Product classification
HS code for Power loom: 8446.21
Weaving machines (looms), for weaving fabrics of a width exceeding 30cm, shuttle type, power looms.
Classification of power loom under HS 8446.21
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 8446.21
- Lakshmi Ruti C Loom
- Tsudakoma ZAX-N (older models)
- Picanol OmniPlus-X (older shuttle versions)
- Saurer S400 (older models)
Codes often confused with 8446.21
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844621 (the code used for power loom), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844621 (the code used for power loom) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 11% 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 844621, not only power loom.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $55M 54% of world exports
- 2 Austria $17M 17% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $6.7M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $102M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$11M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $9.9M 10% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$9.4M 9.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $98M 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 power loom
Brazil classifies power loom under NCM 8446.21.00: HS 8446.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about power loom
What is the HS code for Power loom?
The HS code for Power loom is 844621 (Weaving machines (looms); for weaving fabrics of a width exceeding 30cm, shuttle type, power looms). 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.
How do I classify Power loom for customs?
Power loom is classified under HS code 844621 — Weaving machines (looms); for weaving fabrics of a width exceeding 30cm, shuttle type, power looms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of power loom (HS 844621)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844621 (the code used for power loom) in UN Comtrade data were China ($55M, 54% of world exports), Austria ($17M) and Czechia ($6.7M). World exports came to about $102M, 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 power loom (HS 844621)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844621 (the code used for power loom) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $11M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($9.9M) and Vietnam (about $9.4M). World imports came to about $98M, 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 Power loom the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844621 for Power loom 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 power loom in Brazil?
In Brazil, power loom (HS 844621) is classified under NCM 8446.21.00.