Product classification
HS code for Leather tanning machine: 8453.10
Machinery, for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather, other than sewing machines.
Classification of leather tanning machine under HS 8453.10
The classification for a leather tanning machine is HS code 8453.10. This code is part of Chapter 84, which encompasses machinery and mechanical appliances. Heading 8453 is dedicated to machinery for preparing, tanning, or working hides, skins, or leather, or for making or repairing footwear or other articles of hides, skins, or leather. Subheading 8453.10 specifically covers machinery for preparing, tanning, or working hides or skins. This includes a wide range of industrial equipment used in the tannery process, such as fleshing machines that remove fat and muscle from hides, dehairing machines, and large rotating drums used for the chemical tanning process. The classification is based on the machine's primary function. It is important to note that this heading excludes sewing machines and general-purpose drying machinery. The technical nature of these machines, designed specifically to handle the organic and often corrosive nature of raw hides, justifies their placement in this specific subheading. Importers must provide technical specifications to prove the machine's dedicated use in leather production to satisfy customs requirements. The machinery must be for the treatment of the hide itself rather than the assembly of finished leather goods.
- Covers
- Fleshing and dehairing machines
- Tanning drums and vats with mechanical agitators
- Leather splitting and shaving machines
- Softening and staking machines
- Unhairing and scudding machines
- Also under 8453.10
- Erretre fleshing machine
- Cartigliano drying tunnel
- Rizzi splitting machine
- Bauce shaving machine
Codes often confused with 8453.10
Common mistake. Leather tanning machines are often confused with HS code 8453.20, which is specifically for machinery used in making or repairing footwear. While both are in the same heading, 8453.10 is for the preparation of the leather itself, while 8453.20 is for the assembly of shoes. Additionally, general industrial ovens or dryers used in tanneries might be misclassified here instead of 8419.39 (industrial dryers), depending on their primary design and function.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845310 (the code used for leather tanning machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845310 (the code used for leather tanning 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 tanning 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 tanning 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 tanning machine
What is the HS code for Leather tanning machine?
The HS code for Leather tanning machine is 845310 (Machinery; for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather, other than sewing machines). The HS code for machinery used for preparing, tanning, or working hides or skins is 8453.10.
How do I classify Leather tanning machine for customs?
Leather tanning 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.
Does this code include machines that cut leather for bags?
No, machines for working leather into specific articles (like bags or garments) are generally classified under 8453.80, while 8453.10 is reserved for the tanning and preparation of the raw hides.
Which countries are the top exporters of leather tanning machine (HS 845310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845310 (the code used for leather tanning 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 tanning machine (HS 845310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845310 (the code used for leather tanning 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 tanning machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845310 for Leather tanning 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 tanning machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 845310 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for leather tanning 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).