Product classification
HS code for Flatbed letterpress: 8443.15
Printing machinery, letterpress, other than reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing.
Classification of flatbed letterpress under HS 8443.15
The classification of flatbed letterpress machinery under HS code 8443.15 is governed by the mechanical function and the printing technology employed. Heading 8443 covers printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders, and other printing components. Subheading 8443.15 specifically identifies letterpress printing machinery, excluding reel-fed machines (which fall under 8443.14) and flexographic printing (8443.16). A flatbed letterpress operates by pressing a flat bed of type against a sheet of paper. This technology is distinct from offset lithography or digital inkjet processes. The classification remains here regardless of whether the machine is used for commercial production or artisanal craft, provided it meets the technical definition of a non-reel-fed letterpress. This code is part of the broader category of traditional mechanical printing presses that utilize relief printing surfaces.
- Covers
- Flatbed cylinder letterpress machines
- Platen letterpresses (sheet-fed)
- Manual flatbed proofing presses
- Automatic sheet-fed letterpress machinery
- Vertical letterpress printing machines
- Also under 8443.15
- Heidelberg Windmill (Platen)
- Chandler & Price
- Vandercook Proof Press
- Kluge Automatic Platen Press
- Original Heidelberg Cylinder
Codes often confused with 8443.15
Common mistake. Flatbed letterpresses are often confused with 8443.14, which is for reel-fed letterpresses (using continuous rolls of paper). They are also frequently misclassified under 8443.16 (flexographic printing), which also uses relief plates but involves a different ink delivery system and flexible plates. Another common error is using 8443.32 or 8443.39, which are reserved for modern digital printers, inkjet machines, and electrostatic photocopiers that do not use physical plates or type beds.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844315 (the code used for flatbed letterpress), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844315 (the code used for flatbed letterpress) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 19% 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 844315, not only flatbed letterpress.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $33M 59% of world exports
- 2 Austria $5.9M 11% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $4.7M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $56M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Portugal $8.7M 19% of world imports
- 2 Romania $4.1M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Italy $3.7M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $46M 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 code for flatbed letterpress
Brazil classifies flatbed letterpress under NCM 8443.15.00: HS 8443.15 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flatbed letterpress
What is the HS code for Flatbed letterpress?
The HS code for Flatbed letterpress is 844315 (Printing machinery; letterpress, other than reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing). The specific HS code for letterpress printing machinery, other than reel-fed and excluding flexographic, is 8443.15.
How do I classify Flatbed letterpress for customs?
Flatbed letterpress is classified under HS code 844315 — Printing machinery; letterpress, other than reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include digital flatbed printers?
No, digital flatbed printers (inkjet or UV) are classified under 8443.32 or 8443.39 depending on their connectivity and primary function.
Which countries are the top exporters of flatbed letterpress (HS 844315)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844315 (the code used for flatbed letterpress) in UN Comtrade data were China ($33M, 59% of world exports), Austria ($5.9M) and the United Kingdom ($4.7M). World exports came to about $56M, 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 flatbed letterpress (HS 844315)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844315 (the code used for flatbed letterpress) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($8.7M, 19% of world imports), Romania ($4.1M) and Italy ($3.7M). World imports came to about $46M, 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 Flatbed letterpress the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844315 for Flatbed letterpress 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 flatbed letterpress in Brazil?
In Brazil, flatbed letterpress (HS 844315) is classified under NCM 8443.15.00.