Product classification
HS code for Gravure printing machine: 8443.17
Printing machinery, gravure.
Classification of gravure printing machine under HS 8443.17
Gravure printing machines are classified under HS code 8443.17. This classification falls under Chapter 84, which covers mechanical appliances and machinery. Heading 8443 is specifically designated for printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders, and other printing components. The subheading 8443.17 is the specific international code for gravure printing machinery. Gravure, also known as intaglio printing, is a process where the image is engraved into a cylinder. The cells are filled with ink, and the excess is wiped off before the image is transferred to the substrate. This mechanical distinction is what separates it from offset or flexographic printing in the HS system. These machines are typically used for high-volume, high-quality runs such as magazines, catalogs, and flexible packaging, and the classification covers both the large-scale presses and smaller specialized gravure units.
- Covers
- Rotogravure printing presses
- Publication gravure machines
- Packaging gravure printers
- Intaglio printing machinery
- Cylinder-based gravure presses
- Also under 8443.17
- Bobst Rotomec
- Cerutti R98X
- Koenig & Bauer (KBA) Rotajet
- Daetwyler Gravure
- Schiavi Gravure
Codes often confused with 8443.17
Common mistake. Gravure machines are frequently confused with flexographic printing machines, which are classified under 8443.13. While both use cylinders, flexography uses a relief process (raised image), whereas gravure uses an intaglio process (recessed image). Another common misclassification is 8443.11, which is reserved for offset printing machinery. Importers must ensure the technical specifications of the printing method are clear to avoid using the generic 8443.19 code for other printing machinery, which is a residual category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844317 (the code used for gravure printing machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844317 (the code used for gravure printing machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 9.9% 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 844317, not only gravure printing machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $112M 41% of world exports
- 2 Italy $30M 11% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $29M 11% of world exports
World total: $275M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $25M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 Germany $24M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 India $22M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $252M 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 codes for gravure printing machine
Brazil splits HS 8443.17 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8443.17.10Rotary photogravure presses
- 8443.17.90Other gravure printing machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gravure printing machine
What is the HS code for Gravure printing machine?
The HS code for Gravure printing machine is 844317 (Printing machinery; gravure). The correct HS code for gravure (intaglio) printing machinery is 8443.17.
How do I classify Gravure printing machine for customs?
Gravure printing machine is classified under HS code 844317 — Printing machinery; gravure. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a digital printer classified here?
No, digital printing machinery, such as inkjet or laser printers, is classified under different subheadings within 8443, typically 8443.31 or 8443.32.
Which countries are the top exporters of gravure printing machine (HS 844317)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844317 (the code used for gravure printing machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($112M, 41% of world exports), Italy ($30M) and Czechia ($29M). World exports came to about $275M, 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 gravure printing machine (HS 844317)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844317 (the code used for gravure printing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($25M, 9.9% of world imports), Germany ($24M) and India ($22M). World imports came to about $252M, 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 Gravure printing machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844317 for Gravure 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 gravure printing machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844317 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gravure printing machine depends on the product's details: 8443.17.10 (Rotary photogravure presses), 8443.17.90 (Other gravure printing machinery).