HS code 8458 covers CNC lathes and metal-working machine tools. These attract BCD 7.5% and IGST 18%, giving a total effective duty of approximately 28.5%. EPCG is commonly used by Peenya manufacturers for CNC imports at 0% BCD.
Quick answer: HS code 8458 covers CNC lathes and metal-working machine tools. BCD: 7.5%. IGST: 18%. Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD. Total effective duty: approximately 28.5% on CIF value. No mandatory import licence for new machines. EPCG scheme allows 0% BCD for manufacturing exporters.
HS code 8458 covers lathes including horizontal CNC lathes (84581100), other CNC lathes (84581900), and other lathes (84589000). These are precision metal-cutting machines used in automotive, aerospace, and general engineering manufacturing. CNC lathes are capital goods with high EPCG uptake in Peenya and Bengaluru industrial areas.
CNC machining centres use HS 8457. Milling machines use HS 8459. Grinding machines use HS 8460. Drilling machines use HS 8461. Each machine type has its own HS sub-heading with specific classification criteria based on function and precision.
Related resources: find HS codes for other products, freight forwarding for Peenya factories.
Total effective duty on CIF value = BCD + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST on (CIF + BCD + SWS). For HS code 8458, BCD is 7% and IGST is 18%.
| Duty Component | Rate | On ₹3,000,000 CIF (one CNC lathe) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | 7% | ₹210,000 |
| Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) | 10% of BCD | ₹21,000 |
| IGST | 18% | ₹581,580 |
| Total Customs Duty | ~27.1% of CIF | ₹812,580 |
Note: High-precision or dual-use CNC machines may require SCOMET clearance from DGFT. Verify with your CHA before ordering.
EPCG scheme allows manufacturing exporters to import CNC lathes at 0% BCD with an export obligation of 6× the duty saved over 6 years. For a ₹30 lakh CNC lathe, the duty saved is ₹2.25 lakh, creating an export obligation of ₹13.5 lakh over 6 years.
Use our import duty calculator to compute exact landed cost for your shipment.
No mandatory pre-import licence for new CNC machines. Used CNC machines require chartered engineer certificate, inspection report, and customs valuation certificate.
No mandatory import licence is required for new CNC machines. Standard customs clearance applies with commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, IEC code, and GST registration.
Used CNC machines require a Chartered Engineer Certificate confirming residual life ≥ 5 years, an inspection report at origin, and customs valuation certificate. Some high-precision or dual-use CNC machines may require SCOMET clearance.
EPCG licence holders must present the licence at the time of Bill of Entry filing to claim 0% BCD.
Need help with compliance? check your compliance requirements or read our customs clearance guide.
Typical lead time: 35–50 days from order to delivery for new CNC machines; 50–70 days for used machines.
Our customs clearance guide explains each step in detail. For Bengaluru-bound cargo, we clear at BLR airport (6–12 hours for green channel air freight) or ICD Whitefield (2–4 days for sea freight).
CNC lathes (HS 8458) attract BCD of 7.5%, SWS 0.75%, and IGST 18% — approximately 28.5% total effective duty on CIF value. Under EPCG scheme, CNC machines can be imported at 0% BCD by manufacturing exporters.
China-origin CNC machines are typically 40–60% cheaper at invoice value, making the import cost competitive even with 28.5% duty. German CNC machines (Gildemeister, Index, Schütte) command premium pricing for precision but qualify for same duty rates. Route via Frankfurt air freight or Hamburg sea freight.
No mandatory import licence for new CNC machines. Used CNC machines require a Chartered Engineer Certificate confirming residual life ≥ 5 years, an inspection report at origin, and customs valuation certificate. Some high-precision or dual-use CNC machines may require SCOMET clearance.
CNC lathes are typically shipped FCL (20ft or 40ft) via sea from Hamburg to Chennai Port or JNPT, then by flatbed truck to ICD Whitefield. Heavy machines (over 10 tonnes) may require crane-equipped trucks and special permits. Air freight is used only for urgent spare parts.
Under EPCG, if you import a ₹30L CNC machine at 0% BCD instead of 7.5%, the duty saved is ₹2.25L. Your export obligation is 6× this amount = ₹13.5L in exports over 6 years. Export can be direct or through merchant exporters.
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