Product classification
HS code for Sewing needles: 7319.90
Sewing and knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles, for use in the hand, not elsewhere specified or included, of iron or steel.
Classification of sewing needles under HS 7319.90
Sewing needles are classified under HS code 7319.90, which encompasses a variety of hand-use tools made of iron or steel. This classification is determined by the material composition and the specific function of the article. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products are categorized based on their constituent material and their intended use. Since these needles are manufactured from ferrous metals and are designed for manual textile work rather than industrial machinery, they fall squarely within Chapter 73. This chapter covers articles of iron or steel, and heading 7319 specifically addresses needles, bodkins, and similar items for use in the hand. The sub-classification 7319.90 serves as a residual category for items that do not fall under the specific subheadings for sewing, darning, or embroidery needles if those were separated, though in many tariffs, it acts as the primary catch-all for these manual implements.
- Covers
- Hand sewing needles
- Darning needles
- Embroidery needles
- Upholstery needles
- Bodkins for threading ribbon or cord
- Crochet hooks of iron or steel
- Embroidery stilettos
- Safety pins (often associated but may vary by specific regional subheadings)
- Also under 7319.90
- Schmetz sewing needles
- Clover crochet hooks
- Addi knitting needles
- DMC embroidery needles
Codes often confused with 7319.90
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves needles used in industrial or household sewing machines. These are not classified under 7319.90 but are instead found under HS code 8448.51. The distinction lies in whether the needle is a hand tool or a machine part. Additionally, surgical or medical needles are classified under HS code 9018.32, as they are considered medical instruments rather than general hardware. Importers must also distinguish between steel needles and those made of precious metals, which would fall under Chapter 71.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731990 (the code used for sewing needles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731990 (the code used for sewing needles) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Dominican Republic, with 9.3% 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 731990, not only sewing needles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $110M 54% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $15M 7.4% of world exports
- 3 India $9.6M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $205M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Dominican Republic $19M 9.3% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $19M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 India $17M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $205M 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 sewing needles
Brazil classifies sewing needles under NCM 7319.90.00: HS 7319.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sewing needles
What is the HS code for Sewing needles?
The HS code for Sewing needles is 731990 (Sewing and knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles, for use in the hand, not elsewhere specified or included, of iron or steel). The standard HS code for manual sewing needles made of iron or steel is 7319.90.
How do I classify Sewing needles for customs?
Sewing needles is classified under HS code 731990 — Sewing and knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles, for use in the hand, not elsewhere specified or included, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are knitting needles included in this HS code?
Yes, knitting needles made of iron or steel for hand use are generally classified under the same heading, 7319, though specific subheadings may apply depending on the country's tariff schedule.
Which countries are the top exporters of sewing needles (HS 731990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731990 (the code used for sewing needles) in UN Comtrade data were China ($110M, 54% of world exports), Malaysia ($15M) and India ($9.6M). World exports came to about $205M, 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 sewing needles (HS 731990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731990 (the code used for sewing needles) in UN Comtrade data were the Dominican Republic ($19M, 9.3% of world imports), Malaysia ($19M) and India ($17M). World imports came to about $205M, 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 Sewing needles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731990 for Sewing needles 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 sewing needles in Brazil?
In Brazil, sewing needles (HS 731990) is classified under NCM 7319.90.00.