Chapter 84 is the chapter in the HS classification system covering 'nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and parts thereof.' Its scope is extremely broad, ranging from steam boilers and internal combustion engines to machine tools, computers, bearings, and more. The core logic of this chapter is 'machinery' and 'mechanical appliances,' namely devices that achieve energy conversion, material processing, or work through mechanical motion. The chapter notes strictly define the principle for distinguishing it from other chapters (such as Chapter 85, electrical equipment): if the machine itself is electrical equipment or its main function is electrical, it is classified under Chapter 85. Heading 8465 covers 'machine tools (including machines for nailing, stapling, gluing or otherwise assembling) for working wood, cork, bone, hard rubber, hard plastics or similar hard materials.' This heading includes not only cutting and forming machine tools, but also various processing machines such as drilling, milling, grinding, bending, and assembling machines. Its core is that the workpiece is a hard non-metallic material and the processing method is mechanical machining. If a machine tool can also process metal, it must be determined based on its main function and may be classified under metal-working machine tool headings such as 8456-8462. Code 846510 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '84' represent Chapter 84, namely machinery and mechanical appliances. Digits 3-4 '65' represent heading 8465, specifically machine tools for working hard non-metallic materials. Digits 5-6 '10' represent subheading 8465.10, namely 'machine tools that do not require tool changing during processing (single-station).' So-called 'no tool change required' means the machine tool does not change tools during processing and is usually a single-function or single-process machine tool, such as a single-spindle drilling machine or a simple milling machine. If the machine tool has automatic tool changing capability or multi-process processing, it is classified under 8465.20 (machining centers) or other subheadings. Therefore, 846510 specifically refers to simple CNC or non-CNC machine tools that do not have automatic tool changing capability. The goods are CNC machine tools, but because the workpieces are hard non-metallic materials such as wood and plastics, and automatic tool changing is not required during processing, they are classified under 846510. If the workpieces were metal, they should be classified under 8456-8462; if they had automatic tool changing capability, even if working non-metals, they should be classified under 846520 (machining centers). Therefore, the key to classification is the workpiece and whether tools are changed.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the chapter in the HS classification system covering 'nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and parts thereof.' Its scope is extremely broad, ranging from steam boilers and internal combustion engines to machine tools, computers, bearings, and more. The core logic of this chapter is 'machinery' and 'mechanical appliances,' namely devices that achieve energy conversion, material processing, or work through mechanical motion. The chapter notes strictly define the principle for distinguishing it from other chapters (such as Chapter 85, electrical equipment): if the machine itself is electrical equipment or its main function is electrical, it is classified under Chapter 85.
Heading
Heading 8465 covers 'machine tools (including machines for nailing, stapling, gluing or otherwise assembling) for working wood, cork, bone, hard rubber, hard plastics or similar hard materials.' This heading includes not only cutting and forming machine tools, but also various processing machines such as drilling, milling, grinding, bending, and assembling machines. Its core is that the workpiece is a hard non-metallic material and the processing method is mechanical machining. If a machine tool can also process metal, it must be determined based on its main function and may be classified under metal-working machine tool headings such as 8456-8462.
Digit Breakdown
Code 846510 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '84' represent Chapter 84, namely machinery and mechanical appliances. Digits 3-4 '65' represent heading 8465, specifically machine tools for working hard non-metallic materials. Digits 5-6 '10' represent subheading 8465.10, namely 'machine tools that do not require tool changing during processing (single-station).' So-called 'no tool change required' means the machine tool does not change tools during processing and is usually a single-function or single-process machine tool, such as a single-spindle drilling machine or a simple milling machine. If the machine tool has automatic tool changing capability or multi-process processing, it is classified under 8465.20 (machining centers) or other subheadings. Therefore, 846510 specifically refers to simple CNC or non-CNC machine tools that do not have automatic tool changing capability.
Classification Basis
The goods are CNC machine tools, but because the workpieces are hard non-metallic materials such as wood and plastics, and automatic tool changing is not required during processing, they are classified under 846510. If the workpieces were metal, they should be classified under 8456-8462; if they had automatic tool changing capability, even if working non-metals, they should be classified under 846520 (machining centers). Therefore, the key to classification is the workpiece and whether tools are changed.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the type of machine tool, such as 'CNC woodworking milling machine' or 'CNC plastic engraving machine.' Use: Explain the specific processing use of the machine tool, such as 'for wood engraving' or 'for plastic cutting,' and it must be consistent with the workpiece. Workpiece: Clearly state the material processed by the machine tool, such as wood, cork, bone, hard rubber, hard plastics, etc., and it must fall within the scope of heading 8465. Working Principle: Briefly describe the processing method of the machine tool, such as milling, drilling, cutting, etc., and state whether it is CNC. Whether CNC: Clearly state whether it is equipped with a CNC system. CNC machine tools require the model and function description of the CNC device. Whether Automatic Tool Changing: State whether tools are automatically changed during processing. This is the key to distinguishing 846510 from 846520. Brand and Model: Provide the brand and model of the machine tool to facilitate customs review and price assessment. Power: Declare the spindle power or total power of the machine tool in kilowatts (kW), used to determine specifications. Product Name: CNC woodworking engraving machine; Use: for engraving and cutting wood and plastics; Workpiece: wood, hard plastics; Working Principle: CNC milling, controlling the tool path by computer; Whether CNC: yes; Whether Automatic Tool Changing: no; Brand: XX; Model: XXX; Power: 3.5kW. Misclassifying CNC machine tools for processing metal under 846510, when they should actually be classified under 8456-8462. Ignoring the 'automatic tool changing' function and misreporting a machining center as 846510, when it should actually be classified under 846520. Unclear description of the workpiece, such as 'non-metal' without specific listing, which may lead to classification disputes.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the type of machine tool, such as 'CNC woodworking milling machine' or 'CNC plastic engraving machine.'
⚠️ Writing only 'CNC machine tool' is too general and does not specify the workpiece and function.
Use
Explain the specific processing use of the machine tool, such as 'for wood engraving' or 'for plastic cutting,' and it must be consistent with the workpiece.
⚠️ The use description contradicts the workpiece, such as stating 'metalworking' but actually processing wood.
Workpiece
Clearly state the material processed by the machine tool, such as wood, cork, bone, hard rubber, hard plastics, etc., and it must fall within the scope of heading 8465.
⚠️ Misreporting a metal workpiece as non-metal, resulting in incorrect classification.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the processing method of the machine tool, such as milling, drilling, cutting, etc., and state whether it is CNC.
⚠️ Failure to state whether it is CNC, affecting subheading determination.
Whether CNC
Clearly state whether it is equipped with a CNC system. CNC machine tools require the model and function description of the CNC device.
⚠️ Misreporting an ordinary machine tool as CNC, or vice versa.
Whether Automatic Tool Changing
State whether tools are automatically changed during processing. This is the key to distinguishing 846510 from 846520.
⚠️ Failure to accurately describe the tool changing function, resulting in incorrect subheading classification.
Brand and Model
Provide the brand and model of the machine tool to facilitate customs review and price assessment.
⚠️ Incomplete model declaration or inconsistency with the actual item.
Power
Declare the spindle power or total power of the machine tool in kilowatts (kW), used to determine specifications.
⚠️ Incorrect power unit or failure to declare.
Example： Product Name: CNC woodworking engraving machine; Use: for engraving and cutting wood and plastics; Workpiece: wood, hard plastics; Working Principle: CNC milling, controlling the tool path by computer; Whether CNC: yes; Whether Automatic Tool Changing: no; Brand: XX; Model: XXX; Power: 3.5kW.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying CNC machine tools for processing metal under 846510, when they should actually be classified under 8456-8462.
Ignoring the 'automatic tool changing' function and misreporting a machining center as 846510, when it should actually be classified under 846520.
Unclear description of the workpiece, such as 'non-metal' without specific listing, which may lead to classification disputes.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the workpiece is wood, cork, bone, hard rubber, hard plastics, or similar hard non-metallic materials; 2) whether the processing method is mechanical machining; 3) whether it has automatic tool changing capability. If the workpiece is metal, it is classified under 8456-8462; if it has automatic tool changing capability, it is classified under 846520. In addition, attention must be paid to distinguishing it from 8464 (stone, ceramic working machine tools) and 8462 (metal-working machine tools). 846520 Machining centers: 846520 is a machining center with automatic tool changing capability and can perform multi-process processing; while 846510 is a single-station machine tool that does not require tool changing. 846490 Other stone or ceramic working machine tools: 846490 processes mineral materials such as stone and ceramics, while 846510 processes hard non-metals such as wood and plastics. 845610 CNC laser processing machine tools: 845610 is a laser processing machine tool that uses a laser beam for processing, while 846510 is a mechanical cutting machine tool. 846221 CNC bending or folding machine tools: 846221 is a metal-working machine tool used for bending or folding metal, while 846510 is used for non-metal processing. 847710 Injection molding machines: 847710 is a plastic injection molding machine, which belongs to plastic processing machinery, while 846510 is a cutting and forming machine tool. Is the workpiece a hard non-metallic material? Does it have automatic tool changing capability? Is it equipped with a CNC system? Is it used for metalworking? Does it belong to laser or EDM processing?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the workpiece is wood, cork, bone, hard rubber, hard plastics, or similar hard non-metallic materials; 2) whether the processing method is mechanical machining; 3) whether it has automatic tool changing capability. If the workpiece is metal, it is classified under 8456-8462; if it has automatic tool changing capability, it is classified under 846520. In addition, attention must be paid to distinguishing it from 8464 (stone, ceramic working machine tools) and 8462 (metal-working machine tools).
Confused Codes：
846520 - Machining centers
846520 is a machining center with automatic tool changing capability and can perform multi-process processing; while 846510 is a single-station machine tool that does not require tool changing.
846490 - Other stone or ceramic working machine tools
846490 processes mineral materials such as stone and ceramics, while 846510 processes hard non-metals such as wood and plastics.
845610 - CNC laser processing machine tools
845610 is a laser processing machine tool that uses a laser beam for processing, while 846510 is a mechanical cutting machine tool.
846221 - CNC bending or folding machine tools
846221 is a metal-working machine tool used for bending or folding metal, while 846510 is used for non-metal processing.
847710 - Injection molding machines
847710 is a plastic injection molding machine, which belongs to plastic processing machinery, while 846510 is a cutting and forming machine tool.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the workpiece a hard non-metallic material?
✓ Does it have automatic tool changing capability?
✓ Is it equipped with a CNC system?
✓ Is it used for metalworking?
✓ Does it belong to laser or EDM processing?
❓ FAQ
Does the classification of CNC machine tools under 846510 mean that all CNC machine tools are classified under this code? No. 846510 applies only to CNC machine tools that process hard non-metallic materials such as wood and plastics and do not require automatic tool changing. If processing metal, they should be classified under 8456-8462; if they have automatic tool changing capability, they should be classified under 846520. How can it be determined whether a machine tool 'does not require tool changing'? 'No tool change required' means that tools are not changed during processing, and it is usually a single-process machine tool. If the machine tool is equipped with a tool magazine and can automatically change tools, it is a machining center and should be classified under 846520. How should 'composite materials' be classified as workpieces? If the composite material is mainly hard plastic or wood and the processing method is mechanical cutting, it can be classified under 846510. If it is mainly metal, it is classified under metal-working machine tools. It is recommended to provide the material composition ratio. What is the difference in classification between a CNC woodworking engraving machine and a CNC metal engraving machine? A CNC woodworking engraving machine processes wood and is classified under 846510; a CNC metal engraving machine processes metal and is classified under 8456-8462. The two have different workpieces and different classifications. Why is 'whether automatic tool changing' important among the declaration elements for machine tools under 846510? Because 'whether automatic tool changing' is the key to distinguishing 846510 (no tool change required) from 846520 (machining centers). Incorrect declaration may lead to incorrect classification and affect tax rates and regulatory conditions. If a machine tool can process both wood and metal, how should it be classified? It should be determined based on the main function or the main material of the workpiece. If it mainly processes wood, it is classified under 846510; if it mainly processes metal, it is classified under metal-working machine tools. If necessary, proof of processing proportions can be provided. How can the import tax rate for machine tools under 846510 be checked? The import tax rate must be determined according to specific free trade agreements and rules of origin. It can be checked in the 'Import and Export Tariff' issued by the General Administration of Customs or through the 'Customs Classification Pre-ruling' system. Tax rates change, and the latest announcement should prevail. Does the classification of CNC machine tools under 846510 require 3C certification? 3C certification targets specific products, and machine tools are generally not in the 3C catalog. However, they must comply with import regulatory conditions for mechanical and electrical products, such as automatic import licenses. Specific requirements can be checked using customs regulatory condition codes.
Q: Does the classification of CNC machine tools under 846510 mean that all CNC machine tools are classified under this code?
A: No. 846510 applies only to CNC machine tools that process hard non-metallic materials such as wood and plastics and do not require automatic tool changing. If processing metal, they should be classified under 8456-8462; if they have automatic tool changing capability, they should be classified under 846520.
Q: How can it be determined whether a machine tool 'does not require tool changing'?
A: 'No tool change required' means that tools are not changed during processing, and it is usually a single-process machine tool. If the machine tool is equipped with a tool magazine and can automatically change tools, it is a machining center and should be classified under 846520.
Q: How should 'composite materials' be classified as workpieces?
A: If the composite material is mainly hard plastic or wood and the processing method is mechanical cutting, it can be classified under 846510. If it is mainly metal, it is classified under metal-working machine tools. It is recommended to provide the material composition ratio.
Q: What is the difference in classification between a CNC woodworking engraving machine and a CNC metal engraving machine?
A: A CNC woodworking engraving machine processes wood and is classified under 846510; a CNC metal engraving machine processes metal and is classified under 8456-8462. The two have different workpieces and different classifications.
Q: Why is 'whether automatic tool changing' important among the declaration elements for machine tools under 846510?
A: Because 'whether automatic tool changing' is the key to distinguishing 846510 (no tool change required) from 846520 (machining centers). Incorrect declaration may lead to incorrect classification and affect tax rates and regulatory conditions.
Q: If a machine tool can process both wood and metal, how should it be classified?
A: It should be determined based on the main function or the main material of the workpiece. If it mainly processes wood, it is classified under 846510; if it mainly processes metal, it is classified under metal-working machine tools. If necessary, proof of processing proportions can be provided.
Q: How can the import tax rate for machine tools under 846510 be checked?
A: The import tax rate must be determined according to specific free trade agreements and rules of origin. It can be checked in the 'Import and Export Tariff' issued by the General Administration of Customs or through the 'Customs Classification Pre-ruling' system. Tax rates change, and the latest announcement should prevail.
Q: Does the classification of CNC machine tools under 846510 require 3C certification?
A: 3C certification targets specific products, and machine tools are generally not in the 3C catalog. However, they must comply with import regulatory conditions for mechanical and electrical products, such as automatic import licenses. Specific requirements can be checked using customs regulatory condition 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.