Product classification
HS code for Large circular knitting machine: 8447.12
Knitting machines, circular, with cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm.
Classification of large circular knitting machine under HS 8447.12
Large circular knitting machines are classified under HS code 844712. This classification is based on the mechanical design of the machine (circular) and the specific physical dimension of the cylinder diameter. According to the HS nomenclature, circular knitting machines are split into two categories: those with a cylinder diameter of 165mm or less, and those with a diameter exceeding 165mm. Machines in the 844712 category are typically industrial-grade equipment used for producing seamless garments, hosiery, or large-width fabric rolls. The classification is determined solely by the diameter of the needle cylinder, regardless of the number of needles or the specific type of stitch (e.g., jersey, rib, or interlock) the machine produces.
- Covers
- Industrial circular knitting machines (>165mm diameter)
- Large diameter body-size knitting machines
- Double-knit circular machines
- Single-jersey circular machines (>165mm)
- Also under 8447.12
Mayer & Cie. Relanit, Terrot S1P, Orizio MJM, Fukuhara V-LEC
Codes often confused with 8447.12
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 844711, which covers circular knitting machines with a cylinder diameter of 165mm or less (often used for socks or narrow tubes). Another error involves flat knitting machines, which are classified under HS code 844720. It is essential to measure the internal diameter of the cylinder accurately to distinguish between 844711 and 844712, as the tariff implications for industrial textile machinery can vary significantly by size.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844712 (the code used for large circular knitting machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844712 (the code used for large circular knitting machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 22% of world imports. Bangladesh 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 21% of its imports here ($12M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 844712, not only large circular knitting machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $320M 59% of world exports
- 2 Germany $65M 12% of world exports
- 3 Japan $51M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $539M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $108M 22% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$67M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Türkiye $42M 8.5% of world imports
Bangladesh 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 21% of its imports here ($12M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $492M 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 code for large circular knitting machine
Brazil classifies large circular knitting machine under NCM 8447.12.00: HS 8447.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about large circular knitting machine
What is the HS code for Large circular knitting machine?
The HS code for Large circular knitting machine is 844712 (Knitting machines; circular, with cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm). The HS code for circular knitting machines with a cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm is 8447.12.
How do I classify Large circular knitting machine for customs?
Large circular knitting machine is classified under HS code 844712 — Knitting machines; circular, with cylinder diameter exceeding 165mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include machines that also do embroidery?
No, machines designed for embroidery are classified under HS code 8447.90, even if they have knitting capabilities, provided embroidery is the primary or a distinct secondary function.
Which countries are the top exporters of large circular knitting machine (HS 844712)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844712 (the code used for large circular knitting machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($320M, 59% of world exports), Germany ($65M) and Japan ($51M). World exports came to about $539M, 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 large circular knitting machine (HS 844712)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844712 (the code used for large circular knitting machine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($108M, 22% of world imports), Vietnam (about $67M) and Türkiye ($42M). World imports came to about $492M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Bangladesh 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 21% of its imports here ($12M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Large circular knitting machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844712 for Large circular knitting 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 large circular knitting machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, large circular knitting machine (HS 844712) is classified under NCM 8447.12.00.