8476 - Automatic goods-vending machines (for example, postage stamp, cigarette, food or beverage machines), including money-changing machines; parts thereof:

Heading 8476 encompasses automatic goods-vending machines designed for the dispensing of various items upon payment. This includes a broad range of automated retail devices such as those for postage stamps, cigarettes, food, and beverages. Crucially, this heading also covers machines specifically designed for changing money, which are often integrated with or operate alongside vending machines.

Unlike sibling categories found in Section XVI that might cover general machinery or specific types of mechanical appliances, 8476 is specifically defined by its *automatic vending and money-changing functionality*. It is distinct from simple dispensing mechanisms or manual retail equipment. The core classification criterion here is the autonomous operation of dispensing goods or services in exchange for currency.

Within heading 8476, further distinctions are made. Subcategories exist to differentiate between automatic beverage-vending machines and other types of automatic vending machines, allowing for more granular classification based on the primary product dispensed. Additionally, a specific category for "Parts" is provided to ensure that components of these automatic machines are correctly classified, facilitating the accurate tracking of trade in both complete machines and their constituent parts.