Product classification
HS code for Industrial sewing machine: 8452.29
Sewing machines, not household or automatic unit type.
Classification of industrial sewing machine under HS 8452.29
Industrial sewing machines are classified under HS code 8452.29 based on their mechanical design and intended application within a commercial production environment. Heading 8452 covers all sewing machines, but it is strictly partitioned between household units and industrial units. Subheading 8452.29 is a residual category for non-automatic industrial machines. Unlike household machines (8452.10), industrial machines are built for continuous operation, featuring high-speed motors, specialized lubrication systems, and heavy-duty components capable of piercing thick or multiple layers of industrial textiles. The classification 8452.29 specifically excludes automatic units, which are defined by their ability to perform pre-programmed stitch patterns or sequences without constant manual intervention. To be classified here, the machine must be primarily used in factories or workshops for the manufacture of garments, footwear, or upholstery. Customs authorities determine this classification by evaluating the machine's weight, motor specifications, and the presence of industrial-grade mounting tables.
- Covers
- Heavy-duty lockstitch machines for leatherwork
- Industrial overlock (serger) machines without automatic controls
- Cylinder-bed sewing machines for luggage and bags
- Post-bed machines for footwear manufacturing
- Long-arm industrial quilting machines
- Zig-zag industrial machines for sailmaking
- Also under 8452.29
- Juki DDL-8700
- Brother S-7100A
- Siruba F007K
- Pegasus M800
- Yamato AZ8000
- Durkopp Adler 267
Codes often confused with 8452.29
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 8452.10 and 8452.21. HS code 8452.10 is reserved strictly for household sewing machines, which are lighter and designed for intermittent use. HS code 8452.21 is for automatic industrial units; if a machine features computerized pattern control or automated thread cutting and back-tacking sequences, it must be moved from 8452.29 to 8452.21. Additionally, specialized textile machinery that does not perform a sewing function, such as embroidery machines, may be misclassified here but often belong in 8447.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845229 (the code used for industrial sewing machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845229 (the code used for industrial sewing machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 17% of world imports. Vietnam 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 8.0% of its imports here ($6.5M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 845229, not only industrial sewing machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $437M 35% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $184M 15% of world exports
- 3 Japan $107M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $251M 17% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $143M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$83M 5.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam 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 8.0% of its imports here ($6.5M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.5B 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 codes for industrial sewing machine
Brazil splits HS 8452.29 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8452.29.10Leather/skin sewing machines, not automatic units
- 8452.29.21Fabric linking machines
- 8452.29.22Buttonhole sewing machines
- 8452.29.23Zigzag sewing machines for elastic insertion
- 8452.29.24Straight-stitch sewing machines for fabrics
- 8452.29.25Coverstitch sewing machines
- 8452.29.29Other fabric sewing machines, not automatic units
- 8452.29.90Other non-household sewing machines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial sewing machine
What is the HS code for Industrial sewing machine?
The HS code for Industrial sewing machine is 845229 (Sewing machines; not household or automatic unit type). The HS code for a standard, non-automatic industrial sewing machine is 8452.29.
How do I classify Industrial sewing machine for customs?
Industrial sewing machine is classified under HS code 845229 — Sewing machines; not household or automatic unit type. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the motor and table?
Yes, when imported as a complete unit, the industrial sewing machine head, the motor, and the specialized stand or table are typically classified together under 8452.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial sewing machine (HS 845229)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845229 (the code used for industrial sewing machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($437M, 35% of world exports), Singapore ($184M) and Japan ($107M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 industrial sewing machine (HS 845229)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845229 (the code used for industrial sewing machine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($251M, 17% of world imports), Singapore ($143M) and Bangladesh (about $83M). World imports came to about $1.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 8.0% of its imports here ($6.5M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Industrial sewing machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845229 for Industrial sewing 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 industrial sewing machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 845229 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial sewing machine depends on the product's details: 8452.29.10 (Leather/skin sewing machines, not automatic units), 8452.29.21 (Fabric linking machines), 8452.29.22 (Buttonhole sewing machines), 8452.29.23 (Zigzag sewing machines for elastic insertion), 8452.29.24 (Straight-stitch sewing machines for fabrics), 8452.29.25 (Coverstitch sewing machines), and more.