HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8452.21 – Sewing machines; (not household type), automatic units
HS code 8452.21 is the 6-digit subheading for sewing machines, (not household type), automatic units. It is used for automatic pocket welting machines, CNC pattern sewing machines, automatic buttonhole machines, robotic sewing cells and automatic embroidery machines (industrial).
What HS 8452.21 covers
This HS code covers highly specialized, automatic industrial sewing machines, which are advanced units designed for mass production in various manufacturing sectors such as garments, automotive interiors, and upholstery. These machines incorporate sophisticated computer controls, robotic elements, and programmable functions to perform high-speed, repetitive tasks with extreme precision and minimal human intervention. Importers are typically large-scale manufacturers seeking to maximize production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure consistent quality in high-volume operations. Exporters are specialized industrial machinery manufacturers, often at the forefront of automation technology. Key aspects of this trade include high throughput, complex programmable patterns, integrated material handling systems, seamless integration into production lines, and robust construction for continuous, heavy-duty operation.
- Covers
- Automatic pocket welting machines
- CNC pattern sewing machines
- Automatic buttonhole machines
- Robotic sewing cells
- Automatic embroidery machines (industrial)
- Programmable bartacking machines
- Automatic seamers
- Automatic label attaching machines
- Examples
- Juki AMS series
- Brother BAS series
- Durkopp Adler 867
- Pfaff 3588
- Lectra FocusCut
- Mitsubishi PLK series
Codes often confused with 8452.21
Common mistake. Clearly differentiated from non-automatic industrial machines (8452.29) and household machines (8452.10) by their advanced automation and programmable features.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 845221, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 845221 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 78% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, 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 $1.3B 78% of world exports
- 2 Germany $50M 3.1% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$41M 2.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$198M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$106M 8.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Cambodia* ~$95M 7.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.2B 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 8452.21 3
Brazil splits HS 8452.21 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8452.21.10 Automatic sewing units for leather or skinsPara costurar couros ou peles
- 8452.21.20 Automatic sewing units for fabricsPara costurar tecidos
- 8452.21.90 Other automatic sewing unitsOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.52 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8452.21
What is HS code 845221?
HS code 845221 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sewing machines; (not household type), automatic units. This HS code covers highly specialized, automatic industrial sewing machines, which are advanced units designed for mass production in various manufacturing sectors such as garments, automotive interiors, and upholstery. These machines incorporate sophisticated computer controls, robotic elements, and programmable functions to perform high-speed, repetitive tasks with extreme precision and minimal human intervention. Importers are typically large-scale manufacturers seeking to maximize production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure consistent quality in high-volume operations. Exporters are specialized industrial machinery manufacturers, often at the forefront of automation technology. Key aspects of this trade include high throughput, complex programmable patterns, integrated material handling systems, seamless integration into production lines, and robust construction for continuous, heavy-duty operation.
What products fall under HS code 845221?
Automatic pocket welting machines, CNC pattern sewing machines, automatic buttonhole machines, robotic sewing cells, automatic embroidery machines (industrial), programmable bartacking machines, automatic seamers, automatic label attaching machines
What are common misclassifications for HS code 845221?
Clearly differentiated from non-automatic industrial machines (8452.29) and household machines (8452.10) by their advanced automation and programmable features.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 845221?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 845221 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 78% of world exports), Germany ($50M) and Vietnam (about $41M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 845221?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 845221 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $198M, 16% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $106M) and Cambodia (about $95M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 845221 structured?
HS code 845221 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (52) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 845221?
Brazil splits HS code 845221 into 3 NCM codes: 8452.21.10 (Automatic sewing units for leather or skins), 8452.21.20 (Automatic sewing units for fabrics), 8452.21.90 (Other automatic sewing units). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.