Product classification
HS code for Shoe making machine: 8453.20
Machinery, for making or repairing footwear, other than sewing machines.
Classification of shoe making machine under HS 8453.20
Shoe making machinery is classified under HS code 8453.20. This classification is based on the functional application of the machinery within Section XVI of the Harmonized System, which covers mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8453 is designated for machinery used for preparing, tanning, or working hides, skins, or leather, or for making or repairing footwear. Subheading 8453.20 is the specific carve-out for machinery dedicated to the production and maintenance of shoes. The classification logic follows GRI 1, where the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes are paramount. Because these machines are engineered for the specific mechanical requirements of footwear assembly—such as lasting, sole-pressing, or heel-attaching—they are distinguished from general-purpose industrial machinery. This code allows for the monitoring of industrial manufacturing capacity and the application of specific trade policies related to the footwear production sector.
- Covers
- Lasting machines for shaping the shoe upper
- Sole-stitching and sole-attaching machines
- Heel-nailing and heel-building machines
- Clicking presses for cutting leather components
- Shoe-repairing machinery
- Roughing and scouring machines for shoe bottoms
- Also under 8453.20
- Atom cutting press
- Cerim lasting machine
- Gusbi sole attaching machine
- Camoga splitting machine
Codes often confused with 8453.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with industrial sewing machines, which are often used in shoe factories but must be classified under HS code 8452. Heading 8453 specifically excludes sewing machines. Additionally, injection molding machines used to create plastic or rubber soles are classified under 8477.10, as they are categorized by their method of working plastic rather than their end-product (shoes). Importers often confuse general leather-working machinery (8453.10) with shoe-making machinery (8453.20); the distinction lies in whether the machine is preparing the raw material or actually assembling the footwear.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845320 (the code used for shoe making machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845320 (the code used for shoe making machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 34% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 845320, not only shoe making machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $375M 74% of world exports
- 2 Italy $50M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $18M 3.7% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $506M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$151M 34% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Indonesia $90M 20% of world imports
- 3 India $54M 12% of world imports
World total: $448M 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 shoe making machine
Brazil classifies shoe making machine under NCM 8453.20.00: HS 8453.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about shoe making machine
What is the HS code for Shoe making machine?
The HS code for Shoe making machine is 845320 (Machinery; for making or repairing footwear, other than sewing machines). The specific HS code for machinery used in the making or repairing of footwear is 8453.20.
How do I classify Shoe making machine for customs?
Shoe making machine is classified under HS code 845320 — Machinery; for making or repairing footwear, other than sewing machines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include spare parts for the machines?
Parts for these machines are generally classified under HS code 8453.90, following the rules for parts of machinery within Chapter 84.
Which countries are the top exporters of shoe making machine (HS 845320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845320 (the code used for shoe making machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($375M, 74% of world exports), Italy ($50M) and South Korea ($18M). World exports came to about $506M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of shoe making machine (HS 845320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845320 (the code used for shoe making machine) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $151M, 34% of world imports), Indonesia ($90M) and India ($54M). World imports came to about $448M, 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 Shoe making machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845320 for Shoe 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 shoe making machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, shoe making machine (HS 845320) is classified under NCM 8453.20.00.