HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8443.16 – Printing machinery; flexographic
HS code 8443.16 is the 6-digit subheading for printing machinery, flexographic. It is used for flexo label presses, central impression (CI) flexo presses, stack flexo presses, inline flexo presses and narrow web flexo machines.
What HS 8443.16 covers
Flexographic printing machinery is a dominant force in the packaging and label industries, characterized by its ability to print on a wide array of non-porous substrates such as plastic films, foils, and corrugated board. These machines utilize flexible relief plates and fast-drying inks, making them ideal for high-speed, high-volume production of flexible packaging, self-adhesive labels, plastic bags, and cartons. Importers are primarily packaging manufacturers, label converters, and food processing companies requiring efficient and versatile printing solutions. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of industrial printing equipment, often incorporating advanced automation and color management systems. The versatility with different materials and high production speeds are key drivers for its widespread adoption in global trade.
- Covers
- Flexo label presses
- Central impression (CI) flexo presses
- Stack flexo presses
- Inline flexo presses
- Narrow web flexo machines
- Wide web flexo presses
- Corrugated flexo printers
- Examples
- Mark Andy P7
- Nilpeter FA-Line
- Gallus ECS 340
- Comexi F2 MP
- Bobst Master M5
Codes often confused with 8443.16
Common mistake. Frequently confused with other letterpress machines (844314, 844315) because flexography is a type of relief printing, but it's distinct due to its flexible plates and specific applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 844316, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 844316 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 $454M 31% of world exports
- 2 China $200M 14% of world exports
- 3 Italy $186M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $190M 14% of world imports
- 2 Italy $71M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $61M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 8443.16
Brazil does not split HS 8443.16: its NCM code is 8443.16.00.
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 8443.16
What is HS code 844316?
HS code 844316 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Printing machinery; flexographic. Flexographic printing machinery is a dominant force in the packaging and label industries, characterized by its ability to print on a wide array of non-porous substrates such as plastic films, foils, and corrugated board. These machines utilize flexible relief plates and fast-drying inks, making them ideal for high-speed, high-volume production of flexible packaging, self-adhesive labels, plastic bags, and cartons. Importers are primarily packaging manufacturers, label converters, and food processing companies requiring efficient and versatile printing solutions. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of industrial printing equipment, often incorporating advanced automation and color management systems. The versatility with different materials and high production speeds are key drivers for its widespread adoption in global trade.
What products fall under HS code 844316?
Flexo label presses, central impression (CI) flexo presses, stack flexo presses, inline flexo presses, narrow web flexo machines, wide web flexo presses, corrugated flexo printers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 844316?
Frequently confused with other letterpress machines (844314, 844315) because flexography is a type of relief printing, but it's distinct due to its flexible plates and specific applications.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 844316?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 844316 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($454M, 31% of world exports), China ($200M) and Italy ($186M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 844316?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 844316 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($190M, 14% of world imports), Italy ($71M) and Germany ($61M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 844316 structured?
HS code 844316 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 (16) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 844316?
In Brazil, HS code 844316 is NCM 8443.16.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.