Heading 8456

Machine tools for working any material by removal of material, by laser or other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electro-discharge, electro-chemical, electron-beam, ionic-beam or plasma arc processes; water-jet cutting machines

21 declarable lines

Heading 8456 covers machine tools that shape or cut material by removing it with a non-traditional energy source rather than a cutting tool edge: laser and other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electro-discharge, electro-chemical, electron-beam, ionic-beam and plasma arc processes, plus water-jet cutting machines. The heading splits first by process (8456.11 through 8456.50, with 8456.90 as the residual), then by whether the machine works metal, whether it is numerically controlled, and whether it is dedicated to printed circuits, parts of heading 8517 or automatic data processing units.

Products in this heading

Fiber laser sheet metal cutting machine with CNC control
Laser engraving and marking machine for metal parts
Wire-cut electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine
CNC plasma arc cutting table for steel plate
Abrasive water-jet cutting machine
Ultrasonic machining machine for hard or brittle material
Laser drilling machine built for making printed circuit boards

How to choose the right subheading

The process the machine uses: laser or other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electro-discharge, electro-chemical, electron beam, ionic beam, plasma arc, or water jet.
Whether the machine is for working metal or for other materials, since metal lines carry the higher rate.
Whether the machine is numerically controlled, which sets a separate statistical line within the metal group.
Whether the machine is of a kind used solely or principally for making printed circuits, printed circuit assemblies, parts of heading 8517 or parts of automatic data processing units, which is duty free.
For water-jet cutting machines, no further split is needed because the heading has a single line for them.

Often confused with

Laser welding machine
Welding, brazing and soldering machines, even laser types that can also cut, are classified in 8468.
Heading 8468
Lithography and other machines used solely to make semiconductor wafers or devices
Chapter 84 note 11 sends semiconductor manufacturing equipment to 8486 rather than to 8456.
Heading 8486
3D printer for metal or plastic
Additive manufacturing machines build material up instead of removing it, so they fall in 8485.
Heading 8485
Work tables, tool holders and other parts for these machines
Parts and accessories used solely or principally with 8456 to 8465 machines go to 8466.
Heading 8466
CNC lathe or turning center
Metal removal by a cutting tool on a lathe is covered by 8458, not by the process-based heading 8456.
Heading 8458

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a CNC laser cutting machine for metal?

Laser machines for working metal that are numerically controlled are classified under 8456.11.10.10, with a general (MFN) rate of 3.5%.

What is the duty on a water-jet cutting machine?

Water-jet cutting machines are classified under 8456.50.00.00 and carry a general (MFN) rate of 2.5%.

How do I classify a laser machine used to make printed circuit boards?

A laser machine of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of printed circuits, printed circuit assemblies, parts of heading 8517 or parts of automatic data processing units goes under 8456.11.70.00, which is Free at the general (MFN) rate.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.