Product classification

HS code for Reel-fed offset printer: 8443.11

Printing machinery, offset, reel-fed.

Classification of reel-fed offset printer under HS 8443.11

Reel-fed offset printing machinery is classified under HS code 8443.11. This classification is part of Chapter 84, which covers mechanical appliances and their parts. Heading 8443 is dedicated to printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders, and other components. Offset printing is a widely used technique where the inked image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface. The Harmonized System distinguishes offset machinery based on how the substrate is fed into the machine. Subheading 8443.11 is specifically for "reel-fed" machines, also known as web-fed presses. These machines process a continuous roll (reel) of paper or other material, making them suitable for high-speed, high-volume production such as newspapers, magazines, and large-scale commercial printing. This classification is determined by the mechanical feeding mechanism of the press, which is designed to handle continuous webs rather than individual sheets.

Covers
  • Web-fed offset printing presses
  • Reel-fed newspaper printing machines
  • Commercial web offset presses
  • Heatset and coldset reel-fed printers
Also under 8443.11
  • Manroland Lithoman
  • KBA Commander
  • Goss Universal
  • Komori System 38
  • Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 (some configurations)

Codes often confused with 8443.11

Common mistake. Reel-fed offset printers are often confused with sheet-fed offset printers, which are classified under 8443.12 (for office-type sheet-fed) or 8443.13 (for other sheet-fed). The distinction lies entirely in the feeding mechanism. If the machine accepts individual pre-cut sheets, it cannot be classified under 8443.11. Additionally, digital printers that use rolls of paper are classified under 8443.32 or 8443.39, as they do not use the offset plate process.

8443.12Printing machinery; offset, sheet-fed, office type (sheet size not exceeding 22 x 36cm in the unfolded state)8443.13Printing machinery; offset, n.e.c. in item no. 8443.18443.32Printing, copying, and facsimile machines; single-function printing, copying or facsimile machines, capable of connecting to an automatic data processing machine or to a network8443.39Printing, copying, and facsimile machines; single-function printing, copying or facsimile machines, not capable of connecting to an automatic data processing machine or to a network

Top exporters and importers of HS 844311 (the code used for reel-fed offset printer), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844311 (the code used for reel-fed offset printer) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 16% 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 844311, not only reel-fed offset printer.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $51M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $40M
  3. 3 China $28M

World total: $236M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $42M
  2. 2 Netherlands $37M
  3. 3 United States $17M

World total: $268M 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 reel-fed offset printer

Brazil splits HS 8443.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8443.11.10Reel-fed offset newspaper presses, 900 mm or wider
  • 8443.11.90Other reel-fed offset printing machinery

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about reel-fed offset printer

What is the HS code for Reel-fed offset printer?

The HS code for Reel-fed offset printer is 844311 (Printing machinery; offset, reel-fed). The HS code for reel-fed offset printing machinery is 8443.11.

How do I classify Reel-fed offset printer for customs?

Reel-fed offset printer is classified under HS code 844311 — Printing machinery; offset, reel-fed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How does it differ from a sheet-fed printer in the HS system?

Reel-fed printers (8443.11) use continuous rolls of paper, while sheet-fed printers (8443.12 or 8443.13) use individual sheets of paper.

Which countries are the top exporters of reel-fed offset printer (HS 844311)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844311 (the code used for reel-fed offset printer) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($51M, 22% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($40M) and China ($28M). World exports came to about $236M, 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 offset printer (HS 844311)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 844311 (the code used for reel-fed offset printer) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($42M, 16% of world imports), the Netherlands ($37M) and the United States ($17M). World imports came to about $268M, 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 offset printer the same in all countries?

The base HS code 844311 for Reel-fed offset printer 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 offset printer in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 844311 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for reel-fed offset printer depends on the product's details: 8443.11.10 (Reel-fed offset newspaper presses, 900 mm or wider), 8443.11.90 (Other reel-fed offset printing machinery).