Product classification
HS code for Leather processing machine: 8453.10
Machinery, for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather, other than sewing machines.
Classification of leather processing machine under HS 8453.10
The classification of leather processing machinery under HS code 8453.10 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the machine's primary industrial function. This code is reserved for machinery used for the preparation, tanning, or working of hides, skins, or leather. The distinction is made because leather processing involves unique mechanical stresses and chemical environments that differ significantly from textile or paper processing. For instance, a fleshing machine must handle the irregular thickness and organic nature of a raw hide, which requires specialized blade configurations and pressure settings. This subheading excludes sewing machines, which are classified under 8452, even if they are used to sew leather. The machinery in 8453.10 is typically found in the \"wet end\" of a tannery or in the finishing stages where the leather's surface is buffed or split to achieve a specific grade. Proper classification requires identifying the machine's primary function; if the machine is designed to work on the hide itself rather than assembling finished products, 8453.10 is the correct designation.
- Covers
- Fleshing machines for raw hides
- Dehairing machines
- Tanning drums and vats
- Leather buffing and sanding machines
- Leather splitting machines
- Staking machines for softening leather
- Also under 8453.10
- Erretre fleshing machine
- Cartigliano drying tunnel
- Rizzi splitting machine
- Bauce shaving machine
Codes often confused with 8453.10
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these machines under HS code 8452, which is strictly for sewing machines. While leather goods are often sewn, the machines that prepare the leather itself belong in 8453.10. Another common confusion occurs with HS code 8451, which covers machinery for washing, cleaning, or finishing textiles. Because leather is an animal product rather than a woven fabric, it must be kept separate from textile machinery to ensure correct tariff application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845310 (the code used for leather processing machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845310 (the code used for leather processing machine) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 16% 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 845310, not only leather processing machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $98M 44% of world exports
- 2 China $88M 40% of world exports
- 3 Germany $11M 5.2% of world exports
World total: $220M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$31M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $15M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $11M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $188M 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 leather processing machine
Brazil splits HS 8453.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8453.10.10Leather splitting machines, up to 3,000 mm wide
- 8453.10.90Other hide, skin or leather working machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about leather processing machine
What is the HS code for Leather processing machine?
The HS code for Leather processing machine is 845310 (Machinery; for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather, other than sewing machines).
How do I classify Leather processing machine for customs?
Leather processing machine is classified under HS code 845310 — Machinery; for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather, other than sewing machines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for leather processing machines?
The primary HS code for machinery used in the preparation, tanning, or working of hides and leather is 8453.10.
Does this code include machines for making leather shoes?
No, machines specifically designed for the manufacture or repair of footwear are classified under HS code 8453.20, which is a separate subheading within the same category.
Which countries are the top exporters of leather processing machine (HS 845310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845310 (the code used for leather processing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($98M, 44% of world exports), China ($88M) and Germany ($11M). World exports came to about $220M, 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 leather processing machine (HS 845310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845310 (the code used for leather processing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $31M, 16% of world imports), China ($15M) and Indonesia ($11M). World imports came to about $188M, 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 Leather processing machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845310 for Leather processing 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 leather processing machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 845310 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for leather processing machine depends on the product's details: 8453.10.10 (Leather splitting machines, up to 3,000 mm wide), 8453.10.90 (Other hide, skin or leather working machinery).