Product classification

HS code for Flat knitting machine: 8447.20

Knitting machines, flat, stitch-bonding machines.

Classification of flat knitting machine under HS 8447.20

Flat knitting machines are classified under HS code 8447.20 because they are specifically designed to produce knitted fabrics or garments using a linear needle bed arrangement. Unlike circular knitting machines, these devices utilize a reciprocating motion where the carriage moves across a stationary bed to form loops. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which covers mechanical appliances and machinery. Specifically, heading 8447 encompasses machines for making braid, lace, embroidery, or knitting. Subheading 8447.20 is reserved for flat knitting machines and stitch-bonding machines. The classification is determined by the mechanical operation of the needles and the resulting flat structure of the textile produced. This code applies to both manual machines used in small-scale production and fully automated, computer-controlled industrial units used for complex garment shaping.

Covers
  • Manual flat knitting machines for artisanal use
  • Computerized industrial flat knitting machines (CNC)
  • V-bed flat knitting machines for ribbing and collars
  • Stitch-bonding machines for non-woven fabric reinforcement
  • Power-operated linear knitting frames
  • Jacquard flat knitting machines for patterned knitwear
Also under 8447.20
  • Shima Seiki SVR Series
  • Stoll ADF Series
  • Karl Mayer Malimo
  • Steiger Taurus

Codes often confused with 8447.20

Common mistake. Flat knitting machines are frequently confused with circular knitting machines, which are classified under 8447.11 (for cylinders not exceeding 165 mm) or 8447.12 (for cylinders exceeding 165 mm). The primary distinction is the geometry of the needle bed. Additionally, parts and accessories for these machines should not be classified here; they belong under 8448.51 or 8448.59. Hand-operated knitting needles are classified in 7319, while large industrial looms for woven fabrics fall under 8446.

8447.11Knitting machines; circular, with cylinder diameter not exceeding 165mm8447.12Knitting machines; circular, with cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm8448.51Machines; parts and accessories of machines of heading no. 8447 or auxiliary machinery, sinkers, needles and other articles used in forming stitches8448.59Machines; parts and accessories of machines or auxiliary machinery of heading no. 8447, other than sinkers, needles and other articles used in forming stitches73.19Sewing and knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles, for use in the hand, of iron or steel; safety pins and other pins of iron or steel, not elsewhere specified or included84.46Weaving machines (looms)

Top exporters and importers of HS 844720 (the code used for flat knitting machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844720 (the code used for flat knitting machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 16% 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 844720, not only flat knitting machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $430M
  2. 2 Japan $143M
  3. 3 Germany $74M

World total: $719M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$113M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$101M
  3. 3 India $96M

World total: $714M 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 flat knitting machine

Brazil splits HS 8447.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about flat knitting machine

What is the HS code for Flat knitting machine?

The HS code for Flat knitting machine is 844720 (Knitting machines; flat, stitch-bonding machines). The HS code for a flat knitting machine is 8447.20, which covers both flat knitting and stitch-bonding machinery.

How do I classify Flat knitting machine for customs?

Flat knitting machine is classified under HS code 844720 — Knitting machines; flat, stitch-bonding machines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include machines for making hosiery?

No, machines specifically designed for making hosiery are typically circular and are classified under 8447.11 or 8447.12 depending on their cylinder diameter.

Which countries are the top exporters of flat knitting machine (HS 844720)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844720 (the code used for flat knitting machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($430M, 60% of world exports), Japan ($143M) and Germany ($74M). World exports came to about $719M, 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 flat knitting machine (HS 844720)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 844720 (the code used for flat knitting machine) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $113M, 16% of world imports), Vietnam (about $101M) and India ($96M). World imports came to about $714M, 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 Flat knitting machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 844720 for Flat knitting 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 flat knitting machine in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 844720 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for flat knitting machine depends on the product's details: 8447.20.10 (Hand flat knitting machines), 8447.20.21 (Power warp knitting machines), 8447.20.29 (Other power flat knitting machines), 8447.20.30 (Stitch-bonding machines).