HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8453.20 – Machinery; for making or repairing footwear, other than sewing machines
HS code 8453.20 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery, for making or repairing footwear, other than sewing machines. It is used for lasting machines, sole attaching machines, cutting presses, heel attaching machines and roughing machines.
What HS 8453.20 covers
This category encompasses specialized machinery dedicated to the manufacturing or repair of footwear, excluding general-purpose sewing machines. These machines are integral to the shoe-making process, covering operations from cutting and lasting to sole attachment and finishing. The global footwear industry, ranging from mass production factories to bespoke workshops, relies heavily on this equipment for efficiency, precision, and quality. Importers are typically footwear manufacturers in major production hubs, while exporters are often specialized machinery producers from countries with strong engineering and automation sectors. The trade in these machines is driven by consumer demand for diverse footwear styles and the continuous innovation in materials and production techniques, making them a significant capital investment for shoe factories worldwide.
- Covers
- Lasting machines
- Sole attaching machines
- Cutting presses
- Heel attaching machines
- Roughing machines
- Polishing machines
- Toe lasting machines
- Cementing machines
- Examples
- Atom cutting press
- Cerim lasting machine
- Gusbi sole attaching machine
- Camoga splitting machine
Codes often confused with 8453.20
Common mistake. Often confused with 845380 (machinery for other leather articles) or 8452 (sewing machines), but 845320 is specific to non-sewing machinery used in footwear manufacturing processes.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 845320, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 845320 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 34% of world imports. Taiwan 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 32% of its exports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $375M 74% of world exports
- 2 Italy $50M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $18M 3.7% of world exports
Taiwan 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 32% of its exports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $506M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$151M 34% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Indonesia $90M 20% of world imports
- 3 India $54M 12% of world imports
World total: $448M 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 8453.20
Brazil does not split HS 8453.20: its NCM code is 8453.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.53 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8453.20
What is HS code 845320?
HS code 845320 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery; for making or repairing footwear, other than sewing machines. This category encompasses specialized machinery dedicated to the manufacturing or repair of footwear, excluding general-purpose sewing machines. These machines are integral to the shoe-making process, covering operations from cutting and lasting to sole attachment and finishing. The global footwear industry, ranging from mass production factories to bespoke workshops, relies heavily on this equipment for efficiency, precision, and quality. Importers are typically footwear manufacturers in major production hubs, while exporters are often specialized machinery producers from countries with strong engineering and automation sectors. The trade in these machines is driven by consumer demand for diverse footwear styles and the continuous innovation in materials and production techniques, making them a significant capital investment for shoe factories worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 845320?
Lasting machines, Sole attaching machines, Cutting presses, Heel attaching machines, Roughing machines, Polishing machines, Toe lasting machines, Cementing machines
What are common misclassifications for HS code 845320?
Often confused with 845380 (machinery for other leather articles) or 8452 (sewing machines), but 845320 is specific to non-sewing machinery used in footwear manufacturing processes.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 845320?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 845320 in UN Comtrade data were China ($375M, 74% of world exports), Italy ($50M) and South Korea ($18M). World exports came to about $506M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 32% of its exports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 845320?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 845320 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $151M, 34% of world imports), Indonesia ($90M) and India ($54M). World imports came to about $448M, 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 845320 structured?
HS code 845320 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (53) 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 845320?
In Brazil, HS code 845320 is NCM 8453.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.