84626900
NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOF›Machine tools (including presses) for working metal by forging, hammering or die forging (excluding rolling mills); machine tools (including presses, slitting lines and cut-to-length lines) for working metal by bending, folding, straightening, flattening, shearing, punching, notching or nibbling (excluding draw-benches); presses for working metal or metal carbides, not specified above
Other
Definition and scope of subheading 846269
Subheading 846269 of the Combined Nomenclature covers other mechanical presses for metalworking without CNC numerical control. Mechanical presses use crank, eccentric, or toggle drive systems to generate pressing force, with manual or conventional controls (not CNC). This subheading includes conventional crank presses, eccentric presses, toggle presses, and other mechanical presses not equipped with numerical control. Classification is based on the Notes to Chapter 84 CN and heading 8462. The essential criteria are mechanical drive and absence of CNC control. CNC mechanical presses are classified under subheadings 846261 to 846263 depending on nominal force. Classification follows the General Rules for the Interpretation of the CN. Where doubt exists, a BTI ruling should be sought.
Import requirements and regulations for mechanical presses (846269)
Importing mechanical presses under subheading 846269 into the EU is subject to the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013) and the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. Presses must bear the CE marking, have an EU declaration of conformity, and include operating instructions in the official language of the destination country. Mechanical presses are subject to standards EN ISO 16092-1 and EN ISO 16092-2. Importers must hold an EORI number and file a customs declaration with the correct CN code. Import documentation includes the commercial invoice, machine technical specification with pressing force parameters and drive type, transport documents, and proof of origin for preferential rates. Importing used presses requires additional verification of compliance with EU safety requirements. Mechanical presses are subject to specific safety requirements including work zone protection and clutch monitoring. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Applications and classification of non-CNC mechanical presses (846269)
Non-CNC mechanical presses under subheading 846269 are widely used in the metalworking, automotive, construction, and packaging industries. Conventional crank and eccentric presses are used for sheet metal stamping, blanking, bending, and straightening. These presses are valued for their reliability, high cycle speeds, and lower purchase cost compared to CNC presses. They are particularly popular in small and medium manufacturing enterprises where CNC automation is not economically justified. For customs classification, it is important to distinguish non-CNC mechanical presses (846269) from CNC mechanical presses (846261 to 846263) and from non-CNC hydraulic presses (846251). The key criteria are drive type (mechanical) and absence of CNC control. Unlike subheadings 846261 to 846263, subheading 846269 does not differentiate presses by nominal force. Correct classification requires analysis of manufacturer technical documentation.
Press safety and protective requirements for CN 8462 69
Other mechanical presses under CN 8462 69 are subject to stringent safety standards due to high pressing forces and crushing risks. Standards EN 692 (mechanical presses) and EN 693 (hydraulic presses) specify requirements for guards, two-hand control systems, light curtains and cycle monitoring. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 requires CE marking and risk assessment documentation. Presses exceeding 1000 kN force may be subject to dual-use controls for defence applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between subheading 846269 and subheadings 846261 to 846263?
Subheading 846269 covers mechanical presses without CNC numerical control, regardless of nominal force. Subheadings 846261, 846262, and 846263 cover CNC mechanical presses divided by nominal pressing force (up to 1000 kN, 1000 to 10000 kN, and above 10000 kN). The key criterion is the presence or absence of CNC control. Subheading 846269 does not differentiate presses by force.
Is importing used mechanical presses into the EU permitted?
Yes, importing used mechanical presses into the EU is permitted but requires verification of compliance with the safety requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 or the earlier Machinery Directive. Older generation presses may need safety system upgrades before being placed on the EU market. The importer is responsible for ensuring that the machine meets current safety requirements.
What safety features are required for mechanical presses?
Mechanical presses must bear CE marking and comply with EN ISO 16092-1 and EN ISO 16092-2. Required safety features include work zone guards, light curtains or laser scanners, two-hand controls, emergency stops, clutch and brake monitoring systems, and systems preventing unintended ram descent. All safety systems must meet performance level PL d or e requirements.
Are hydraulic presses (8462 69) subject to the Pressure Equipment Directive?
The hydraulic system of a press under CN 8462 69 may be subject to the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU if working pressure exceeds 0.5 bar and categorisation criteria are met.
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