Chapter 84 is the core chapter in HS classification covering machinery, mechanical appliances and their parts, including power machinery, pumps, fans, machine tools, computers, bearings, gears, etc. This chapter emphasizes the functionality of goods, i.e., achieving energy conversion, material processing, or work through mechanical motion. For the classification of parts, the principle of "solely or principally for a certain type of machine" is generally followed; if a part itself constitutes a complete machine, it is classified as the complete machine. Heading 8466 covers parts and accessories solely or principally for machine tools of headings 8456 to 8465, including work holders, dividing heads, special attachments, and machine parts. However, note that this heading does not include tools with independent functions, cutting tools (classified in Chapter 82), or general-purpose parts (such as bolts, gears, etc., which are classified by material). Its core is parts "solely for machine tools," not general mechanical components. Code 846691 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 84 represent Chapter 84 (machinery, mechanical appliances). Digits 3-4, 66, represent heading 8466 (parts and accessories solely or principally for machine tools of 8456-8465). Digits 5-6, 91, are the subheading, specifically referring to "other" machine tool parts. Under heading 8466, subheadings are subdivided by machine tool type: 846610 for tool holders, 846620 for work holders, 846630 for dividing heads and other special attachments, 846691 for other parts (such as beds, columns, spindle heads, etc.), 846692 for parts for machine tools of 8464, 846693 for parts for machine tools of 8456-8461, and 846694 for parts for machine tools of 8462-8463. Therefore, 846691 specifically refers to other machine tool parts not elsewhere specified or included. This commodity is a part solely for machine tools, and does not fall under the specifically named subheadings of tool holders, work holders, or dividing heads; therefore, it is classified under subheading 846691 "other." If the part is a general mechanical component (such as bearings, gears), it should be classified under 8482 or 8483; if it is a part for electric tools, it is classified under 8467; if it is a machine tool cutting tool, it is classified under 8207. Therefore, the key to determination is "solely for machine tools" and "not specifically named."
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the core chapter in HS classification covering machinery, mechanical appliances and their parts, including power machinery, pumps, fans, machine tools, computers, bearings, gears, etc. This chapter emphasizes the functionality of goods, i.e., achieving energy conversion, material processing, or work through mechanical motion. For the classification of parts, the principle of "solely or principally for a certain type of machine" is generally followed; if a part itself constitutes a complete machine, it is classified as the complete machine.
Heading
Heading 8466 covers parts and accessories solely or principally for machine tools of headings 8456 to 8465, including work holders, dividing heads, special attachments, and machine parts. However, note that this heading does not include tools with independent functions, cutting tools (classified in Chapter 82), or general-purpose parts (such as bolts, gears, etc., which are classified by material). Its core is parts "solely for machine tools," not general mechanical components.
Digit Breakdown
Code 846691 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 84 represent Chapter 84 (machinery, mechanical appliances). Digits 3-4, 66, represent heading 8466 (parts and accessories solely or principally for machine tools of 8456-8465). Digits 5-6, 91, are the subheading, specifically referring to "other" machine tool parts. Under heading 8466, subheadings are subdivided by machine tool type: 846610 for tool holders, 846620 for work holders, 846630 for dividing heads and other special attachments, 846691 for other parts (such as beds, columns, spindle heads, etc.), 846692 for parts for machine tools of 8464, 846693 for parts for machine tools of 8456-8461, and 846694 for parts for machine tools of 8462-8463. Therefore, 846691 specifically refers to other machine tool parts not elsewhere specified or included.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a part solely for machine tools, and does not fall under the specifically named subheadings of tool holders, work holders, or dividing heads; therefore, it is classified under subheading 846691 "other." If the part is a general mechanical component (such as bearings, gears), it should be classified under 8482 or 8483; if it is a part for electric tools, it is classified under 8467; if it is a machine tool cutting tool, it is classified under 8207. Therefore, the key to determination is "solely for machine tools" and "not specifically named."
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the function of the part, such as "spindle head for machine tools," "machine tool bed," etc. Use: Explain what type of machine tool the part is solely for (such as lathe, milling machine, grinding machine) and its function in the machine tool. Material: Declare the main material of the part, such as cast iron, alloy steel, aluminum alloy, etc., which affects classification and tax rate. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand." Model: Fill in the model or specification of the part to facilitate customs identification. Applicable Machine Tool Model: If the part is solely for a certain model of machine tool, the machine tool model should be declared to prove specificity. Is It a General-Purpose Part: Declare whether the part is a general mechanical component (such as bearings, gears); if it is a general-purpose part, it should be classified under other headings. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Spindle head for CNC milling machine
Use: Solely for CNC milling machine, used to transmit power and rotate tools
Material: Cast iron HT250
Brand: XX Machinery
Model: SP-1234
Applicable Machine Tool Model: VMC850
Is It a General-Purpose Part: No
Specification: Dimensions 500*400*300mm
Remarks: This part is solely for machine tools, not a general mechanical component. Misclassifying general-purpose parts (such as bolts, gears) under 846691; they should be classified under corresponding headings such as 8483. Failure to declare the applicable machine tool model, making it impossible to prove specificity and potentially leading to reclassification. Incorrect declaration of material, such as declaring alloy steel as cast iron, affecting classification and tax rate.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the function of the part, such as "spindle head for machine tools," "machine tool bed," etc.
⚠️ Declaring it broadly as "machine tool parts" without specifying the part name.
Use
Explain what type of machine tool the part is solely for (such as lathe, milling machine, grinding machine) and its function in the machine tool.
⚠️ Only writing "for machine tools" without specifying the specific machine tool type or function.
Material
Declare the main material of the part, such as cast iron, alloy steel, aluminum alloy, etc., which affects classification and tax rate.
⚠️ Incorrect declaration of material, such as declaring cast iron as steel.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand."
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with actual, or omitted.
Model
Fill in the model or specification of the part to facilitate customs identification.
⚠️ Incomplete model or inconsistent with the actual item.
Applicable Machine Tool Model
If the part is solely for a certain model of machine tool, the machine tool model should be declared to prove specificity.
⚠️ Failure to provide applicable machine tool information, leading to suspicion of being a general-purpose part.
Is It a General-Purpose Part
Declare whether the part is a general mechanical component (such as bearings, gears); if it is a general-purpose part, it should be classified under other headings.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring a general-purpose part as a machine-tool-specific part.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Spindle head for CNC milling machine
Use: Solely for CNC milling machine, used to transmit power and rotate tools
Material: Cast iron HT250
Brand: XX Machinery
Model: SP-1234
Applicable Machine Tool Model: VMC850
Is It a General-Purpose Part: No
Specification: Dimensions 500*400*300mm
Remarks: This part is solely for machine tools, not a general mechanical component.
Common Mistakes:
Misclassifying general-purpose parts (such as bolts, gears) under 846691; they should be classified under corresponding headings such as 8483.
Failure to declare the applicable machine tool model, making it impossible to prove specificity and potentially leading to reclassification.
Incorrect declaration of material, such as declaring alloy steel as cast iron, affecting classification and tax rate.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the part is solely or principally for machine tools of headings 8456-8465; 2) whether it belongs to parts specifically named under heading 8466 (such as tool holders, work holders, dividing heads); 3) whether it is a general mechanical component. If it meets the specificity requirement and is not specifically named, it is classified under 846691. Reference should be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for heading 8466, as well as national subheading notes. 846610 Tool Holders: 846610 specifically refers to holders for clamping cutting tools, while 846691 covers other parts not elsewhere specified, such as beds, spindle heads, etc. 846620 Work Holders: 846620 specifically refers to holders for clamping workpieces, such as chucks, vises, while 846691 covers other structural parts of machine tools. 848310 Transmission Shafts and Cranks: 848310 covers general transmission components; if a machine tool part belongs to this category of general-purpose items, it should be classified under 8483, not 846691. 820719 Machine Tool Cutting Tools: 820719 covers cutting tools for machine tools (such as drills, milling cutters), belonging to Chapter 82, while 846691 covers machine tool parts, not cutting tools. Is the part solely for machine tools of headings 8456-8465? Does it belong to a specifically named holder or dividing head under 8466? Is it a general mechanical component (such as bearings, gears)? Can it be classified under another more specific heading? Are the declaration elements complete and accurate?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the part is solely or principally for machine tools of headings 8456-8465; 2) whether it belongs to parts specifically named under heading 8466 (such as tool holders, work holders, dividing heads); 3) whether it is a general mechanical component. If it meets the specificity requirement and is not specifically named, it is classified under 846691. Reference should be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for heading 8466, as well as national subheading notes.
Confused Codes:
846610 - Tool Holders
846610 specifically refers to holders for clamping cutting tools, while 846691 covers other parts not elsewhere specified, such as beds, spindle heads, etc.
846620 - Work Holders
846620 specifically refers to holders for clamping workpieces, such as chucks, vises, while 846691 covers other structural parts of machine tools.
848310 - Transmission Shafts and Cranks
848310 covers general transmission components; if a machine tool part belongs to this category of general-purpose items, it should be classified under 8483, not 846691.
820719 - Machine Tool Cutting Tools
820719 covers cutting tools for machine tools (such as drills, milling cutters), belonging to Chapter 82, while 846691 covers machine tool parts, not cutting tools.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the part solely for machine tools of headings 8456-8465?
✓ Does it belong to a specifically named holder or dividing head under 8466?
✓ Is it a general mechanical component (such as bearings, gears)?
✓ Can it be classified under another more specific heading?
✓ Are the declaration elements complete and accurate?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a machine tool part should be classified under 846691? First confirm that the part is solely for machine tools of headings 8456-8465 and does not belong to tool holders (846610), work holders (846620), or dividing heads (846630). If it is a general-purpose part (such as bearings, gears), it should be classified under 8482 or 8483. Finally, if it cannot be classified under other subheadings, it is classified under 846691. What is the difference between 846691 and 846693? 846691 covers "other" machine tool parts, while 846693 specifically refers to parts for machine tools of headings 8456-8461. If the part is clearly for machine tools of 8456-8461 (such as laser cutting machines, water jet cutters), it should preferentially be classified under 846693; if it cannot be determined or is for other machine tools, it is classified under 846691. Which code should machine tool cutting tools be classified under? Machine tool cutting tools (such as drills, milling cutters, turning tools) should be classified under Chapter 82, with specific subheadings such as 8207. 846691 applies only to mechanical parts of machine tools, excluding cutting tools. What key information is required when declaring 846691? Product name, use (solely for which machine tool), material, brand, model, applicable machine tool model, and a declaration of whether it is a general-purpose part are required. Providing the applicable machine tool model helps prove specificity and avoid reclassification. If a machine tool part is imported for repair, are there special classification rules? Classification does not change based on use (repair or production); it is still classified according to the characteristics of the part itself. However, if it is a complete set of knocked-down parts, it may be classified as a complete machine. It is recommended to provide repair contracts, etc., to prove specificity. How to check the tariff rate for 846691? Tariff rates must be checked based on country of origin, trade agreements, and the latest tariff schedule. They can be obtained through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that rates change and the actual rate at the time of declaration shall prevail. What is the criterion for distinguishing machine tool parts from general-purpose parts? General-purpose parts refer to components that can be used in multiple types of machinery, such as bolts, nuts, bearings, gears, etc., classified under corresponding headings by material or function (such as 8483). Specific parts are solely for a certain type of machine tool and cannot be used in other equipment, and are classified under 8466. If a machine tool part is an assembly, how should it be classified? If the assembly constitutes the complete essential character of a machine tool, it should be classified as a complete machine; if it is merely a combination of parts and is solely for machine tools, it is still classified under 8466. Specific reference should be made to General Interpretative Rule 2(a) and heading notes.
Q: How to determine whether a machine tool part should be classified under 846691?
A: First confirm that the part is solely for machine tools of headings 8456-8465 and does not belong to tool holders (846610), work holders (846620), or dividing heads (846630). If it is a general-purpose part (such as bearings, gears), it should be classified under 8482 or 8483. Finally, if it cannot be classified under other subheadings, it is classified under 846691.
Q: What is the difference between 846691 and 846693?
A: 846691 covers "other" machine tool parts, while 846693 specifically refers to parts for machine tools of headings 8456-8461. If the part is clearly for machine tools of 8456-8461 (such as laser cutting machines, water jet cutters), it should preferentially be classified under 846693; if it cannot be determined or is for other machine tools, it is classified under 846691.
Q: Which code should machine tool cutting tools be classified under?
A: Machine tool cutting tools (such as drills, milling cutters, turning tools) should be classified under Chapter 82, with specific subheadings such as 8207. 846691 applies only to mechanical parts of machine tools, excluding cutting tools.
Q: What key information is required when declaring 846691?
A: Product name, use (solely for which machine tool), material, brand, model, applicable machine tool model, and a declaration of whether it is a general-purpose part are required. Providing the applicable machine tool model helps prove specificity and avoid reclassification.
Q: If a machine tool part is imported for repair, are there special classification rules?
A: Classification does not change based on use (repair or production); it is still classified according to the characteristics of the part itself. However, if it is a complete set of knocked-down parts, it may be classified as a complete machine. It is recommended to provide repair contracts, etc., to prove specificity.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for 846691?
A: Tariff rates must be checked based on country of origin, trade agreements, and the latest tariff schedule. They can be obtained through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that rates change and the actual rate at the time of declaration shall prevail.
Q: What is the criterion for distinguishing machine tool parts from general-purpose parts?
A: General-purpose parts refer to components that can be used in multiple types of machinery, such as bolts, nuts, bearings, gears, etc., classified under corresponding headings by material or function (such as 8483). Specific parts are solely for a certain type of machine tool and cannot be used in other equipment, and are classified under 8466.
Q: If a machine tool part is an assembly, how should it be classified?
A: If the assembly constitutes the complete essential character of a machine tool, it should be classified as a complete machine; if it is merely a combination of parts and is solely for machine tools, it is still classified under 8466. Specific reference should be made to General Interpretative Rule 2(a) and heading notes.
⚠️ 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.