Product classification
HS code for Packing machine: 8422.40
Machinery, for packing or wrapping.
Classification of packing machine under HS 8422.40
The classification of packing or wrapping machinery under HS code 8422.40 is determined by the functional characteristics of the equipment as defined in the Harmonized System's Explanatory Notes. Chapter 84 generally covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Within this chapter, heading 8422 is dedicated to dishwashing machines and machinery for cleaning, drying, filling, closing, sealing, capsuling, or labeling containers. Subheading 8422.40 specifically addresses other packing or wrapping machinery, including heat-shrink wrapping machinery. This classification is applied to machines that perform the final stage of product preparation for transport or sale by enclosing the product in a protective layer or container. The primary function must be the wrapping or packing of goods, which distinguishes these machines from those that merely fill or seal containers without a broader wrapping function. According to General Interpretative Rule 1, the classification is dictated by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, ensuring that these mechanical appliances are categorized by their specific industrial utility.
- Covers
- Vacuum packing machines for food preservation
- Heat-shrink wrapping machines for retail packaging
- Automatic strapping machines for securing cartons
- Pallet wrapping machines using stretch film
- Bagging machines for industrial bulk goods
- Casing and crating machinery for secondary packaging
- Also under 8422.40
- Robopac Stretch Wrappers
- KHS Palletizers
- Bosch Packaging Technology Flow Wrappers
- Ulma Packaging Thermoformers
- Ishida Tray Sealers
Codes often confused with 8422.40
Common mistake. Packing machines are frequently misclassified under HS code 8422.30, which is specifically reserved for machinery used for filling, closing, sealing, or labeling bottles, cans, boxes, or bags. While there is overlap, 8422.30 focuses on the primary containerization of a product, whereas 8422.40 focuses on the wrapping or outer packing. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8479.89, which is a residual code for machines with individual functions not specified elsewhere. However, because 8422.40 explicitly mentions packing and wrapping, it takes precedence over the more general 8479 codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842240 (the code used for packing machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842240 (the code used for packing machine) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 842240, not only packing machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $3.4B 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $2.2B 20% of world exports
- 3 China $919M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $11.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.8B 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $424M 4.3% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $372M 3.8% of world imports
World total: $9.8B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 packing machine
Brazil splits HS 8422.40 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8422.40.10Horizontal long-pasta pillow-pack packing machines
- 8422.40.20Automatic metal tube or bar bundling machines
- 8422.40.30Carton case packers, 5,000 packs an hour or more
- 8422.40.90Other packing or wrapping machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about packing machine
What is the HS code for Packing machine?
The HS code for Packing machine is 842240 (Machinery; for packing or wrapping). The standard international HS code for packing or wrapping machinery is 8422.40. This code covers a wide range of industrial equipment designed to wrap products in various materials.
How do I classify Packing machine for customs?
Packing machine is classified under HS code 842240 — Machinery; for packing or wrapping. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include machines that both fill and seal?
No, machines that are primarily designed to fill, close, seal, or label containers are generally classified under HS code 8422.30. HS code 8422.40 is reserved for machines whose primary function is wrapping or general packing.
Which countries are the top exporters of packing machine (HS 842240)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842240 (the code used for packing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($3.4B, 30% of world exports), Germany ($2.2B) and China ($919M). World exports came to about $11.2B, 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 packing machine (HS 842240)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842240 (the code used for packing machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.8B, 18% of world imports), Germany ($424M) and Mexico ($372M). World imports came to about $9.8B, 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 Packing machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842240 for Packing 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 packing machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842240 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for packing machine depends on the product's details: 8422.40.10 (Horizontal long-pasta pillow-pack packing machines), 8422.40.20 (Automatic metal tube or bar bundling machines), 8422.40.30 (Carton case packers, 5,000 packs an hour or more), 8422.40.90 (Other packing or wrapping machinery).