Product classification
HS code for Heald frames: 8448.42
Weaving machines (looms), parts including their auxiliary machinery, and accessories thereof, reeds for looms, healds and heald-frames.
Classification of heald frames under HS 8448.42
Heald frames are classified under HS code 8448.42 because they are specifically identified as auxiliary machinery or parts for weaving machines, commonly known as looms. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the specific nomenclature of Chapter 84, parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading 84.44 to 84.47 are classified under 84.48. Subheading 8448.42 explicitly mentions "reeds for looms, healds and heald-frames," making this a specific rather than a general classification. These frames are critical components that hold the healds in place and are moved by the shedding motion of the loom to create the shed through which the weft is passed. Their construction, typically from aluminum or high-strength alloys, is designed to withstand high-speed reciprocating movements in modern textile manufacturing. The classification is driven by the fact that these are essential components for the operation of a loom's shedding mechanism and are recognized as such by the World Customs Organization.
- Covers
- Aluminum heald frames for high-speed looms
- Steel heald frames for heavy-duty weaving
- Frames for water-jet looms
- Frames for air-jet looms
- Carbon fiber reinforced heald frames
- Rapier loom heald frames
- Double-row heald frames
- Also under 8448.42
- Groz-Beckert healds
- Steel Heddle reeds
- Picanol loom parts
- Itema loom accessories
- Tsudakoma heald frames.
Codes often confused with 8448.42
Common mistake. Heald frames are frequently misclassified under HS code 8448.49, which is a residual category for other parts of weaving machines. However, because 8448.42 specifically names heald-frames, it must take precedence. Another common error is classifying them by material, such as 7616.99 for aluminum articles or 7326.90 for steel articles. Under Note 2 to Section XVI, parts of machines are generally classified with those machines or in specific part headings like 8448, regardless of the material of composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844842 (the code used for heald frames), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844842 (the code used for heald frames) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 844842, not only heald frames.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $19M 26% of world exports
- 2 China $15M 22% of world exports
- 3 Japan $12M 16% of world exports
World total: $71M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $17M 24% of world imports
- 2 India $11M 16% of world imports
- 3 Italy $5.4M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $73M 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 heald frames
Brazil classifies heald frames under NCM 8448.42.00: HS 8448.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heald frames
What is the HS code for Heald frames?
The HS code for Heald frames is 844842 (Weaving machines (looms); parts including their auxiliary machinery, and accessories thereof, reeds for looms, healds and heald-frames). The HS code for heald frames is 8448.42, which covers reeds for looms, healds, and heald-frames.
How do I classify Heald frames for customs?
Heald frames is classified under HS code 844842 — Weaving machines (looms); parts including their auxiliary machinery, and accessories thereof, reeds for looms, healds and heald-frames. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are heald frames classified differently if they are made of carbon fiber?
No, even if made of advanced materials like carbon fiber, they remain classified under 8448.42 as they are dedicated parts of weaving machinery and the material does not change the specific heading designation.
Which countries are the top exporters of heald frames (HS 844842)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844842 (the code used for heald frames) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($19M, 26% of world exports), China ($15M) and Japan ($12M). World exports came to about $71M, 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 heald frames (HS 844842)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844842 (the code used for heald frames) in UN Comtrade data were China ($17M, 24% of world imports), India ($11M) and Italy ($5.4M). World imports came to about $73M, 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 Heald frames the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844842 for Heald frames 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 heald frames in Brazil?
In Brazil, heald frames (HS 844842) is classified under NCM 8448.42.00.