Product classification
HS code for Footwear manufacturing machine: 8453.20
Machinery, for making or repairing footwear, other than sewing machines.
Classification of footwear manufacturing machine under HS 8453.20
Machinery used for the manufacture or repair of footwear is classified under HS code 8453.20. This heading is part of Chapter 84, which covers mechanical appliances, and specifically addresses the specialized industrial equipment required for shoemaking. The classification is based on the machine's dedicated function in the footwear production cycle, excluding general-purpose machinery. These machines perform tasks such as lasting (shaping the upper over a last), clicking (die-cutting leather or synthetic parts), and sole-attaching (bonding or mechanically fastening the sole to the upper). The distinction is important because while a shoe factory may use many types of machines, only those specifically designed for footwear construction fall under 8453.20. For instance, a machine that molds plastic soles would be classified here if it is part of the footwear assembly process, rather than a general injection molding machine. This code ensures that the specific technological needs of the global footwear industry are tracked and regulated independently of other manufacturing sectors.
- Covers
- Shoe lasting machines
- Heel-attaching machines
- Sole-stitching machines (specifically for footwear)
- Skiving machines for thinning leather edges
- Shoe-molding machinery
- Machines for pulling over and lasting uppers
- Also under 8453.20
- Atom cutting press
- Cerim lasting machine
- Gusbi sole attaching machine
- Camoga splitting machine
Codes often confused with 8453.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 8452, which is reserved for sewing machines. Even if a sewing machine is used exclusively for shoes, it remains in 8452. Another error is 8477.10 for injection molding machines; if the machine is a general-purpose plastic molder not specialized for footwear, it belongs in 8477.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845320 (the code used for footwear manufacturing machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845320 (the code used for footwear manufacturing machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 34% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 845320, not only footwear manufacturing machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $375M 74% of world exports
- 2 Italy $50M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $18M 3.7% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $506M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$151M 34% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Indonesia $90M 20% of world imports
- 3 India $54M 12% of world imports
World total: $448M 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 code for footwear manufacturing machine
Brazil classifies footwear manufacturing machine under NCM 8453.20.00: HS 8453.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about footwear manufacturing machine
What is the HS code for Footwear manufacturing machine?
The HS code for Footwear manufacturing machine is 845320 (Machinery; for making or repairing footwear, other than sewing machines). The HS code for machinery specifically designed for making or repairing footwear is 8453.20.
How do I classify Footwear manufacturing machine for customs?
Footwear manufacturing machine is classified under HS code 845320 — Machinery; for making or repairing footwear, other than sewing machines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include machines for making leather gloves?
No, machines for making or repairing leather goods other than footwear (such as gloves or luggage) are classified under HS code 8453.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of footwear manufacturing machine (HS 845320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845320 (the code used for footwear manufacturing machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($375M, 74% of world exports), Italy ($50M) and South Korea ($18M). World exports came to about $506M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of footwear manufacturing machine (HS 845320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845320 (the code used for footwear manufacturing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $151M, 34% of world imports), Indonesia ($90M) and India ($54M). World imports came to about $448M, 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 Footwear manufacturing machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845320 for Footwear manufacturing 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 footwear manufacturing machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, footwear manufacturing machine (HS 845320) is classified under NCM 8453.20.00.