled, but grinding must be the primary processing method. Note: 8460 does not include gear cutting machines (8461) or sawing machines (8461).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 84: indicates Chapter 84, belonging to the broad category of machinery, mechanical appliances, and their parts. The 3rd-4th digits 60: indicates heading 8460, namely finishing machine tools for grinding, lapping, polishing, etc. The 5th-6th digits 11: under 8460, subheading 846011 specifically refers to numerically controlled surface grinding machines. Among them, the 5th digit '1' represents the numerically controlled (CNC) type, and the 6th digit '1' represents surface grinding machines. Specifically, 846011 is listed alongside 846012 (numerically controlled cylindrical grinding machines), 846013 (numerically controlled internal grinding machines), etc., and is distinguished according to the processing object and machine tool structure.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a numerically controlled surface grinding machine, whose core function is to use a grinding wheel for precision grinding of metal surfaces, conforming to the definition of 'grinding machine tools' under 8460. Because it adopts a numerical control system, it is classified under 8460.11 rather than 8460.19 (other surface grinding machines). It differs from 8461 (gear cutting machines) in that the processing object is not gears; it differs from 8459 (milling machines) in that it uses grinding rather than milling. Therefore, 846011 is the precise classification.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should include 'numerically controlled surface grinding machine' and the model. Use: Explain the processing object and scenario, such as 'used for precision surface grinding of metal molds'. Brand: Fill in the machine tool brand, such as 'Okuma', 'Makino', etc. Model: Fill in the specific model, such as 'OKAMOTO ACC-63DX'. Control mode: Clearly state 'numerically controlled'; the control system brand may also be indicated. Machining accuracy: Such as 'positioning accuracy 0.001mm', reflecting the machine tool grade. Brand type: Fill in 'foreign brand' or 'domestic brand' according to customs requirements. Export preferential treatment status: Such as 'no preferential treatment', 'preferential treatment', etc. Product name: numerically controlled surface grinding machine; Use: used for precision surface grinding of metal molds; Brand: OKAMOTO; Model: ACC-63DX; Control mode: numerically controlled (FANUC system); Machining accuracy: positioning accuracy 0.001mm; Brand type: foreign brand; Export preferential treatment status: no preferential treatment. Failure to indicate 'numerically controlled', resulting in classification under 846019 (other surface grinding machines). Misreporting a 'grinding machine' as a 'milling machine' or 'lathe', causing classification errors. Ignoring machining accuracy, which may affect customs supervision of high-precision machine tools.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should include 'numerically controlled surface grinding machine' and the model.
⚠️ Writing only 'grinding machine' or 'surface grinding machine' without indicating numerical control.
Use
Explain the processing object and scenario, such as 'used for precision surface grinding of metal molds'.
⚠️ Writing 'used for machining' is too general.
Brand
Fill in the machine tool brand, such as 'Okuma', 'Makino', etc.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or filling in non-brand information.
Model
Fill in the specific model, such as 'OKAMOTO ACC-63DX'.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model.
Control mode
Clearly state 'numerically controlled'; the control system brand may also be indicated.
⚠️ Writing 'automatic' or 'program-controlled', which is inaccurate.
Machining accuracy
Such as 'positioning accuracy 0.001mm', reflecting the machine tool grade.
⚠️ Ignoring accuracy, which affects classification determination.
Brand type
Fill in 'foreign brand' or 'domestic brand' according to customs requirements.
⚠️ Omitting or incorrectly filling in.
Export preferential treatment status
Such as 'no preferential treatment', 'preferential treatment', etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly selecting the preferential treatment type.
Example： Product name: numerically controlled surface grinding machine; Use: used for precision surface grinding of metal molds; Brand: OKAMOTO; Model: ACC-63DX; Control mode: numerically controlled (FANUC system); Machining accuracy: positioning accuracy 0.001mm; Brand type: foreign brand; Export preferential treatment status: no preferential treatment.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to indicate 'numerically controlled', resulting in classification under 846019 (other surface grinding machines).
Misreporting a 'grinding machine' as a 'milling machine' or 'lathe', causing classification errors.
Ignoring machining accuracy, which may affect customs supervision of high-precision machine tools.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) Function: whether grinding is the primary processing method; 2) Processing object: whether it is used for surface grinding; 3) Control mode: whether it is numerically controlled. According to the notes to Chapter 84 and the subheading structure of 8460, a numerically controlled surface grinding machine must simultaneously satisfy the two conditions of 'numerically controlled' and 'surface grinding machine'. If it is another type of grinding machine (such as a cylindrical grinding machine), it is classified under 846012, etc. If it is non-numerically controlled, it is classified under 846019. 846019 Other surface grinding machines: Non-numerically controlled surface grinding machines, without a numerical control system, are classified under 846019. 846012 Numerically controlled cylindrical grinding machines: The processing object is an external cylindrical surface rather than a flat surface, and it is classified under 846012. 846013 Numerically controlled internal grinding machines: The processing object is an internal cylindrical surface, and it is classified under 846013. 846090 Other grinding machine tools: Used for deburring, polishing, and other non-surface grinding, and is not numerically controlled. 845931 Numerically controlled milling machines: The processing method is milling rather than grinding. Is it controlled by a numerical control system? Is it used for surface grinding? Is grinding the primary function? Does it fall within the scope of heading 8460? Is it clearly distinguished from adjacent codes?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) Function: whether grinding is the primary processing method; 2) Processing object: whether it is used for surface grinding; 3) Control mode: whether it is numerically controlled. According to the notes to Chapter 84 and the subheading structure of 8460, a numerically controlled surface grinding machine must simultaneously satisfy the two conditions of 'numerically controlled' and 'surface grinding machine'. If it is another type of grinding machine (such as a cylindrical grinding machine), it is classified under 846012, etc. If it is non-numerically controlled, it is classified under 846019.
Confused Codes：
846019 - Other surface grinding machines
Non-numerically controlled surface grinding machines, without a numerical control system, are classified under 846019.
The processing object is an internal cylindrical surface, and it is classified under 846013.
846090 - Other grinding machine tools
Used for deburring, polishing, and other non-surface grinding, and is not numerically controlled.
845931 - Numerically controlled milling machines
The processing method is milling rather than grinding.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it controlled by a numerical control system?
✓ Is it used for surface grinding?
✓ Is grinding the primary function?
✓ Does it fall within the scope of heading 8460?
✓ Is it clearly distinguished from adjacent codes?
❓ FAQ
How can I look up the HS code for a numerically controlled surface grinding machine? You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs, an HS code query platform, or consult a customs broker. Enter the keyword 'numerically controlled surface grinding machine', and the system will recommend 846011. You can also search level by level under Chapter 84 according to factors such as function and control mode. What is the difference between the HS codes for numerically controlled surface grinding machines and numerically controlled cylindrical grinding machines? Numerically controlled surface grinding machines are classified under 846011, and numerically controlled cylindrical grinding machines under 846012. The main difference lies in the processing object: surface grinding machines are used for flat surfaces, while cylindrical grinding machines are used for external cylindrical surfaces. When declaring, the processing object must be clearly stated. If a surface grinding machine is not numerically controlled, which code should it be classified under? Non-numerically controlled surface grinding machines should be classified under 846019 (other surface grinding machines). Note that 846019 includes non-numerically controlled surface grinding machines, but if it is another type of grinding machine, it is classified under 846029, etc. What are the declaration elements for a numerically controlled surface grinding machine? They generally include product name, use, brand, model, control mode, machining accuracy, brand type, export preferential treatment status, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and it is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Standard Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the Customs of the People's Republic of China'. How can I check the tariff rate for a numerically controlled surface grinding machine? Tariff rates may change. You can use the 'Import and Export Commodity Tariff Query' system on the official website of the General Administration of Customs and enter HS code 846011 to check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, etc. You may also consult a customs broker. What regulatory documents are required for exporting a numerically controlled surface grinding machine? Generally, no special regulatory documents are required for export, but if dual-use items or technology exports are involved, corresponding licenses must be obtained. For details, you can check the regulatory conditions published by the General Administration of Customs. During classification, how is a numerically controlled surface grinding machine distinguished from a machining center? A machining center usually has automatic tool changing capability and can perform multiple operations such as milling and drilling, and is classified under 8457. A numerically controlled surface grinding machine, however, is used only for grinding and is classified under 846011. Does the HS code for a numerically controlled surface grinding machine apply in cross-border e-commerce? Yes. Cross-border e-commerce exports also require declaration of the HS code, but simplified declaration may apply. It is recommended to classify accurately according to the actual commodity to avoid customs clearance delays caused by incorrect codes.
Q: How can I look up the HS code for a numerically controlled surface grinding machine?
A: You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs, an HS code query platform, or consult a customs broker. Enter the keyword 'numerically controlled surface grinding machine', and the system will recommend 846011. You can also search level by level under Chapter 84 according to factors such as function and control mode.
Q: What is the difference between the HS codes for numerically controlled surface grinding machines and numerically controlled cylindrical grinding machines?
A: Numerically controlled surface grinding machines are classified under 846011, and numerically controlled cylindrical grinding machines under 846012. The main difference lies in the processing object: surface grinding machines are used for flat surfaces, while cylindrical grinding machines are used for external cylindrical surfaces. When declaring, the processing object must be clearly stated.
Q: If a surface grinding machine is not numerically controlled, which code should it be classified under?
A: Non-numerically controlled surface grinding machines should be classified under 846019 (other surface grinding machines). Note that 846019 includes non-numerically controlled surface grinding machines, but if it is another type of grinding machine, it is classified under 846029, etc.
Q: What are the declaration elements for a numerically controlled surface grinding machine?
A: They generally include product name, use, brand, model, control mode, machining accuracy, brand type, export preferential treatment status, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and it is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Standard Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the Customs of the People's Republic of China'.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for a numerically controlled surface grinding machine?
A: Tariff rates may change. You can use the 'Import and Export Commodity Tariff Query' system on the official website of the General Administration of Customs and enter HS code 846011 to check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, etc. You may also consult a customs broker.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for exporting a numerically controlled surface grinding machine?
A: Generally, no special regulatory documents are required for export, but if dual-use items or technology exports are involved, corresponding licenses must be obtained. For details, you can check the regulatory conditions published by the General Administration of Customs.
Q: During classification, how is a numerically controlled surface grinding machine distinguished from a machining center?
A: A machining center usually has automatic tool changing capability and can perform multiple operations such as milling and drilling, and is classified under 8457. A numerically controlled surface grinding machine, however, is used only for grinding and is classified under 846011.
Q: Does the HS code for a numerically controlled surface grinding machine apply in cross-border e-commerce?
A: Yes. Cross-border e-commerce exports also require declaration of the HS code, but simplified declaration may apply. It is recommended to classify accurately according to the actual commodity to avoid customs clearance delays caused by incorrect codes.
⚠️ 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.