HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8443.14 – Printing machinery; letterpress, reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing

HS code 8443.14 is the 6-digit subheading for printing machinery, letterpress, reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing. It is used for reel-fed letterpress machines, web letterpress presses, numbering machines (letterpress type), security printing letterpress and continuous form letterpress.

What HS 8443.14 covers

This HS code covers letterpress printing machinery that operates with a continuous reel (web) of material, specifically excluding flexographic printing. While less common for general commercial printing today, these machines still find niche applications in specialized areas such as security printing, numbering, continuous forms, or certain types of tag and label production where the tactile impression of letterpress is desired, and the 'reel-fed' aspect allows for continuous, high-speed processing. Importers and exporters in this segment are often specialized printing companies, security document manufacturers, or those producing specific industrial labels. Key characteristics include relief printing from raised surfaces, continuous web feeding, and robust construction, often for precise registration in specialized applications.

Covers
  • Reel-fed letterpress machines
  • Web letterpress presses
  • Numbering machines (letterpress type)
  • Security printing letterpress
  • Continuous form letterpress
  • Tag and label letterpress (non-flexo)
Examples
  • Older Heidelberg Platen presses (specialized web versions)
  • specific security printing presses from Koenig & Bauer (KBA-NotaSys)
  • Gallus (older label models)

Codes often confused with 8443.14

Common mistake. Easily confused with 844316 (flexographic) if the 'excluding flexographic' clause is missed, or 844315 (other letterpress) if the reel-fed aspect is not identified.

8443.16Printing machinery; flexographic8443.15Printing machinery; letterpress, other than reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing

Top exporters and importers of HS code 844314, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 844314 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 15% 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. 1 China $51M
  2. 2 Italy $12M
  3. 3 Japan $5.5M

World total: $74M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$8.3M
  2. 2 South Korea $4.5M
  3. 3 Portugal $4.4M

World total: $54M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 8443.14

Brazil does not split HS 8443.14: its NCM code is 8443.14.00.

  1. 8443.14.00 Reel-fed letterpress printing machineryMáquinas e aparelhos de impressão, tipográficos, alimentados por bobinas, excluindo as máquinas e aparelhos flexográficos

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.43 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8443.14

What is HS code 844314?

HS code 844314 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Printing machinery; letterpress, reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing. This HS code covers letterpress printing machinery that operates with a continuous reel (web) of material, specifically excluding flexographic printing. While less common for general commercial printing today, these machines still find niche applications in specialized areas such as security printing, numbering, continuous forms, or certain types of tag and label production where the tactile impression of letterpress is desired, and the 'reel-fed' aspect allows for continuous, high-speed processing. Importers and exporters in this segment are often specialized printing companies, security document manufacturers, or those producing specific industrial labels. Key characteristics include relief printing from raised surfaces, continuous web feeding, and robust construction, often for precise registration in specialized applications.

What products fall under HS code 844314?

Reel-fed letterpress machines, web letterpress presses, numbering machines (letterpress type), security printing letterpress, continuous form letterpress, tag and label letterpress (non-flexo)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 844314?

Easily confused with 844316 (flexographic) if the 'excluding flexographic' clause is missed, or 844315 (other letterpress) if the reel-fed aspect is not identified.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 844314?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 844314 in UN Comtrade data were China ($51M, 68% of world exports), Italy ($12M) and Japan ($5.5M). World exports came to about $74M, 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 844314?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 844314 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $8.3M, 15% of world imports), South Korea ($4.5M) and Portugal ($4.4M). World imports came to about $54M, 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 844314 structured?

HS code 844314 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (43) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (14) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 844314?

In Brazil, HS code 844314 is NCM 8443.14.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.