HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8477.40 – Machinery; vacuum moulding machines and other thermoforming machines, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials

HS code 8477.40 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery, vacuum moulding machines and other thermoforming machines, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials. It is used for vacuum forming machines, pressure forming machines, roll-fed thermoformers, cut-sheet thermoformers and blister packaging machines.

What HS 8477.40 covers

This HS code covers vacuum moulding machines and other thermoforming machines, which are essential for shaping plastic sheets into various products. These machines heat plastic sheets until pliable, then use vacuum or pressure to form them over a mold. They are widely used in the packaging industry for blister packs and trays, in the automotive sector for interior components, and for manufacturing refrigerator liners and other consumer goods. International trade in these machines is driven by the need for versatile and cost-effective production of specific plastic shapes. Importers include manufacturers across diverse sectors, seeking automation and efficiency in their production lines. Exporters often offer advanced systems with precise temperature control and high throughput capabilities.

Covers
  • Vacuum forming machines
  • Pressure forming machines
  • Roll-fed thermoformers
  • Cut-sheet thermoformers
  • Blister packaging machines
  • Skin packaging machines
  • Thin-gauge thermoformers
Examples
  • Illig Thermoformers
  • Kiefel Thermoforming Machines
  • Gabler Thermoformers
  • WM Thermoforming Machines

Codes often confused with 8477.40

Common mistake. Can be confused with 847730 (blow moulding) due to forming plastic, but thermoforming uses sheets, not parisons. Also, 847759 (other moulding/forming) is a broader category for other forming processes.

8477.30Machinery; blow moulding machines, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials8477.59Machinery; for moulding or forming, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials, n.e.c. in this chapter

Top exporters and importers of HS code 847740, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 847740 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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. 1 China $435M
  2. 2 Germany $159M
  3. 3 Italy $62M

World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $362M
  2. 2 United States $94M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$71M

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 8477.40 2

Brazil splits HS 8477.40 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 8477.40.10 Vacuum moulders for EPS or EPP foamDe moldar a vácuo poliestireno expandido (EPS) ou polipropileno expandido (EPP)
  2. 8477.40.90 Other vacuum moulding and thermoforming machinesOutras

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.77 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8477.40

What is HS code 847740?

HS code 847740 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery; vacuum moulding machines and other thermoforming machines, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials. This HS code covers vacuum moulding machines and other thermoforming machines, which are essential for shaping plastic sheets into various products. These machines heat plastic sheets until pliable, then use vacuum or pressure to form them over a mold. They are widely used in the packaging industry for blister packs and trays, in the automotive sector for interior components, and for manufacturing refrigerator liners and other consumer goods. International trade in these machines is driven by the need for versatile and cost-effective production of specific plastic shapes. Importers include manufacturers across diverse sectors, seeking automation and efficiency in their production lines. Exporters often offer advanced systems with precise temperature control and high throughput capabilities.

What products fall under HS code 847740?

Vacuum forming machines, pressure forming machines, roll-fed thermoformers, cut-sheet thermoformers, blister packaging machines, skin packaging machines, thin-gauge thermoformers

What are common misclassifications for HS code 847740?

Can be confused with 847730 (blow moulding) due to forming plastic, but thermoforming uses sheets, not parisons. Also, 847759 (other moulding/forming) is a broader category for other forming processes.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 847740?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 847740 in UN Comtrade data were China ($435M, 42% of world exports), Germany ($159M) and Italy ($62M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 847740?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 847740 in UN Comtrade data were China ($362M, 29% of world imports), the United States ($94M) and Vietnam (about $71M). 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 847740 structured?

HS code 847740 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (77) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 847740?

Brazil splits HS code 847740 into 2 NCM codes: 8477.40.10 (Vacuum moulders for EPS or EPP foam), 8477.40.90 (Other vacuum moulding and thermoforming machines). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.