Product classification

HS code for Rope making machine: 8479.40

Machines, for making rope or cable.

Classification of rope making machine under HS 8479.40

Rope making machines are classified under HS code 8479.40, which falls within the broader category of machinery and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 84. Specifically, subheading 8479.40 is dedicated to machines for making rope or cable from any material, including textile yarns, metal wire, or synthetic fibers. These machines operate by twisting or braiding multiple strands together to form a cohesive rope or cable structure. The classification is determined by the machine's primary function of rope or cable construction. While Chapter 84 contains many specialized machines for textile or metalworking, the unique function of rope-making is consolidated under this specific subheading to ensure consistency across international trade. This includes both the heavy-duty machinery used for industrial steel cables and the lighter equipment used for natural fiber cordage. The machine must perform the actual twisting or stranding process to be classified here; auxiliary equipment that merely feeds material may be classified elsewhere.

Covers
  • Stranding machines for wire or textile
  • Twisting machines for rope production
  • Wire rope closing machines
  • Cable-making machinery for electrical or structural cables
  • Braiding machines specifically designed for rope
Also under 8479.40
  • Rosendahl Nextrom cable lines
  • Maillefer cable machinery
  • Niehoff wire drawing and stranding machines
  • Gauder Group (Setic, Pourtier) stranding machines
  • SKET Verseilmaschinenbau rope machines

Codes often confused with 8479.40

Common mistake. Rope making machines are often misclassified under 8445.40, which covers textile winding or reeling machines, or 8445.90, which covers other textile machinery. While these machines handle similar materials, 8479.40 is the more specific code for the actual creation of rope or cable. Another common error is using 8463.90 for metal wire rope machines, which is a general code for other machine tools for working metal without removing material. However, because 8479.40 explicitly mentions "machines for making rope or cable," it takes precedence according to the General Rules of Interpretation. Additionally, parts for these machines should be carefully classified under 8479.90 rather than general textile machinery parts in 8448.39.

8445.40Textile machinery; winding (including weft-winding) or reeling machines8445.90Textile machinery; involved in textile fibre or textile yarn preparation and n.e.c. in heading no. 84458463.90Machine-tools; for working metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets, without removing material, n.e.c. in heading no. 84638479.90Machines and mechanical appliances; parts, of those having individual functions8448.39Machines; parts and accessories of machines or auxiliary machinery of heading no. 8445, n.e.c. in item no. 8448.3

Top exporters and importers of HS 847940 (the code used for rope making machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847940 (the code used for rope making machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 12% 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 847940, not only rope making machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $392M
  2. 2 Finland $218M
  3. 3 Germany $190M

World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $129M
  2. 2 United States $109M
  3. 3 Mexico $55M

World total: $1.1B 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 rope making machine

Brazil classifies rope making machine under NCM 8479.40.00: HS 8479.40 with 00 added.

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

Questions about rope making machine

What is the HS code for Rope making machine?

The HS code for Rope making machine is 847940 (Machines; for making rope or cable). The HS code for a rope making machine is 8479.40, which covers machines for making rope or cable.

How do I classify Rope making machine for customs?

Rope making machine is classified under HS code 847940 — Machines; for making rope or cable. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include machines for making metal cables?

Yes, HS code 8479.40 applies to machines that make rope or cable from any material, including metal wire, textile yarn, or synthetic fibers.

Which countries are the top exporters of rope making machine (HS 847940)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847940 (the code used for rope making machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($392M, 28% of world exports), Finland ($218M) and Germany ($190M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 rope making machine (HS 847940)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 847940 (the code used for rope making machine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($129M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($109M) and Mexico ($55M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Rope making machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 847940 for Rope making machine 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 rope making machine in Brazil?

In Brazil, rope making machine (HS 847940) is classified under NCM 8479.40.00.