HS Code for Power loom

Power looms are classified under HS code 8446.21. This code specifically refers to weaving machines (looms) for weaving fabrics of a width exceeding 30 cm, which are of the shuttle type and powered by an external energy source rather than manual labor. Chapter 84 covers machinery and mechanical appliances, and heading 8446 is dedicated to weaving machines. The distinction for 8446.21 is twofold: the width of the fabric produced (over 30 cm) and the mechanical method of weft insertion (using a shuttle). This classification is vital for industrial textile manufacturing equipment, separating traditional shuttle-based power looms from modern shuttleless technologies. The shuttle-type power loom uses a device called a shuttle to carry the weft yarn across the warp. While newer technologies like air-jet or rapier looms have become more common, the shuttle loom remains a distinct category in international trade. Proper classification requires verifying the mechanical operation of the loom and the maximum fabric width it can produce, as these factors determine the specific six-digit subheading. The power source, typically an electric motor, distinguishes these from hand-operated looms.

Products Included

• Automatic shuttle power looms
• Industrial weaving machines for broadcloth
• Mechanical shuttle looms for fabrics over 30cm
• Semi-automatic shuttle-type weaving machines
• Power-driven silk weaving shuttle looms

Common Misclassification

Power looms are frequently confused with 8446.10, which covers looms for weaving fabrics of a width not exceeding 30 cm. Another major source of error is 8446.30, which is for shuttleless weaving machines. Shuttleless looms, such as rapier, air-jet, or water-jet looms, are technologically different and must not be classified under 8446.21. Furthermore, 8446.29 is used for shuttle-type looms that are not power-driven (such as handlooms). Importers must ensure they identify the weft insertion method correctly, as the distinction between shuttle and shuttleless is a primary divider in the HS nomenclature for weaving machinery.

FAQ

What is the HS code for power loom?

The HS code for a shuttle-type power loom weaving fabric over 30 cm wide is 8446.21. Shuttleless power looms are classified under 8446.30.

What is the difference between shuttle and shuttleless looms in classification?

Shuttle looms (8446.21) use a physical bobbin carrier to move yarn, while shuttleless looms (8446.30) use air, water, or rapiers. This mechanical difference changes the HS code at the subheading level.