HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8447.12 – Knitting machines; circular, with cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm
HS code 8447.12 is the 6-digit subheading for knitting machines, circular, with cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm. It is used for single jersey circular knitting machines (large diameter), double jersey circular knitting machines (large diameter), fleece knitting machines, rib knitting machines and interlock knitting machines.
What HS 8447.12 covers
This category encompasses large-diameter circular knitting machines, specifically those with a cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm. These machines are the backbone of the fabric production industry, used for manufacturing a wide range of knitted fabrics such as jersey, fleece, rib, and interlock, which are then cut and sewn into garments like T-shirts, sportswear, and underwear. Their larger size allows for higher production volumes and wider fabric widths, making them essential for mass-market apparel production. The international trade in these machines is robust, driven by the global demand for knitted apparel. Major importers are countries with large-scale garment manufacturing sectors, including China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Turkey, which continuously invest in modernizing their textile mills. Exporters are predominantly technologically advanced nations like Germany, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan, known for their innovation and reliability in knitting machinery. Key trade factors include machine speed, gauge, number of feeders, automation features, and energy efficiency, all of which impact production costs and fabric quality.
- Covers
- Single jersey circular knitting machines (large diameter)
- Double jersey circular knitting machines (large diameter)
- Fleece knitting machines
- Rib knitting machines
- Interlock knitting machines
- Terry knitting machines
- Jacquard circular knitting machines
- Examples
Mayer & Cie. Relanit, Terrot S1P, Orizio MJM, Fukuhara V-LEC
Codes often confused with 8447.12
Common mistake. This code is distinguished from 844711 by the cylinder diameter; careful measurement is necessary to avoid misclassification between the two circular knitting machine categories.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 844712, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 844712 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 22% of world imports. Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($12M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $320M 59% of world exports
- 2 Germany $65M 12% of world exports
- 3 Japan $51M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $539M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $108M 22% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$67M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Türkiye $42M 8.5% of world imports
Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($12M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $492M 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 8447.12
Brazil does not split HS 8447.12: its NCM code is 8447.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.47 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8447.12
What is HS code 844712?
HS code 844712 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Knitting machines; circular, with cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm. This category encompasses large-diameter circular knitting machines, specifically those with a cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm. These machines are the backbone of the fabric production industry, used for manufacturing a wide range of knitted fabrics such as jersey, fleece, rib, and interlock, which are then cut and sewn into garments like T-shirts, sportswear, and underwear. Their larger size allows for higher production volumes and wider fabric widths, making them essential for mass-market apparel production. The international trade in these machines is robust, driven by the global demand for knitted apparel. Major importers are countries with large-scale garment manufacturing sectors, including China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Turkey, which continuously invest in modernizing their textile mills. Exporters are predominantly technologically advanced nations like Germany, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan, known for their innovation and reliability in knitting machinery. Key trade factors include machine speed, gauge, number of feeders, automation features, and energy efficiency, all of which impact production costs and fabric quality.
What products fall under HS code 844712?
Single jersey circular knitting machines (large diameter), Double jersey circular knitting machines (large diameter), Fleece knitting machines, Rib knitting machines, Interlock knitting machines, Terry knitting machines, Jacquard circular knitting machines
What are common misclassifications for HS code 844712?
This code is distinguished from 844711 by the cylinder diameter; careful measurement is necessary to avoid misclassification between the two circular knitting machine categories.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 844712?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 844712 in UN Comtrade data were China ($320M, 59% of world exports), Germany ($65M) and Japan ($51M). World exports came to about $539M, 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 844712?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 844712 in UN Comtrade data were India ($108M, 22% of world imports), Vietnam (about $67M) and Türkiye ($42M). World imports came to about $492M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($12M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 844712 structured?
HS code 844712 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (47) 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 844712?
In Brazil, HS code 844712 is NCM 8447.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.