HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 84.52 – Sewing machines; other than book-sewing machines of heading no. 8440; furniture, bases and covers specially designed for sewing machines; sewing machine needles
What HS 84.52 covers
Heading 8452 is a comprehensive classification for sewing machines of all types, with the notable exception of book-sewing machines (which are classified under 8440). This heading also uniquely extends its scope to include furniture, bases, and covers specifically designed for sewing machines, as well as sewing machine needles. The breadth of 8452 covers everything from simple domestic sewing machines used by hobbyists to highly sophisticated industrial units employed in mass garment production, embroidery, and specialized textile fabrication. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 8452 is critical due to varying import duties and regulatory standards that apply to both consumer goods (domestic machines, needles) and capital equipment (industrial machines). This also impacts eligibility for preferential trade agreements and adherence to safety and electrical standards (e.g., CE, UL). Historically, the invention and mass production of sewing machines revolutionized the apparel industry, making clothing more accessible and driving global trade in textiles and garments. As part of Section XVI, 8452 represents mechanical appliances that are fundamental to manufacturing processes, directly contributing to the production of a vast array of finished goods worldwide.
- Covers
- Domestic sewing machines
- Industrial lockstitch sewing machines
- Industrial overlock sewing machines
- Computer-controlled embroidery machines
- Buttonhole sewing machines
- Zigzag sewing machines
- Chain stitch sewing machines
- Quilting machines
- Leather sewing machines
- Heavy-duty sewing machines
- Serger machines
- Walking foot sewing machines
- Blind stitch sewing machines
- Programmable pattern sewing machines
- Sewing machine tables
- Sewing machine cabinets
- Sewing machine covers (dust covers)
- Sewing machine bases
- Sewing machine needles (universal, ballpoint, denim)
- Twin needles
- Winged needles
- Industrial sewing machine parts (excluding needles)
- Portable sewing machines
- Electronic sewing machines
- Mechanical sewing machines
- Multi-needle embroidery machines
- Examples
A Japanese manufacturer exports thousands of advanced computer-controlled embroidery machines to garment factories in Vietnam, leveraging efficient ocean freight routes across the Pacific, often under specific bilateral trade agreements that reduce tariffs on manufacturing equipment. A Chinese company ships a bulk order of domestic sewing machines to retailers across Europe, navigating CE marking requirements and various national import duties. An American firm imports specialized heavy-duty sewing machines for upholstery from Italy, using air cargo for expedited delivery and ensuring compliance with US industrial safety standards. A German supplier exports industrial lockstitch and overlock sewing machines to new apparel production facilities in Ethiopia, often supported by development aid initiatives that facilitate machinery imports. A South Korean company dispatches a large consignment of sewing machine needles and custom-designed sewing machine tables to a distribution center in Mexico, taking advantage of regional trade agreements for smooth cross-border movement.
Subheadings under 84.52 5
Codes often confused with 84.52
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing sewing machines (8452) with book-sewing machines (8440), which are explicitly excluded from 8452. The primary function dictates the code: 8440 is for binding books, 8452 is for sewing textiles/materials. Another error can occur with highly specialized industrial machines that might incorporate sewing functions but have a primary purpose elsewhere, potentially leading to classification under 8479 (machines with individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere). However, if the main function is sewing, 8452 generally prevails. Additionally, while 8509 covers electromechanical domestic appliances with self-contained electric motors, a sewing machine, even if domestic and electric, is specifically provided for in 8452, preventing its classification as a general domestic appliance.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8452, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8452 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.1% of world imports. Vietnam 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 8.1% of its imports here ($32M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.4B 45% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$682M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Taiwan* ~$265M 5.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $409M 8.1% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$397M 7.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $355M 7.0% of world imports
Vietnam 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 8.1% of its imports here ($32M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $5.1B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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.
Questions about HS 84.52
What is HS code 8452?
HS code 8452 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sewing machines; other than book-sewing machines of heading no. 8440; furniture, bases and covers specially designed for sewing machines; sewing machine needles. Heading 8452 is a comprehensive classification for sewing machines of all types, with the notable exception of book-sewing machines (which are classified under 8440). This heading also uniquely extends its scope to include furniture, bases, and covers specifically designed for sewing machines, as well as sewing machine needles. The breadth of 8452 covers everything from simple domestic sewing machines used by hobbyists to highly sophisticated industrial units employed in mass garment production, embroidery, and specialized textile fabrication. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 8452 is critical due to varying import duties and regulatory standards that apply to both consumer goods (domestic machines, needles) and capital equipment (industrial machines). This also impacts eligibility for preferential trade agreements and adherence to safety and electrical standards (e.g., CE, UL). Historically, the invention and mass production of sewing machines revolutionized the apparel industry, making clothing more accessible and driving global trade in textiles and garments. As part of Section XVI, 8452 represents mechanical appliances that are fundamental to manufacturing processes, directly contributing to the production of a vast array of finished goods worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 8452?
Domestic sewing machines, industrial lockstitch sewing machines, industrial overlock sewing machines, computer-controlled embroidery machines, buttonhole sewing machines, zigzag sewing machines, chain stitch sewing machines, quilting machines, leather sewing machines, heavy-duty sewing machines, serger machines, walking foot sewing machines, blind stitch sewing machines, programmable pattern sewing machines, sewing machine tables, sewing machine cabinets, sewing machine covers (dust covers), sewing machine bases, sewing machine needles (universal, ballpoint, denim), twin needles, winged needles, industrial sewing machine parts (excluding needles), portable sewing machines, electronic sewing machines, mechanical sewing machines, multi-needle embroidery machines
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8452?
A common misclassification involves confusing sewing machines (8452) with book-sewing machines (8440), which are explicitly excluded from 8452. The primary function dictates the code: 8440 is for binding books, 8452 is for sewing textiles/materials. Another error can occur with highly specialized industrial machines that might incorporate sewing functions but have a primary purpose elsewhere, potentially leading to classification under 8479 (machines with individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere). However, if the main function is sewing, 8452 generally prevails. Additionally, while 8509 covers electromechanical domestic appliances with self-contained electric motors, a sewing machine, even if domestic and electric, is specifically provided for in 8452, preventing its classification as a general domestic appliance.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8452?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8452 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.4B, 45% of world exports), Vietnam (about $682M) and Taiwan (about $265M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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 8452?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8452 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($409M, 8.1% of world imports), Vietnam (about $397M) and India ($355M). World imports came to about $5.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 8.1% of its imports here ($32M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
How is HS code 8452 structured?
HS code 8452 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (52) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.