Product classification
HS code for Paper making equipment: 8439.20
Machinery, for making paper or paperboard.
Classification of paper making equipment under HS 8439.20
The classification of paper-making equipment under HS code 8439.20 is determined by its primary function within the industrial production line. Heading 8439 is dedicated to machinery for the manufacture of pulp, paper, or paperboard. Subheading 8439.20 specifically covers the machinery used for the actual "making" or forming of the paper or paperboard sheet from prepared pulp. This stage of production is distinct from the initial pulping process (8439.10) and the subsequent finishing processes (8439.30). The machinery classified here includes the complex systems that distribute the pulp slurry onto a wire mesh, remove water through gravity and vacuum, and press the resulting web. Examples include Fourdrinier machines and cylinder machines. The classification follows the rules set out in Section XVI of the Harmonized System, which covers machinery and mechanical appliances. It is important to distinguish these "making" machines from "converting" machines. While 8439.20 machines create the continuous web of paper, machines that take that finished paper and cut, fold, or mould it into specific products like envelopes or boxes are classified under heading 8441. Accurate classification requires a deep understanding of the machine's position in the production workflow and its mechanical capabilities.
- Covers
- Fourdrinier paper machines
- Cylinder mold machines
- Twin-wire formers
- Suction roll assemblies for paper forming
- Integrated paper-making production lines
- Also under 8439.20
- Valmet paper machines
- Voith paper machines
- Andritz paper production lines
- Toscotec tissue machines
Codes often confused with 8439.20
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 8439.10 (machinery for making pulp) or 8439.30 (machinery for finishing paper). It is also frequently misclassified with 8441.00, which covers converting machinery that processes already-made paper into specific articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 843920 (the code used for paper making equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 843920 (the code used for paper making equipment) in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 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 843920, not only paper making equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Finland $268M 32% of world exports
- 2 Italy $143M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $120M 14% of world exports
World total: $841M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $125M 16% of world imports
- 2 India $63M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $52M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $774M 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 code for paper making equipment
Brazil classifies paper making equipment under NCM 8439.20.00: HS 8439.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paper making equipment
What is the HS code for Paper making equipment?
The HS code for Paper making equipment is 843920 (Machinery; for making paper or paperboard). The HS code for machinery specifically for making paper or paperboard is 8439.20.
How do I classify Paper making equipment for customs?
Paper making equipment is classified under HS code 843920 — Machinery; for making paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include parts like rollers?
No, parts for these machines are classified separately under HS code 8439.99.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper making equipment (HS 843920)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 843920 (the code used for paper making equipment) in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($268M, 32% of world exports), Italy ($143M) and Germany ($120M). World exports came to about $841M, 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 paper making equipment (HS 843920)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 843920 (the code used for paper making equipment) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($125M, 16% of world imports), India ($63M) and the United Kingdom ($52M). World imports came to about $774M, 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 Paper making equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 843920 for Paper making equipment 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 paper making equipment in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper making equipment (HS 843920) is classified under NCM 8439.20.00.