HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8445.12 – Textile machinery; combing machines for preparing textile fibres
HS code 8445.12 is the 6-digit subheading for textile machinery, combing machines for preparing textile fibres. It is used for cotton comber, wool comber, high-speed comber, lap former and sliver lap machine.
What HS 8445.12 covers
This HS code covers combing machines, which represent a more refined stage of fiber preparation compared to carding. Combing is an optional but critical process, primarily used for long-staple fibers like cotton and wool, to remove short fibers (noil), neps, and remaining impurities, and to further align the fibers. The result is a smoother, stronger, and more lustrous yarn, suitable for high-quality fabrics. Trade in combing machines is essential for textile mills producing premium yarns for fine apparel, luxury textiles, and specialized industrial applications. Manufacturers are typically specialized engineering firms, often located in countries renowned for precision machinery, such as Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, with China also having a growing presence. Importers are textile companies in regions focused on high-end textile production, including parts of Europe, India, China, and Turkey. Key trade considerations include the machine's efficiency in removing short fibers, its production speed, automation capabilities, and its ability to handle delicate fibers without damage. The investment in combing machines reflects a commitment to producing superior quality textiles.
- Covers
- Cotton comber
- Wool comber
- High-speed comber
- Lap former
- Sliver lap machine
- Ribbon lap machine
- Unilap machine
- Drawframe for comber
- Examples
- Rieter E 80 comber
- Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW) LK69
- Marzoli PX2 comber
- Toyota RX240 comber
- Zinser comber
Codes often confused with 8445.12
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 844511 (carding machines) or 844519 (other fiber preparation machines), but combing is specifically for removing short fibers and further aligning long-staple fibers after carding.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 844512, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 844512 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 25% 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 China $21M 46% of world exports
- 2 France $10M 23% of world exports
- 3 India $7.5M 17% of world exports
World total: $45M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $17M 25% of world imports
- 2 China $8.9M 13% of world imports
- 3 India $8.8M 13% of world imports
World total: $67M 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 8445.12
Brazil does not split HS 8445.12: its NCM code is 8445.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.45 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8445.12
What is HS code 844512?
HS code 844512 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Textile machinery; combing machines for preparing textile fibres. This HS code covers combing machines, which represent a more refined stage of fiber preparation compared to carding. Combing is an optional but critical process, primarily used for long-staple fibers like cotton and wool, to remove short fibers (noil), neps, and remaining impurities, and to further align the fibers. The result is a smoother, stronger, and more lustrous yarn, suitable for high-quality fabrics. Trade in combing machines is essential for textile mills producing premium yarns for fine apparel, luxury textiles, and specialized industrial applications. Manufacturers are typically specialized engineering firms, often located in countries renowned for precision machinery, such as Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, with China also having a growing presence. Importers are textile companies in regions focused on high-end textile production, including parts of Europe, India, China, and Turkey. Key trade considerations include the machine's efficiency in removing short fibers, its production speed, automation capabilities, and its ability to handle delicate fibers without damage. The investment in combing machines reflects a commitment to producing superior quality textiles.
What products fall under HS code 844512?
Cotton comber, Wool comber, High-speed comber, Lap former, Sliver lap machine, Ribbon lap machine, Unilap machine, Drawframe for comber
What are common misclassifications for HS code 844512?
This code is often confused with 844511 (carding machines) or 844519 (other fiber preparation machines), but combing is specifically for removing short fibers and further aligning long-staple fibers after carding.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 844512?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 844512 in UN Comtrade data were China ($21M, 46% of world exports), France ($10M) and India ($7.5M). World exports came to about $45M, 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 844512?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 844512 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($17M, 25% of world imports), China ($8.9M) and India ($8.8M). World imports came to about $67M, 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 844512 structured?
HS code 844512 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (45) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 844512?
In Brazil, HS code 844512 is NCM 8445.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.