Product classification
HS code for Rapier loom: 8446.30
Weaving machines (looms), for weaving fabrics of a width exceeding 30cm, shuttleless type.
Classification of rapier loom under HS 8446.30
A rapier loom is classified under HS code 8446.30. This code is part of the category for weaving machines (looms) that are used to produce fabrics of a width exceeding 30 cm. The rapier loom is a type of shuttleless loom where the weft yarn is carried through the shed by a series of rapiers (flexible or rigid rods). The classification is determined by the width of the fabric the machine can produce and the mechanical method of weft insertion. Chapter 84 covers industrial machinery, and heading 8446 specifically targets weaving machines. Subheading 8446.30 is the specific designation for shuttleless looms that handle wide-width textiles, distinguishing them from older shuttle-based technology and narrow-fabric looms.
- Covers
- Rigid rapier weaving machines
- Flexible rapier looms
- Double rapier looms
- Industrial textile weaving machinery (>30cm)
- Automated rapier weaving systems
- Also under 8446.30
- Picanol OptiMax-i (Rapier)
- Itema R9500 (Rapier)
- Tsudakoma ZAX9200 (Air-jet)
- Dornier A1 (Air-jet)
- Sulzer G6500 (Projectile)
Codes often confused with 8446.30
Common mistake. Rapier looms are often misclassified under HS code 8446.10, which is only for looms weaving fabrics of a width not exceeding 30 cm (narrow fabrics). They may also be confused with 8446.21, which is for shuttle-type power looms. Because rapier technology is shuttleless, it must be classified in the 8446.30 range. Another error is confusing them with knitting machines, which fall under 8447.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844630 (the code used for rapier loom), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844630 (the code used for rapier loom) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 53% 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 844630, not only rapier loom.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $866M 46% of world exports
- 2 Japan $358M 19% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $336M 18% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $1.0B 53% of world imports
- 2 China $277M 14% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $101M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 rapier loom
Brazil splits HS 8446.30 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8446.30.10Air-jet looms, fabric over 30 cm wide
- 8446.30.20Water-jet looms, fabric over 30 cm wide
- 8446.30.30Projectile looms, fabric over 30 cm wide
- 8446.30.40Rapier looms, fabric over 30 cm wide
- 8446.30.90Other shuttleless looms, fabric over 30 cm wide
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rapier loom
What is the HS code for Rapier loom?
The HS code for Rapier loom is 844630 (Weaving machines (looms); for weaving fabrics of a width exceeding 30cm, shuttleless type). The HS code for a rapier loom designed for weaving fabrics wider than 30 cm is 8446.30.
How do I classify Rapier loom for customs?
Rapier loom is classified under HS code 844630 — Weaving machines (looms); for weaving fabrics of a width exceeding 30cm, shuttleless type. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the type of yarn used change the HS code?
No, the HS code 8446.30 applies to the weaving machine itself regardless of whether it is weaving cotton, synthetic fibers, or wool, provided the width and shuttleless mechanism criteria are met.
Which countries are the top exporters of rapier loom (HS 844630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844630 (the code used for rapier loom) in UN Comtrade data were China ($866M, 46% of world exports), Japan ($358M) and Belgium ($336M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 rapier loom (HS 844630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844630 (the code used for rapier loom) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.0B, 53% of world imports), China ($277M) and Türkiye ($101M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 Rapier loom the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844630 for Rapier 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 rapier loom in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844630 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for rapier loom depends on the product's details: 8446.30.10 (Air-jet looms, fabric over 30 cm wide), 8446.30.20 (Water-jet looms, fabric over 30 cm wide), 8446.30.30 (Projectile looms, fabric over 30 cm wide), 8446.30.40 (Rapier looms, fabric over 30 cm wide), 8446.30.90 (Other shuttleless looms, fabric over 30 cm wide).