8457

Analysis

Heading 8457 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers machining centers, unit construction machines (single station) and multistation transfer machines, for working metal. It divides into 3 six-digit subheadings and 3 eight-digit tariff lines, with 12 ten-digit statistical suffixes below them.

None of its 3 lines is duty-free at the general rate. Rates run from 3.3% to 4.2% with a median of 3.3%, so the line you choose sets the duty.

Its median rate of 3.3% sits at the 79th percentile of the headings in chapter 84.

The largest subheadings are 8457.10 (unnamed, 1 line), 8457.20 (unnamed, 1 line) and 8457.30 (unnamed, 1 line).

By Census's concordance, most of its statistical lines are made by Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517) and Rolling Mill and Other Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (333519). Those are the NAICS industries a US producer of these goods would report under.

The heading text decides whether a product belongs here at all (General Rule of Interpretation 1); the subheadings and lines below it only apply once that is settled. Section and chapter notes can override the heading wording, so read them for borderline goods.