HS Code for Gear Cutting Machines
The HS Code for gear cutting machines is 846140. The MFN duty rate for importing to the US is 4.4%.
| HS Code (6-digit) | 846140 |
|---|---|
| US Duty Rate (MFN) | 4.4% |
| EU Duty Rate (MFN) | 2.7% |
| Chapter | 84 |
| Heading | 8461 |
| Last Updated | 2026-05 |
Description
Gear cutting, grinding or finishing machines
HS Code 846140 covers gear cutting, grinding or finishing machines with a US MFN duty rate of 4.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the material of the gears being produced affect the classification of a gear cutting machine under HTS 8461.40?
The classification under HTS 8461.40 is generally not affected by the material being processed; the heading explicitly covers machines for cutting, grinding, or finishing gears regardless of whether they work on metal, plastic, or other materials. However, if a machine is designed and used solely for processing a specific material type (e.g., only for plastic gears), it may be reviewed to ensure classification here is still correct versus a heading for machines working specific materials.
What specific customs inspection risks are associated with importing gear cutting and grinding machines under HTS 8461.40?
Shipments of gear cutting machines under HTS 8461.40 are frequently examined for potential dual-use classification due to their capability to produce high-precision components used in aerospace and defense. Customs may detain shipments to verify the machine's technical specifications, country of origin, and end-user to ensure compliance with export controls like the U.S. Commerce Control List (CCL). Proper documentation, including a detailed technical data sheet and a statement of intended use, is critical to avoid delays.
What are the primary additional costs beyond the machine price when importing a gear cutting machine under HTS 846140?
For gear cutting machines, the primary additional costs are the 4.4% U.S. Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) import duty and the 0.3464% Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF). You may also incur harbor maintenance fees and potential antidumping duties if the machine is imported from certain countries, such as China, which can significantly increase the total landed cost.
Material Variants for Gear Cutting Machines
Machines classified under HTS 8461.40 are defined by their function, not their construction material. Gear cutting machines are typically built with a combination of materials, including cast iron or steel frames, aluminum housings, and plastic or composite control panels. The essential classification is unaffected by these material variants. However, if a machine is imported without its essential metal working components (e.g., as a bare frame or housing), it may be classified elsewhere, such as in HTS Chapter 73 for articles of iron or steel, or Chapter 94 if intended as furniture. The primary determinant remains the machine's designed function for cutting or finishing gear teeth.
Similar & Confused HTS Codes for Gear Cutting Machines
Gear cutting machines under 8461.40 are specifically for cutting gears. They are most commonly confused with general-purpose metal-cutting lathes (HTS 8458) or machining centers (HTS 8457), which can perform gear cutting but are not dedicated to it. For repair parts, machine tool components like beds, bases, and columns fall under 8466.93.00, while specific tools (e.g., gear hobs, shaper cutters) are classified separately in heading 8207. Note that gear grinding or finishing machines, which refine already-cut gears, are classified in 8461.40.90 as a subheading.
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