Product classification
HS code for Reeds: 8448.42
Weaving machines (looms), parts including their auxiliary machinery, and accessories thereof, reeds for looms, healds and heald-frames.
Classification of reeds under HS 8448.42
In the context of international trade and the Harmonized System, "reeds" under code 8448.42 refer to precision-engineered components of weaving machinery (looms), not the botanical plant. A reed is a comb-like frame used to separate and space warp threads, to guide the shuttle's motion, and to push the weft thread into place. This classification falls under Chapter 84, which encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8448 covers auxiliary machinery for use with machines of heading 8444, 8445, 8446, or 8447. The inclusion of reeds in 8448.42 highlights their status as essential accessories for weaving machines, requiring specific metallurgical and structural properties to withstand high-speed industrial textile production. They are typically made of steel or stainless steel wires set into a frame, and their density (dents per inch) determines the fineness of the fabric produced.
- Covers
- Metal reeds for weaving looms
- Stainless steel weaving reeds
- Profile reeds for air-jet looms
- Double reeds for specialized weaving
- Healds and heald-frames (also under 8448.42)
- Also under 8448.42
- Groz-Beckert healds
- Steel Heddle reeds
- Picanol loom parts
- Itema loom accessories
- Tsudakoma heald frames.
Codes often confused with 8448.42
Common mistake. HS code 1401.90 (other vegetable materials) is often mistakenly selected by automated systems or inexperienced classifiers who interpret "reeds" as the plant material. However, in a textile manufacturing context, reeds are strictly industrial components. Furthermore, 8448.49 (other parts of weaving machines) might be used, but 8448.42 is the specific "named" code for reeds, and specific codes always take precedence over "other" categories. It is also important not to confuse these with musical instrument reeds, which fall under 9209.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844842 (the code used for reeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844842 (the code used for reeds) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 844842, not only reeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $19M 26% of world exports
- 2 China $15M 22% of world exports
- 3 Japan $12M 16% of world exports
World total: $71M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $17M 24% of world imports
- 2 India $11M 16% of world imports
- 3 Italy $5.4M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $73M 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 reeds
Brazil classifies reeds under NCM 8448.42.00: HS 8448.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about reeds
What is the HS code for Reeds?
The HS code for Reeds is 844842 (Weaving machines (looms); parts including their auxiliary machinery, and accessories thereof, reeds for looms, healds and heald-frames). Industrial reeds used in weaving looms are classified under HS code 8448.42.
How do I classify Reeds for customs?
Reeds is classified under HS code 844842 — Weaving machines (looms); parts including their auxiliary machinery, and accessories thereof, reeds for looms, healds and heald-frames. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these made of natural materials?
No, the reeds classified under 8448.42 are industrial components typically made of high-grade steel or stainless steel wires used in textile machinery.
Which countries are the top exporters of reeds (HS 844842)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844842 (the code used for reeds) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($19M, 26% of world exports), China ($15M) and Japan ($12M). World exports came to about $71M, 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 reeds (HS 844842)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844842 (the code used for reeds) in UN Comtrade data were China ($17M, 24% of world imports), India ($11M) and Italy ($5.4M). World imports came to about $73M, 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 Reeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844842 for Reeds 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 reeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, reeds (HS 844842) is classified under NCM 8448.42.00.