Product classification
HS code for Stitch-bonding machine: 8447.20
Knitting machines, flat, stitch-bonding machines.
Classification of stitch-bonding machine under HS 8447.20
The HS code 8447.20 is designated for stitch-bonding machines, which are categorized alongside flat knitting machines. These machines are distinct from traditional weaving looms or standard sewing machines because they utilize a specific mechanism to form fabrics by stitching through a web of fibers or other substrates. The classification is based on the machine's primary function of creating a textile surface through a knitting-like process. Under the Harmonized System, machinery is often grouped by the specific mechanical action it performs. Stitch-bonding machines are technically similar to warp knitting machines, particularly Raschel machines, but are specialized for bonding fiber layers. This classification ensures that industrial textile machinery is distinguished from domestic appliances and from machines that perform different textile operations like spinning or weaving. The machines in this category are typically large-scale industrial units used in the production of technical textiles, geotextiles, and upholstery backings. The grouping with flat knitting machines reflects the shared mechanical principles of needle beds and loop formation used to secure the fiber webs.
- Covers
- Industrial stitch-bonding machines
- Flat knitting machines
- Warp knitting machines (Raschel type)
- Maliwatt and Malivlies machines
- Longitudinal stitch-bonding units
- Also under 8447.20
- Shima Seiki SVR Series
- Stoll ADF Series
- Karl Mayer Malimo
- Steiger Taurus
Codes often confused with 8447.20
Common mistake. Stitch-bonding machines are often confused with circular knitting machines, which fall under HS code 8447.11 or 8447.12. The primary difference is the configuration of the needle bed. Furthermore, they are sometimes incorrectly classified under HS code 8452, which is reserved for sewing machines. While both involve needles and thread, 8452 is for joining existing fabrics or hemming, whereas 8447.20 is for the creation of the fabric itself from raw fibers or yarns.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844720 (the code used for stitch-bonding machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844720 (the code used for stitch-bonding machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 16% 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 844720, not only stitch-bonding machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $430M 60% of world exports
- 2 Japan $143M 20% of world exports
- 3 Germany $74M 10% of world exports
World total: $719M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$113M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$101M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $96M 13% of world imports
World total: $714M 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 stitch-bonding machine
Brazil splits HS 8447.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8447.20.10Hand flat knitting machines
- 8447.20.21Power warp knitting machines
- 8447.20.29Other power flat knitting machines
- 8447.20.30Stitch-bonding machines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about stitch-bonding machine
What is the HS code for Stitch-bonding machine?
The HS code for Stitch-bonding machine is 844720 (Knitting machines; flat, stitch-bonding machines). The HS code for stitch-bonding machines is 8447.20, which also covers flat knitting machines.
How do I classify Stitch-bonding machine for customs?
Stitch-bonding machine is classified under HS code 844720 — Knitting machines; flat, stitch-bonding machines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include domestic sewing machines?
No, domestic and industrial sewing machines are classified under heading 84.52, not 84.47.
Which countries are the top exporters of stitch-bonding machine (HS 844720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844720 (the code used for stitch-bonding machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($430M, 60% of world exports), Japan ($143M) and Germany ($74M). World exports came to about $719M, 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 stitch-bonding machine (HS 844720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844720 (the code used for stitch-bonding machine) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $113M, 16% of world imports), Vietnam (about $101M) and India ($96M). World imports came to about $714M, 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 Stitch-bonding machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844720 for Stitch-bonding 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 stitch-bonding machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844720 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for stitch-bonding machine depends on the product's details: 8447.20.10 (Hand flat knitting machines), 8447.20.21 (Power warp knitting machines), 8447.20.29 (Other power flat knitting machines), 8447.20.30 (Stitch-bonding machines).