Product classification
HS code for Flexo printing machine: 8443.16
Printing machinery, flexographic.
Classification of flexo printing machine under HS 8443.16
Flexographic printing machinery is classified under HS code 8443.16. This code is situated within Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8443 specifically addresses printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders, and other printing components. Flexography is a distinct printing process that utilizes a flexible relief plate, typically made of photopolymer or rubber. This technology is widely used for packaging, labels, and wallpaper. The classification 8443.16 is specific to the flexographic method, distinguishing it from offset (8443.11-13), letterpress (8443.14), or gravure (8443.17) printing. The technical identification relies on the presence of anilox rollers and the flexible nature of the printing plate, which allows for high-speed printing on various substrates including plastic, metallic films, and paper. To be classified here, the machine must be a dedicated flexographic press. Machines that perform multiple functions or use different printing technologies may require a more complex classification analysis under the same heading.
- Covers
- Central impression (CI) flexo presses
- Stack-type flexographic printing machines
- Inline flexo printing units
- Flexographic label printing machines
- Wide-web flexo presses for packaging
- Also under 8443.16
- Mark Andy P7
- Nilpeter FA-Line
- Gallus ECS 340
- Comexi F2 MP
- Bobst Master M5
Codes often confused with 8443.16
Common mistake. Flexo machines are often confused with 8443.17 (gravure printing) because both are used in the packaging industry. They are also sometimes misclassified under 8443.14 (letterpress) due to the relief nature of the plate, or 8443.32 if they are mistaken for digital or inkjet industrial printers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844316 (the code used for flexo printing machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844316 (the code used for flexo printing machine) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 844316, not only flexo printing machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $454M 31% of world exports
- 2 China $200M 14% of world exports
- 3 Italy $186M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $190M 14% of world imports
- 2 Italy $71M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $61M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 flexo printing machine
Brazil classifies flexo printing machine under NCM 8443.16.00: HS 8443.16 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flexo printing machine
What is the HS code for Flexo printing machine?
The HS code for Flexo printing machine is 844316 (Printing machinery; flexographic). The specific HS code for flexographic printing machinery is 8443.16.
How do I classify Flexo printing machine for customs?
Flexo printing machine is classified under HS code 844316 — Printing machinery; flexographic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a digital label press classified under 8443.16?
No, digital printing machines are classified under 8443.32; 8443.16 is strictly for machines using the flexographic plate process.
Which countries are the top exporters of flexo printing machine (HS 844316)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844316 (the code used for flexo printing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($454M, 31% of world exports), China ($200M) and Italy ($186M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 flexo printing machine (HS 844316)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844316 (the code used for flexo printing machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($190M, 14% of world imports), Italy ($71M) and Germany ($61M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Flexo printing machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844316 for Flexo printing 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 flexo printing machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, flexo printing machine (HS 844316) is classified under NCM 8443.16.00.