Product classification
HS code for Flexographic press: 8443.16
Printing machinery, flexographic.
Classification of flexographic press under HS 8443.16
The flexographic press is classified under HS code 8443.16. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8443 is dedicated to printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders, and other printing components. Flexography is a specific printing process that utilizes a flexible relief plate, often made of photopolymer or rubber. This method is highly versatile and is commonly used for printing on non-porous substrates such as plastic films, metallic foils, and cellophane, as well as traditional paper and cardboard. The classification 8443.16 is reserved for these types of presses, distinguishing them from offset, gravure, or letterpress machinery based on the mechanical method of ink transfer and the nature of the printing plate. The technical specifications of flexographic presses often include anilox rollers, which are used to provide a measured amount of ink to the flexible printing plate. This specific mechanical configuration is a key identifier for customs authorities. Under the Harmonized System, the distinction between various printing technologies is paramount, and 8443.16 specifically captures the unique relief-printing nature of flexography, ensuring that the machinery is categorized correctly based on its functional engineering.
- Covers
- Central impression (CI) flexographic printing presses
- Stack-type flexographic printing machines
- In-line flexographic presses for label production
- Wide-web flexo presses for flexible packaging
- Narrow-web flexo presses for specialized printing
- 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. Flexographic presses are often confused with offset printing machinery, which is classified under HS code 8443.11 through 8443.13. Offset printing uses a different mechanism where the inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket. Another common error is misclassifying them as letterpress machinery (HS code 8443.14), which also uses relief printing but typically involves rigid plates and different ink delivery systems. It is crucial to identify the flexible nature of the printing plate to ensure the correct application of code 8443.16. Digital printers are also distinct, falling under 8443.31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844316 (the code used for flexographic press), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844316 (the code used for flexographic press) 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 flexographic press.
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 flexographic press
Brazil classifies flexographic press 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 flexographic press
What is the HS code for Flexographic press?
The HS code for Flexographic press is 844316 (Printing machinery; flexographic). The HS code for a flexographic printing press is 8443.16.
How do I classify Flexographic press for customs?
Flexographic press is classified under HS code 844316 — Printing machinery; flexographic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include digital printers?
No, digital printing machinery, such as inkjet or laser printers, is classified under different subheadings of 8443, specifically 8443.31 to 8443.39.
Which countries are the top exporters of flexographic press (HS 844316)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844316 (the code used for flexographic press) 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 flexographic press (HS 844316)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844316 (the code used for flexographic press) 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 Flexographic press the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844316 for Flexographic press 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 flexographic press in Brazil?
In Brazil, flexographic press (HS 844316) is classified under NCM 8443.16.00.