Product classification
HS code for Book sewing machine: 8440.10
Book-binding machinery, including book-sewing machines.
Classification of book sewing machine under HS 8440.10
Book sewing machines are classified under HS code 8440.10, which is dedicated to book-binding machinery. This classification is appropriate because the machine's primary function is the assembly of book signatures or pages through stitching, a critical step in the industrial book-binding process. Unlike general-purpose sewing machines used in the garment industry, book sewing machines are engineered to handle paper and heavy-duty binding threads, often operating on folded sections of paper rather than flat fabric. The HS code 8440 covers all machinery used for binding, including those for folding, stitching, gluing, or covering books. Because the sewing of books is a specialized industrial process distinct from textile manufacturing, it is excluded from the general sewing machine category and placed within the specialized machinery for bookbinding under Chapter 84.
- Covers
- Automatic book sewing machines
- Semi-automatic thread sealing machines
- Smyth sewing machines
- Industrial book stitchers
- Signature sewing units
- Also under 8440.10
- Heidelberg Stahlfolder
- Kolbus perfect binders
- Horizon saddle stitchers
- Muller Martini book sewing machines
Codes often confused with 8440.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for this product is HS code 8452, which covers standard sewing machines used for textiles. While both machines perform a sewing function, the mechanical design and intended material (paper vs. fabric) necessitate the use of 8440.10 for bookbinding. Another common error is using 8441.10, which is for paper cutting machines, or 8443, which covers printing machinery. It is essential to identify the machine as a binder to ensure correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844010 (the code used for book sewing machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844010 (the code used for book sewing machine) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 844010, not only book sewing machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $136M 21% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $80M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $64M 10% of world exports
World total: $638M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $117M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $44M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 China $37M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $644M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 book sewing machine
Brazil splits HS 8440.10 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8440.10.11Automatic-feed book-sewing machines
- 8440.10.19Other book-sewing machines
- 8440.10.20Book cover makers, over 60 a minute
- 8440.10.90Other book-binding machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about book sewing machine
What is the HS code for Book sewing machine?
The HS code for Book sewing machine is 844010 (Book-binding machinery; including book-sewing machines). The HS code for industrial book sewing and binding machinery is 8440.10.
How do I classify Book sewing machine for customs?
Book sewing machine is classified under HS code 844010 — Book-binding machinery; including book-sewing machines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include household sewing machines?
No, household sewing machines are classified under HS code 8452.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of book sewing machine (HS 844010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844010 (the code used for book sewing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($136M, 21% of world exports), Thailand ($80M) and China ($64M). World exports came to about $638M, 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 book sewing machine (HS 844010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844010 (the code used for book sewing machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($117M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($44M) and China ($37M). World imports came to about $644M, 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.
Is the HS code for Book sewing machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844010 for Book sewing machine is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for book sewing machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844010 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for book sewing machine depends on the product's details: 8440.10.11 (Automatic-feed book-sewing machines), 8440.10.19 (Other book-sewing machines), 8440.10.20 (Book cover makers, over 60 a minute), 8440.10.90 (Other book-binding machinery).