The introduction of the classification code, initially proposed by the EU on the basis of CECIMO’s input, will improve a collection of statistics on international trade in AM machines by material used. In addition, the code will facilitate the inclusion of AM machines in bilateral or multilateral trade deal talks across the world, as this product nomenclature is used as common language in negotiations.
‘’Standardisation is of vital importance in the industrialisation of AM, and work is progressing on standards on materials, processes and applications,” says Filip Geerts, director general at CECIMO. “In addition to standardisation, we are glad to have contributed to the inclusion of AM machines in the systematic list of commodities applied by most trading nations in the world. This action will fill another vacuum in the landscape of standards, leading to greater official intelligence on AM machine market dynamics and, therefore, helping to draft more accurate strategies for the AM sector.”
Officially approved by parties adhering to the WCO’s Harmonised System, the newly created classification code for AM machines will enter into force on 1 January 2022 as part of a revised product nomenclature. CECIMO is now supporting EU custom officials on the formal definition of an AM machine.