Product classification
HS code for Reel-fed letterpress: 8443.14
Printing machinery, letterpress, reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing.
Classification of reel-fed letterpress under HS 8443.14
HS code 8443.14 classifies reel-fed letterpress printing machinery. Letterpress is a technique of relief printing using a printing press, a process where many copies are produced by repeated direct impression of an inked, raised surface against sheets or a continuous roll of paper. The "reel-fed" designation indicates that the machine processes paper from a continuous roll (reel) rather than individual sheets. This machinery is categorized under Chapter 84, specifically heading 8443, which covers printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders, and other printing components. Subheading 8443.14 specifically excludes flexographic printing (8443.16), which also uses relief but employs different plate materials and ink types. The reel-fed letterpress is often used for high-volume production where the traditional relief method is preferred for its specific aesthetic or mechanical properties.
- Covers
- Rotary letterpress machines (reel-fed)
- Web-fed letterpress printing presses
- Industrial reel-fed relief printing machinery
- Continuous roll letterpress systems
- Label printing letterpresses (reel-fed)
- Also under 8443.14
- Older Heidelberg Platen presses (specialized web versions)
- specific security printing presses from Koenig & Bauer (KBA-NotaSys)
- Gallus (older label models)
Codes often confused with 8443.14
Common mistake. HS code 8443.16 (flexographic printing machinery) is the most common confusion because both use relief printing. However, flexography uses flexible plates and fast-drying inks, whereas letterpress uses rigid plates. 8443.15 (sheet-fed letterpress) is distinguished by the feeding mechanism; 8443.14 is strictly for continuous rolls. 8443.11 (offset printing) is also frequently confused but uses a completely different transfer method involving a blanket cylinder rather than direct relief impression.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844314 (the code used for reel-fed letterpress), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844314 (the code used for reel-fed letterpress) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 15% 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 844314, not only reel-fed letterpress.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $51M 68% of world exports
- 2 Italy $12M 16% of world exports
- 3 Japan $5.5M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $74M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$8.3M 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 South Korea $4.5M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $4.4M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $54M 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 reel-fed letterpress
Brazil classifies reel-fed letterpress under NCM 8443.14.00: HS 8443.14 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about reel-fed letterpress
What is the HS code for Reel-fed letterpress?
The HS code for Reel-fed letterpress is 844314 (Printing machinery; letterpress, reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing). Reel-fed letterpress printing machinery is classified under HS code 8443.14.
How do I classify Reel-fed letterpress for customs?
Reel-fed letterpress is classified under HS code 844314 — Printing machinery; letterpress, reel-fed, excluding flexographic printing. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is this the same as a flexographic press?
No, flexographic presses are classified under 8443.16. Letterpress uses rigid plates (often metal or hard plastic), while flexography uses flexible elastomeric plates.
Which countries are the top exporters of reel-fed letterpress (HS 844314)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844314 (the code used for reel-fed letterpress) in UN Comtrade data were China ($51M, 68% of world exports), Italy ($12M) and Japan ($5.5M). World exports came to about $74M, 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 reel-fed letterpress (HS 844314)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844314 (the code used for reel-fed letterpress) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $8.3M, 15% of world imports), South Korea ($4.5M) and Portugal ($4.4M). World imports came to about $54M, 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 Reel-fed letterpress the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844314 for Reel-fed letterpress 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 reel-fed letterpress in Brazil?
In Brazil, reel-fed letterpress (HS 844314) is classified under NCM 8443.14.00.