HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8441.20 – Machines; for making bags, sacks or envelopes of paper pulp, paper or paperboard
HS code 8441.20 is the 6-digit subheading for machines, for making bags, sacks or envelopes of paper pulp, paper or paperboard. It is used for paper bag making machines, paper sack making machines, envelope making machines, flat bottom bag machines and SOS bag making machines.
What HS 8441.20 covers
This category encompasses specialized machinery dedicated to the production of various paper-based bags, sacks, and envelopes. These machines are crucial for the packaging industry, producing items ranging from grocery bags and industrial sacks to mailing envelopes and specialty packaging. Countries with large consumer markets and robust retail or logistics sectors are typically major importers, as they require efficient production of packaging materials. Exporters are generally industrialized nations known for manufacturing complex, high-speed production equipment. The trade in these machines is heavily influenced by environmental regulations favoring paper-based packaging over plastics, and by the increasing demand for automated, high-volume production. Key aspects include the type of bag (e.g., flat bottom, block bottom, SOS bags), material handling capabilities, and integration with printing or sealing units.
- Covers
- Paper bag making machines
- Paper sack making machines
- Envelope making machines
- Flat bottom bag machines
- SOS bag making machines
- Handle attaching machines
- Window patching machines
- Paper shopping bag machines
- Examples
- W&H VAREX II Blown Film Line (for paper bags)
- Newlong DS-9C Bag Closing Machine
- BHS Corrugated Bag Making Machine
- F.L. Smithe Webmaster Envelope Machine
- Ruian Gaoguang Paper Bag Machine
Codes often confused with 8441.20
Common mistake. This code is distinct from general packaging machinery (8422) which might handle filling or sealing, as 844120 focuses solely on the *making* of the paper container itself. It should also not be confused with machines for making plastic bags (8477).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 844120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 844120 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 Germany $195M 42% of world exports
- 2 China $164M 36% of world exports
- 3 France $22M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $458M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $74M 17% of world imports
- 2 France $22M 4.9% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $20M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $441M 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 8441.20
Brazil does not split HS 8441.20: its NCM code is 8441.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.41 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8441.20
What is HS code 844120?
HS code 844120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machines; for making bags, sacks or envelopes of paper pulp, paper or paperboard. This category encompasses specialized machinery dedicated to the production of various paper-based bags, sacks, and envelopes. These machines are crucial for the packaging industry, producing items ranging from grocery bags and industrial sacks to mailing envelopes and specialty packaging. Countries with large consumer markets and robust retail or logistics sectors are typically major importers, as they require efficient production of packaging materials. Exporters are generally industrialized nations known for manufacturing complex, high-speed production equipment. The trade in these machines is heavily influenced by environmental regulations favoring paper-based packaging over plastics, and by the increasing demand for automated, high-volume production. Key aspects include the type of bag (e.g., flat bottom, block bottom, SOS bags), material handling capabilities, and integration with printing or sealing units.
What products fall under HS code 844120?
Paper bag making machines, Paper sack making machines, Envelope making machines, Flat bottom bag machines, SOS bag making machines, Handle attaching machines, Window patching machines, Paper shopping bag machines
What are common misclassifications for HS code 844120?
This code is distinct from general packaging machinery (8422) which might handle filling or sealing, as 844120 focuses solely on the *making* of the paper container itself. It should also not be confused with machines for making plastic bags (8477).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 844120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 844120 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($195M, 42% of world exports), China ($164M) and France ($22M). World exports came to about $458M, 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 844120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 844120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($74M, 17% of world imports), France ($22M) and Türkiye ($20M). World imports came to about $441M, 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 844120 structured?
HS code 844120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (41) 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 844120?
In Brazil, HS code 844120 is NCM 8441.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.