Product classification
HS code for Spindles: 8448.33
Machines, parts and accessories of machines or auxiliary machinery, spindles, spindle flyers, spinning rings and ring travellers.
Classification of spindles under HS 8448.33
Spindles used in the textile industry are classified under HS code 8448.33. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which covers mechanical appliances and their parts. Heading 8448 is specifically designated for auxiliary machinery for use with machines of heading 8444, 8445, 8446, or 8447, as well as parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of these headings. Since spindles are essential components of spinning machines (which fall under heading 8445), they are categorized here. Subheading 8448.33 provides a specific breakout for spindles, spindle flyers, spinning rings, and ring travellers. The classification is based on the principle that parts of textile machinery are grouped with the machinery they serve, provided they are not excluded by Section XVI notes or more specifically described elsewhere. These spindles are precision-engineered components designed to rotate at high speeds to twist fibers into yarn, and their specialized nature excludes them from general-purpose shaft headings. The classification remains the same regardless of the material (steel, aluminum, or alloys) or the specific type of textile fiber being processed.
- Covers
- Textile spinning spindles
- Spindle flyers
- Spinning rings
- Ring travellers
- Twisting spindles for textile machinery
- High-speed spindles for ring frames
- Also under 8448.33
- Suessen Elite spindles
- SKF spinning rings
- Bräcker ring travellers
- Novibra spindles
- Zinser spindles
Codes often confused with 8448.33
Common mistake. Spindles are often misclassified under 8483.10, which covers transmission shafts and cranks. While a spindle is a rotating shaft, the specific provision in 8448.33 for textile machinery parts takes precedence over the general machinery parts heading. Another error is using 8448.39, which is the residual category for other parts of machines of heading 8445; however, because spindles are explicitly named in 8448.33, that code must be used. Additionally, spindles for machine tools (like CNC spindles) are classified under 8466 and should not be confused with textile spindles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844833 (the code used for spindles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844833 (the code used for spindles) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 21% 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 844833, not only spindles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $29M 21% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $24M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $21M 15% of world exports
World total: $140M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $37M 28% of world imports
- 2 India $14M 10% of world imports
- 3 Switzerland $8.9M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $131M 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 spindles
Brazil splits HS 8448.33 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8448.33.10Spinning ring travellers
- 8448.33.90Spindles, spindle flyers and spinning rings
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about spindles
What is the HS code for Spindles?
The HS code for Spindles is 844833 (Machines; parts and accessories of machines or auxiliary machinery, spindles, spindle flyers, spinning rings and ring travellers). The HS code for textile spinning spindles is 8448.33.
How do I classify Spindles for customs?
Spindles is classified under HS code 844833 — Machines; parts and accessories of machines or auxiliary machinery, spindles, spindle flyers, spinning rings and ring travellers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are CNC machine spindles included in this code?
No, HS code 8448.33 is specifically for textile machinery. Spindles for machine tools are typically classified under heading 8466.
Which countries are the top exporters of spindles (HS 844833)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844833 (the code used for spindles) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($29M, 21% of world exports), Czechia ($24M) and Germany ($21M). World exports came to about $140M, 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 spindles (HS 844833)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844833 (the code used for spindles) in UN Comtrade data were China ($37M, 28% of world imports), India ($14M) and Switzerland ($8.9M). World imports came to about $131M, 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 Spindles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844833 for Spindles 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 spindles in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844833 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for spindles depends on the product's details: 8448.33.10 (Spinning ring travellers), 8448.33.90 (Spindles, spindle flyers and spinning rings).