Product classification
HS code for Knitting needles: 8448.51
Machines, parts and accessories of machines of heading no. 8447 or auxiliary machinery, sinkers, needles and other articles used in forming stitches.
Classification of knitting needles under HS 8448.51
HS code 8448.51 is designated for needles used in industrial knitting machines, specifically those classified under heading 8447. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8448 serves as a category for parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of headings 8444 to 8447. The classification of these needles is based on their function as essential components of industrial machinery rather than hand tools. GRI 1 dictates that classification is determined by the heading text. Because these needles are precision-engineered parts for circular, flat, or warp knitting machines, they are excluded from Chapter 73 (iron and steel articles) which covers hand-use needles. Importers must distinguish between the various types of industrial needles, such as latch or spring beard, though they generally all fall under this subheading if they are for machine use. The technical specifications, such as gauge and length, are vital for customs descriptions but do not change the primary six-digit HS code. This code is critical for textile manufacturers importing replacement parts for their knitting floor operations.
- Covers
- Latch needles for knitting machines
- Spring beard needles
- Compound needles for industrial machines
- Sinkers used in stitch formation
- Sliders for knitting machinery
- Also under 8448.51
- Groz-Beckert needles
- Kern-Liebers sinkers
- Saxonia needles
- Santoni machine parts
- Shima Seiki needles.
Codes often confused with 8448.51
Common mistake. The most common error is confusing industrial needles with hand knitting needles. Hand knitting needles made of steel are classified under 7319.90. If they are made of wood or bamboo, they fall under 4421.99. HS code 8448.51 is strictly for machine-operated needles and auxiliary stitch-forming elements.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844851 (the code used for knitting needles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844851 (the code used for knitting needles) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% 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 844851, not only knitting needles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $174M 36% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$66M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $64M 13% of world exports
World total: $481M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $178M 28% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $123M 19% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $35M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $635M 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 knitting needles
Brazil splits HS 8448.51 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8448.51.10Knitting machine sinkers
- 8448.51.90Knitting needles and other stitch-forming parts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about knitting needles
What is the HS code for Knitting needles?
The HS code for Knitting needles is 844851 (Machines; parts and accessories of machines of heading no. 8447 or auxiliary machinery, sinkers, needles and other articles used in forming stitches).
How do I classify Knitting needles for customs?
Knitting needles is classified under HS code 844851 — Machines; parts and accessories of machines of heading no. 8447 or auxiliary machinery, sinkers, needles and other articles used in forming stitches. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for industrial knitting needles?
The HS code for needles used in knitting machines is 8448.51.
Does 8448.51 cover needles for sewing machines?
No, sewing machine needles are classified separately under HS code 8452.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of knitting needles (HS 844851)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844851 (the code used for knitting needles) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($174M, 36% of world exports), Vietnam (about $66M) and China ($64M). World exports came to about $481M, 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 knitting needles (HS 844851)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844851 (the code used for knitting needles) in UN Comtrade data were China ($178M, 28% of world imports), Singapore ($123M) and Türkiye ($35M). World imports came to about $635M, 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 Knitting needles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844851 for Knitting needles 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 knitting needles in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844851 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for knitting needles depends on the product's details: 8448.51.10 (Knitting machine sinkers), 8448.51.90 (Knitting needles and other stitch-forming parts).