Product classification
HS code for Rotogravure press: 8443.17
Printing machinery, gravure.
Classification of rotogravure press under HS 8443.17
The rotogravure press is classified under HS code 8443.17, which specifically covers gravure printing machinery. This classification is determined by the unique mechanical process of the machine, where the image to be printed is etched or engraved into a metal cylinder. In the Harmonized System, printing machinery is categorized primarily by the method of ink transfer. Rotogravure is distinct from offset printing, which uses a flat plate, and flexography, which uses a raised relief surface. Because the rotogravure process involves the transfer of ink from recessed cells on a rotating cylinder directly or indirectly to the substrate, it falls under the 'gravure' designation of 8443.17. This code applies to both multi-color industrial presses used for high-volume packaging and smaller, specialized gravure units used for security printing or decorative laminates. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the press is used for paper, plastic film, or metal foil, provided the gravure method is the primary printing technology employed.
- Covers
- Multi-unit rotogravure printing lines
- Single-color gravure proofing presses
- Publication rotogravure presses for magazines
- Packaging gravure presses for flexible substrates
- Decorative laminate gravure printing machines
- Integrated gravure units with inline drying systems
- Also under 8443.17
- Bobst Rotomec
- Cerutti R98X
- Koenig & Bauer (KBA) Rotajet
- Daetwyler Gravure
- Schiavi Gravure
Codes often confused with 8443.17
Common mistake. Rotogravure presses are frequently confused with flexographic printing machinery, which is classified under HS code 8443.16. While both are used for flexible packaging, flexography uses a raised rubber or polymer plate rather than an engraved cylinder. Another common error is classifying these machines under 8443.13, which is reserved for offset printing machinery. It is also important to avoid 8443.19, a 'catch-all' category for other printing machinery, as 8443.17 is the specific and correct heading for gravure technology. Misclassification often occurs when the customs broker is unaware of the specific plate-to-substrate contact method.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844317 (the code used for rotogravure press), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844317 (the code used for rotogravure press) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 9.9% 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 844317, not only rotogravure press.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $112M 41% of world exports
- 2 Italy $30M 11% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $29M 11% of world exports
World total: $275M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $25M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 Germany $24M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 India $22M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $252M 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 rotogravure press
Brazil splits HS 8443.17 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8443.17.10Rotary photogravure presses
- 8443.17.90Other gravure printing machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rotogravure press
What is the HS code for Rotogravure press?
The HS code for Rotogravure press is 844317 (Printing machinery; gravure). The primary HS code for a rotogravure press is 8443.17, which covers gravure printing machinery.
How do I classify Rotogravure press for customs?
Rotogravure press is classified under HS code 844317 — Printing machinery; gravure. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the engraved cylinders?
No, the engraved cylinders used in the press are typically classified separately under HS code 8442.50, which covers printing type, blocks, plates, and cylinders.
Which countries are the top exporters of rotogravure press (HS 844317)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844317 (the code used for rotogravure press) in UN Comtrade data were China ($112M, 41% of world exports), Italy ($30M) and Czechia ($29M). World exports came to about $275M, 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 rotogravure press (HS 844317)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844317 (the code used for rotogravure press) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($25M, 9.9% of world imports), Germany ($24M) and India ($22M). World imports came to about $252M, 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 Rotogravure press the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844317 for Rotogravure press 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 rotogravure press in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844317 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for rotogravure press depends on the product's details: 8443.17.10 (Rotary photogravure presses), 8443.17.90 (Other gravure printing machinery).