HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8447.20 – Knitting machines; flat, stitch-bonding machines
HS code 8447.20 is the 6-digit subheading for knitting machines, flat, stitch-bonding machines. It is used for computerized flat knitting machines, manual flat knitting machines, V-bed flat knitting machines, stitch-bonding machines and warp knitting machines (flat type).
What HS 8447.20 covers
This category covers flat knitting machines and stitch-bonding machines, which offer distinct capabilities compared to circular knitting. Flat knitting machines are highly versatile, used for producing fully fashioned garments (e.g., sweaters, cardigans), collars, cuffs, and technical textiles, allowing for intricate patterns and shaping directly on the machine, minimizing waste. Stitch-bonding machines, on the other hand, create fabric by stitching together layers of yarn or nonwovens, often used for technical textiles, geotextiles, and composites. The international trade in these machines is driven by demand for specialized apparel, high-value fashion items, and advanced technical textiles. Importers include countries with strong fashion industries or those developing their technical textile capabilities, such as China, Italy, Germany, and the USA. Exporters are typically technologically advanced nations like Germany, Japan, and Switzerland, known for their precision engineering and software integration in these complex machines. Key trade considerations include gauge, number of knitting systems, automation, programming capabilities, and the ability to handle various yarn types.
- Covers
- Computerized flat knitting machines
- Manual flat knitting machines
- V-bed flat knitting machines
- Stitch-bonding machines
- Warp knitting machines (flat type)
- Collar and cuff knitting machines
- Examples
- Shima Seiki SVR Series
- Stoll ADF Series
- Karl Mayer Malimo
- Steiger Taurus
Codes often confused with 8447.20
Common mistake. This code is distinct from circular knitting machines (844711, 844712) due to its flat bed design, and from weaving machines (8446xx) as it forms fabric by looping yarn rather than interlacing.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 844720, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 844720 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 16% 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 $430M 60% of world exports
- 2 Japan $143M 20% of world exports
- 3 Germany $74M 10% of world exports
World total: $719M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$113M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$101M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $96M 13% of world imports
World total: $714M 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 codes for 8447.20 4
Brazil splits HS 8447.20 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8447.20.10 Hand flat knitting machinesTeares manuais
- 8447.20.2 Power-driven machinesTeares motorizados Group
- 8447.20.21 Power warp knitting machinesPara fabricação de malhas de urdidura
- 8447.20.29 Other power flat knitting machinesOutros
- 8447.20.30 Stitch-bonding machinesMáquinas de costura por entrelaçamento (couture-tricotage)
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 8447.20
What is HS code 844720?
HS code 844720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Knitting machines; flat, stitch-bonding machines. This category covers flat knitting machines and stitch-bonding machines, which offer distinct capabilities compared to circular knitting. Flat knitting machines are highly versatile, used for producing fully fashioned garments (e.g., sweaters, cardigans), collars, cuffs, and technical textiles, allowing for intricate patterns and shaping directly on the machine, minimizing waste. Stitch-bonding machines, on the other hand, create fabric by stitching together layers of yarn or nonwovens, often used for technical textiles, geotextiles, and composites. The international trade in these machines is driven by demand for specialized apparel, high-value fashion items, and advanced technical textiles. Importers include countries with strong fashion industries or those developing their technical textile capabilities, such as China, Italy, Germany, and the USA. Exporters are typically technologically advanced nations like Germany, Japan, and Switzerland, known for their precision engineering and software integration in these complex machines. Key trade considerations include gauge, number of knitting systems, automation, programming capabilities, and the ability to handle various yarn types.
What products fall under HS code 844720?
Computerized flat knitting machines, Manual flat knitting machines, V-bed flat knitting machines, Stitch-bonding machines, Warp knitting machines (flat type), Collar and cuff knitting machines
What are common misclassifications for HS code 844720?
This code is distinct from circular knitting machines (844711, 844712) due to its flat bed design, and from weaving machines (8446xx) as it forms fabric by looping yarn rather than interlacing.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 844720?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 844720 in UN Comtrade data were China ($430M, 60% of world exports), Japan ($143M) and Germany ($74M). World exports came to about $719M, 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 844720?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 844720 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $113M, 16% of world imports), Vietnam (about $101M) and India ($96M). World imports came to about $714M, 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 844720 structured?
HS code 844720 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 844720?
Brazil splits HS code 844720 into 4 NCM codes: 8447.20.10 (Hand flat knitting machines), 8447.20.21 (Power warp knitting machines), 8447.20.29 (Other power flat knitting machines), 8447.20.30 (Stitch-bonding machines). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.