Chapter 84 is the general category in the HS classification for 'nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof,' covering almost all power machinery, processing machinery, handling machinery, and precision mechanical devices. Goods in this chapter usually have the characteristics of power drive, mechanical movement, or energy conversion, but do not include electrical equipment such as electric motors and transformers (Chapter 85), nor vehicles, optical instruments, etc. CNC shearing machines, as metal processing machine tools, are typical goods of this chapter. Heading 8462 covers 'machine tools for working metal (including presses, shearing machines, punching machines, notching machines, bending machines, etc.),' specifically including machine tools that plastically process metal plates and profiles by stamping, shearing, bending, folding, etc. This heading includes both traditional mechanical machine tools and CNC machine tools, but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from 8461 (cutting machine tools) and 8463 (other non-cutting machine tools). Code 846231 has 6 digits in total: the first 2 digits 84 represent Chapter 84 (mechanical appliances); digits 3-4, 62, represent heading 8462 (metal processing machine tools, including presses, shearing machines, etc.); digits 5-6, 31, represent subheading 846231, specifically referring to 'CNC shearing machines.' Among them, the 5th digit '3' indicates the 'shearing machine' category, and the 6th digit '1' indicates 'CNC' drive. Therefore, the full meaning of 846231 is 'CNC metal shearing machine,' and it applies only to metal plate shearing equipment that controls the shearing action through a CNC system. This commodity is a CNC shearing machine. Its core function is to control the shearing blade through a CNC system to perform straight-line shearing of metal plates, and it belongs to metal plastic processing machine tools. It does not remove material by cutting (such as the cutting machine tools of 8461), nor does it belong to other processing methods such as stamping or bending (such as other subheadings of 8462). Therefore, classification under 846231 is the most accurate.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the general category in the HS classification for 'nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof,' covering almost all power machinery, processing machinery, handling machinery, and precision mechanical devices. Goods in this chapter usually have the characteristics of power drive, mechanical movement, or energy conversion, but do not include electrical equipment such as electric motors and transformers (Chapter 85), nor vehicles, optical instruments, etc. CNC shearing machines, as metal processing machine tools, are typical goods of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8462 covers 'machine tools for working metal (including presses, shearing machines, punching machines, notching machines, bending machines, etc.),' specifically including machine tools that plastically process metal plates and profiles by stamping, shearing, bending, folding, etc. This heading includes both traditional mechanical machine tools and CNC machine tools, but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from 8461 (cutting machine tools) and 8463 (other non-cutting machine tools).
Digit Breakdown
Code 846231 has 6 digits in total: the first 2 digits 84 represent Chapter 84 (mechanical appliances); digits 3-4, 62, represent heading 8462 (metal processing machine tools, including presses, shearing machines, etc.); digits 5-6, 31, represent subheading 846231, specifically referring to 'CNC shearing machines.' Among them, the 5th digit '3' indicates the 'shearing machine' category, and the 6th digit '1' indicates 'CNC' drive. Therefore, the full meaning of 846231 is 'CNC metal shearing machine,' and it applies only to metal plate shearing equipment that controls the shearing action through a CNC system.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a CNC shearing machine. Its core function is to control the shearing blade through a CNC system to perform straight-line shearing of metal plates, and it belongs to metal plastic processing machine tools. It does not remove material by cutting (such as the cutting machine tools of 8461), nor does it belong to other processing methods such as stamping or bending (such as other subheadings of 8462). Therefore, classification under 846231 is the most accurate.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should include keywords such as 'CNC' and 'shearing machine,' for example 'CNC hydraulic shearing machine.' Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as 'AMADA,' 'Jinfangyuan,' etc.; if there is no brand, fill in 'none.' Model: Fill in the specific model of the equipment, such as 'HGS-1030,' 'QC12K-6×3200,' etc. Processing method: State that it is shearing processing, such as 'metal plate shearing' or 'CNC shearing.' Control method: Clearly state that it is CNC, and the control system brand may be noted, such as 'control system: Delem.' Maximum shearing thickness: Fill in the maximum thickness of metal plate that can be sheared, in millimeters, such as '6mm.' Maximum shearing length: Fill in the maximum width of metal plate that can be sheared, in millimeters, such as '3200mm.' Power: Fill in the main motor power, in kilowatts, such as '15kW.' Product name: CNC hydraulic shearing machine; Brand: AMADA; Model: HGS-1030; Processing method: metal plate shearing; Control method: CNC, control system: Delem DA-66T; Maximum shearing thickness: 6mm; Maximum shearing length: 3200mm; Main motor power: 15kW; Use: for straight-line shearing of metal plates. Failure to indicate 'CNC' leads to classification under the non-CNC shearing machine subheading 846239. Mistakenly reporting a 'digital display' shearing machine as CNC; the two are classified differently. The processing method is filled in as 'stamping' or 'bending,' causing classification errors.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should include keywords such as 'CNC' and 'shearing machine,' for example 'CNC hydraulic shearing machine.'
⚠️ Writing only 'shearing machine' without indicating CNC, resulting in incorrect classification.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as 'AMADA,' 'Jinfangyuan,' etc.; if there is no brand, fill in 'none.'
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the trader's brand as the manufacturer's brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the equipment, such as 'HGS-1030,' 'QC12K-6×3200,' etc.
⚠️ The model is incomplete or inconsistent with the actual item.
Processing method
State that it is shearing processing, such as 'metal plate shearing' or 'CNC shearing.'
⚠️ Mistakenly writing it as 'stamping' or 'bending.'
Control method
Clearly state that it is CNC, and the control system brand may be noted, such as 'control system: Delem.'
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting digital display (DRO) as CNC.
Maximum shearing thickness
Fill in the maximum thickness of metal plate that can be sheared, in millimeters, such as '6mm.'
⚠️ Wrong unit or filling in the maximum value rather than the rated value.
Maximum shearing length
Fill in the maximum width of metal plate that can be sheared, in millimeters, such as '3200mm.'
⚠️ Confusing it with thickness or filling in an incorrect value.
Power
Fill in the main motor power, in kilowatts, such as '15kW.'
⚠️ Filling in total power rather than main motor power.
Example： Product name: CNC hydraulic shearing machine; Brand: AMADA; Model: HGS-1030; Processing method: metal plate shearing; Control method: CNC, control system: Delem DA-66T; Maximum shearing thickness: 6mm; Maximum shearing length: 3200mm; Main motor power: 15kW; Use: for straight-line shearing of metal plates.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to indicate 'CNC' leads to classification under the non-CNC shearing machine subheading 846239.
Mistakenly reporting a 'digital display' shearing machine as CNC; the two are classified differently.
The processing method is filled in as 'stamping' or 'bending,' causing classification errors.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether it is a metal processing machine tool; 2) whether it processes by shearing; 3) whether it is equipped with a CNC system. A CNC shearing machine must simultaneously satisfy: being used for straight-line shearing of metal plates, having a CNC control system, and not belonging to cutting machine tools (8461) or stamping machine tools (other subheadings of 8462). If the equipment is only used for non-metal shearing or manual shearing, it is classified under other headings. 846239 Other shearing machines: Non-CNC shearing machines, such as mechanical or digital display type, without a CNC control system, are classified under this subheading. 846221 CNC bending machines: The processing method is bending rather than shearing, used for bending and forming metal plates. 846241 CNC punching machines: The processing method is punching or stamping, punching and cutting plates through dies. 846150 Cutting machine tools: Processing is carried out by removing material, such as sawing machines and planing machines, and does not belong to shearing. 846299 Other metal processing machine tools: Metal plastic processing machine tools not otherwise named, such as rolling machines, notching machines, etc. Is it clearly CNC controlled? Is the processed object metal plate? Is the processing method shearing? Does it have shearing blades and a feeding device? Is it confused with functions such as bending or stamping?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether it is a metal processing machine tool; 2) whether it processes by shearing; 3) whether it is equipped with a CNC system. A CNC shearing machine must simultaneously satisfy: being used for straight-line shearing of metal plates, having a CNC control system, and not belonging to cutting machine tools (8461) or stamping machine tools (other subheadings of 8462). If the equipment is only used for non-metal shearing or manual shearing, it is classified under other headings.
Confused Codes：
846239 - Other shearing machines
Non-CNC shearing machines, such as mechanical or digital display type, without a CNC control system, are classified under this subheading.
846221 - CNC bending machines
The processing method is bending rather than shearing, used for bending and forming metal plates.
846241 - CNC punching machines
The processing method is punching or stamping, punching and cutting plates through dies.
846150 - Cutting machine tools
Processing is carried out by removing material, such as sawing machines and planing machines, and does not belong to shearing.
846299 - Other metal processing machine tools
Metal plastic processing machine tools not otherwise named, such as rolling machines, notching machines, etc.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly CNC controlled?
✓ Is the processed object metal plate?
✓ Is the processing method shearing?
✓ Does it have shearing blades and a feeding device?
✓ Is it confused with functions such as bending or stamping?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between CNC shearing machines and digital display shearing machines? CNC shearing machines use a CNC control system and can programmatically control shearing dimensions and strokes, and are classified under 846231; digital display shearing machines only display position digitally and have no programmable control function, and are classified under 846239. The two are classified differently, and the control method must be clearly stated at declaration. How can it be determined whether a shearing machine belongs to 'CNC'? A CNC shearing machine must be equipped with a CNC control system and be able to automatically control parameters such as backgauge position, shearing angle, and shearing strokes through program instructions. Shearing machines equipped only with digital display devices or manual adjustment are not CNC. Can a CNC shearing machine be classified under other subheadings of 8462? No. Under heading 8462, subheadings are subdivided by processing method and control method. CNC shearing machines have a dedicated subheading 846231 and must be classified under that subheading first. Incorrect classification under 846239 may lead to customs questioning or penalties. If a shearing machine can both shear and bend, how should it be classified? According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, multifunctional machine tools should be classified according to their primary function. If shearing is the main function, classify under 846231; if bending is the main function, classify under 846221. If the primary function cannot be determined, reference may be made to a customs advance classification ruling. Among the declaration elements for CNC shearing machines, which ones must be provided? Product name, brand, model, processing method, control method, maximum shearing thickness, maximum shearing length, power, etc. must be provided. Among them, 'control method' and 'processing method' are key to classification, and omission may lead to return of documents or inspection. For imported used CNC shearing machines, is the HS code the same? Yes, the HS code does not distinguish between new and used. Used CNC shearing machines are still classified under 846231. However, at declaration it is necessary to indicate 'used' and the rate of depreciation, and additional requirements such as pre-shipment inspection may be involved. How can the tariff rate for CNC shearing machines be checked? The latest tariff rate can be checked by entering 846231 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or an HS code inquiry platform. Tariff rates may change due to free trade agreements, national policies, etc., and the latest official publication should be taken as authoritative. For exporting CNC shearing machines to the EU, is the HS code the same? The first 6 digits of the EU HS code are consistent with those of China, both being 846231. However, the EU may have further subdivisions in the later digits, and it is recommended to check the EU TARIC database to confirm the complete code. At the same time, compliance requirements such as CE certification should be noted.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between CNC shearing machines and digital display shearing machines?
A: CNC shearing machines use a CNC control system and can programmatically control shearing dimensions and strokes, and are classified under 846231; digital display shearing machines only display position digitally and have no programmable control function, and are classified under 846239. The two are classified differently, and the control method must be clearly stated at declaration.
Q: How can it be determined whether a shearing machine belongs to 'CNC'?
A: A CNC shearing machine must be equipped with a CNC control system and be able to automatically control parameters such as backgauge position, shearing angle, and shearing strokes through program instructions. Shearing machines equipped only with digital display devices or manual adjustment are not CNC.
Q: Can a CNC shearing machine be classified under other subheadings of 8462?
A: No. Under heading 8462, subheadings are subdivided by processing method and control method. CNC shearing machines have a dedicated subheading 846231 and must be classified under that subheading first. Incorrect classification under 846239 may lead to customs questioning or penalties.
Q: If a shearing machine can both shear and bend, how should it be classified?
A: According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, multifunctional machine tools should be classified according to their primary function. If shearing is the main function, classify under 846231; if bending is the main function, classify under 846221. If the primary function cannot be determined, reference may be made to a customs advance classification ruling.
Q: Among the declaration elements for CNC shearing machines, which ones must be provided?
A: Product name, brand, model, processing method, control method, maximum shearing thickness, maximum shearing length, power, etc. must be provided. Among them, 'control method' and 'processing method' are key to classification, and omission may lead to return of documents or inspection.
Q: For imported used CNC shearing machines, is the HS code the same?
A: Yes, the HS code does not distinguish between new and used. Used CNC shearing machines are still classified under 846231. However, at declaration it is necessary to indicate 'used' and the rate of depreciation, and additional requirements such as pre-shipment inspection may be involved.
Q: How can the tariff rate for CNC shearing machines be checked?
A: The latest tariff rate can be checked by entering 846231 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or an HS code inquiry platform. Tariff rates may change due to free trade agreements, national policies, etc., and the latest official publication should be taken as authoritative.
Q: For exporting CNC shearing machines to the EU, is the HS code the same?
A: The first 6 digits of the EU HS code are consistent with those of China, both being 846231. However, the EU may have further subdivisions in the later digits, and it is recommended to check the EU TARIC database to confirm the complete code. At the same time, compliance requirements such as CE certification should be noted.
⚠️ 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.