Product classification
HS code for Healds: 8448.42
Weaving machines (looms), parts including their auxiliary machinery, and accessories thereof, reeds for looms, healds and heald-frames.
Classification of healds under HS 8448.42
Healds, also known as heddles, are classified under HS code 8448.42. This classification is determined by the specific mention of "healds" within the subheading text of 8448.42, which covers parts and accessories for weaving machines. Healds are the individual wires or strips with an eyelet through which the warp yarn is threaded. They are essential for the shedding process in weaving, where they lift or lower the warp threads to allow the shuttle or rapier to pass. Because they are specialized components designed exclusively for looms, they fall under Chapter 84, which covers machinery and mechanical appliances. The classification remains consistent regardless of the material—whether they are made of hardened steel, stainless steel, or specialized plastics—provided they are intended for use in weaving machinery. The Harmonized System prioritizes specific descriptions over general ones, and since healds are named specifically in 8448.42, this code is mandatory for international trade documentation.
- Covers
- Flat steel healds
- Wire healds with twisted eyes
- Twin wire healds
- Plastic healds for technical textiles
- Nickel-plated healds
- Healds for jacquard weaving
- Repair healds
- 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. Healds are often confused with general loom parts under 8448.49. However, 8448.42 is the specific code for healds. They are also sometimes incorrectly classified under 7326.90 as "other articles of iron or steel." According to Section XVI Note 2(a), parts which are goods included in any of the headings of Chapter 84 or 85 are in all cases to be classified in their respective headings. Since 8448.42 specifically includes healds, the material-based classification in Chapter 73 is incorrect.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844842 (the code used for healds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844842 (the code used for healds) 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 healds.
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 healds
Brazil classifies healds 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 healds
What is the HS code for Healds?
The HS code for Healds is 844842 (Weaving machines (looms); parts including their auxiliary machinery, and accessories thereof, reeds for looms, healds and heald-frames). The HS code for healds is 8448.42, which specifically includes reeds for looms, healds, and heald-frames.
How do I classify Healds for customs?
Healds 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.
Can healds be classified under 8448.49?
No, 8448.49 is for other parts of weaving machines that are not specifically named elsewhere. Since healds are named in 8448.42, that code must be used.
Which countries are the top exporters of healds (HS 844842)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844842 (the code used for healds) 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 healds (HS 844842)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844842 (the code used for healds) 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 Healds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844842 for Healds 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 healds in Brazil?
In Brazil, healds (HS 844842) is classified under NCM 8448.42.00.