Product classification
HS code for Paper moulding machine: 8441.40
Machines, for moulding articles, in paper pulp, paper or paperboard.
Classification of paper moulding machine under HS 8441.40
HS code 8441.40 covers machinery specifically designed for moulding articles out of paper pulp, paper, or paperboard. This classification falls under heading 8441, which is a residual heading for machinery used to "make up" paper pulp or paper into finished articles, provided the machinery is not more specifically described elsewhere. The moulding process involves taking a slurry of paper pulp (often from recycled sources) and using vacuum pressure and heat to form it into a specific three-dimensional shape using a mold. This is the standard technology for producing sustainable packaging solutions. The classification is distinct from 8439.20, which makes flat sheets of paper, and 8441.30, which makes boxes or containers by folding and gluing flat sheets. The technical distinction lies in the "moulding" action. As global demand for plastic alternatives increases, the use of these machines for producing items like biodegradable plates, cups, and protective electronics packaging has grown. Under the General Interpretative Rules, the specific function of "moulding" directs the product to subheading 8441.40. If the machine also performs secondary functions like printing or cutting, it is still classified here if the moulding remains the principal function of the unit.
- Covers
- Egg tray making machines
- Moulded fiber packaging machinery
- Pulp fruit tray moulding machines
- Biodegradable paper plate moulding units
- Industrial pulp buffer packaging machines
- Also under 8441.40
- Huatao Pulp Molding Machine
- Beston Egg Tray Machine
- Nanya Pulp Molding System
- Puli Pulp Molding Machine
- Maspack Pulp Molding Line
Codes often confused with 8441.40
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these under 8439.20 (paper making) or 8441.30 (machines for making cartons/boxes). Additionally, machines that mould plastic instead of paper pulp must be classified under 8477.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844140 (the code used for paper moulding machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844140 (the code used for paper moulding machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 21% 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 844140, not only paper moulding machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $242M 63% of world exports
- 2 Germany $37M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $26M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $382M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $97M 21% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $43M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$31M 6.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $454M 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 paper moulding machine
Brazil classifies paper moulding machine under NCM 8441.40.00: HS 8441.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paper moulding machine
What is the HS code for Paper moulding machine?
The HS code for Paper moulding machine is 844140 (Machines; for moulding articles, in paper pulp, paper or paperboard). The HS code for machines that mould articles in paper pulp or paperboard is 8441.40.
How do I classify Paper moulding machine for customs?
Paper moulding machine is classified under HS code 844140 — Machines; for moulding articles, in paper pulp, paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a paper cup machine classified here?
If the machine folds a cup from a paper sheet, it is 8441.30. If it moulds the cup directly from liquid pulp, it is 8441.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper moulding machine (HS 844140)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844140 (the code used for paper moulding machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($242M, 63% of world exports), Germany ($37M) and the Netherlands ($26M). World exports came to about $382M, 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 moulding machine (HS 844140)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844140 (the code used for paper moulding machine) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($97M, 21% of world imports), Thailand ($43M) and Vietnam (about $31M). World imports came to about $454M, 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 moulding machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844140 for Paper moulding 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 paper moulding machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper moulding machine (HS 844140) is classified under NCM 8441.40.00.