Product classification
HS code for Sinkers: 8448.51
Machines, parts and accessories of machines of heading no. 8447 or auxiliary machinery, sinkers, needles and other articles used in forming stitches.
Classification of sinkers under HS 8448.51
Sinkers are classified under HS code 8448.51 because they are essential auxiliary parts specifically designed for machines used in the textile industry, particularly those falling under heading 84.47, which covers knitting, stitch-bonding, and similar machines. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 84.48 is dedicated to auxiliary machinery for use with machines of heading 84.44, 84.45, 84.46, or 84.47. Sinkers are thin, precision-engineered metal plates that play a critical role in the knitting process by holding down the fabric loops while the needles rise, or by assisting in the knock-over process. Because they are specialized components for stitch-forming, they are explicitly named in the subheading 8448.51, which covers sinkers, needles, and other articles used in forming stitches. The classification is determined by their function as a part of a knitting machine rather than their material composition, although they are typically made of high-carbon or stainless steel to withstand repetitive mechanical stress and prevent snagging of delicate yarns. The manufacturing process involves high-precision stamping and grinding to ensure that the surfaces are perfectly smooth, as any imperfection could damage the textile being produced.
- Covers
- Circular knitting machine sinkers
- Flat-bed knitting machine sinkers
- Warp knitting sinkers
- Holding-down sinkers
- Knock-over sinkers
- Hosiery machine sinkers
- Also under 8448.51
- Groz-Beckert needles
- Kern-Liebers sinkers
- Saxonia needles
- Santoni machine parts
- Shima Seiki needles.
Codes often confused with 8448.51
Common mistake. Sinkers are frequently confused with HS code 8448.59, which is a residual category for other parts and accessories of knitting machines. However, because sinkers are specifically named in 8448.51, that code must take precedence. They are also sometimes misclassified under 7326.90 as general articles of iron or steel, but GRI 1 directs us to the more specific machinery part code in Chapter 84.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844851 (the code used for sinkers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844851 (the code used for sinkers) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% 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 844851, not only sinkers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $174M 36% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$66M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $64M 13% of world exports
World total: $481M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $178M 28% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $123M 19% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $35M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $635M 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 codes for sinkers
Brazil splits HS 8448.51 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8448.51.10Knitting machine sinkers
- 8448.51.90Knitting needles and other stitch-forming parts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sinkers
What is the HS code for Sinkers?
The HS code for Sinkers is 844851 (Machines; parts and accessories of machines of heading no. 8447 or auxiliary machinery, sinkers, needles and other articles used in forming stitches). The specific HS code for sinkers used in knitting and stitch-forming machinery is 8448.51.
How do I classify Sinkers for customs?
Sinkers is classified under HS code 844851 — Machines; parts and accessories of machines of heading no. 8447 or auxiliary machinery, sinkers, needles and other articles used in forming stitches. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are sinkers interchangeable between different machines?
No, sinkers are typically designed for specific machine gauges and models to ensure precise stitch formation and timing within the knitting cycle.
Which countries are the top exporters of sinkers (HS 844851)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844851 (the code used for sinkers) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($174M, 36% of world exports), Vietnam (about $66M) and China ($64M). World exports came to about $481M, 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 sinkers (HS 844851)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844851 (the code used for sinkers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($178M, 28% of world imports), Singapore ($123M) and Türkiye ($35M). World imports came to about $635M, 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 Sinkers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844851 for Sinkers 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 sinkers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844851 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sinkers depends on the product's details: 8448.51.10 (Knitting machine sinkers), 8448.51.90 (Knitting needles and other stitch-forming parts).