HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8439.20 – Machinery; for making paper or paperboard
HS code 8439.20 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery, for making paper or paperboard. It is used for fourdrinier paper machines, cylinder mould machines, press sections, dryer sections and calenders.
What HS 8439.20 covers
This HS code encompasses the sophisticated and massive machinery used for making paper or paperboard from pulp. These machines are the heart of a paper mill, transforming a slurry of cellulose fibers into continuous sheets of paper or board through a series of complex stages. Key processes include sheet formation (e.g., Fourdrinier or cylinder mould), pressing to remove water, drying, and calendering to smooth and compact the sheet. The scale and precision of these machines are immense, requiring significant capital investment. Major importers are countries with high paper consumption and growing packaging industries, such as China, the US, and India. Leading exporters are nations renowned for their heavy machinery manufacturing and paper industry expertise, including Finland, Germany, and Sweden. Trade in these machines is critical for meeting global demand for printing paper, packaging materials, and tissue products.
- Covers
- Fourdrinier paper machines
- Cylinder mould machines
- Press sections
- Dryer sections
- Calenders
- Winders
- Headboxes
- Size presses
- Examples
- Valmet paper machines
- Voith paper machines
- Andritz paper production lines
- Toscotec tissue machines
Codes often confused with 8439.20
Common mistake. Often confused with 843910 (pulp making machinery) if the entire paper mill process is considered, or 843930 (paper finishing machinery) if the distinction between making the sheet and subsequent finishing is blurred. This code focuses on the actual sheet formation.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 843920, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 843920 in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Finland $268M 32% of world exports
- 2 Italy $143M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $120M 14% of world exports
World total: $841M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $125M 16% of world imports
- 2 India $63M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $52M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $774M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 8439.20
Brazil does not split HS 8439.20: its NCM code is 8439.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.39 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8439.20
What is HS code 843920?
HS code 843920 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery; for making paper or paperboard. This HS code encompasses the sophisticated and massive machinery used for making paper or paperboard from pulp. These machines are the heart of a paper mill, transforming a slurry of cellulose fibers into continuous sheets of paper or board through a series of complex stages. Key processes include sheet formation (e.g., Fourdrinier or cylinder mould), pressing to remove water, drying, and calendering to smooth and compact the sheet. The scale and precision of these machines are immense, requiring significant capital investment. Major importers are countries with high paper consumption and growing packaging industries, such as China, the US, and India. Leading exporters are nations renowned for their heavy machinery manufacturing and paper industry expertise, including Finland, Germany, and Sweden. Trade in these machines is critical for meeting global demand for printing paper, packaging materials, and tissue products.
What products fall under HS code 843920?
Fourdrinier paper machines, cylinder mould machines, press sections, dryer sections, calenders, winders, headboxes, size presses
What are common misclassifications for HS code 843920?
Often confused with 843910 (pulp making machinery) if the entire paper mill process is considered, or 843930 (paper finishing machinery) if the distinction between making the sheet and subsequent finishing is blurred. This code focuses on the actual sheet formation.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 843920?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 843920 in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($268M, 32% of world exports), Italy ($143M) and Germany ($120M). World exports came to about $841M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 843920?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 843920 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($125M, 16% of world imports), India ($63M) and the United Kingdom ($52M). World imports came to about $774M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 843920 structured?
HS code 843920 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (39) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 843920?
In Brazil, HS code 843920 is NCM 8439.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.