Product classification
HS code for Stitch forming elements: 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 stitch forming elements under HS 8448.51
The classification of stitch forming elements under HS code 8448.51 is determined by their specific function as essential components for textile machinery. This code specifically covers parts and accessories for machines falling under heading 84.47, which includes knitting, stitch-bonding, and lace-making machines. These elements are critical for the mechanical process of creating loops or stitches in textile production. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), parts that are suitable for use solely or principally with a particular kind of machine are classified with those machines or in specific headings for parts. Since these elements are specialized for the stitch-forming process, they are categorized here rather than under general hardware headings. The technical nature of these components, often made of high-grade steel and precision-engineered to withstand high-speed repetitive motion, distinguishes them from general machine parts. These items are not considered general-purpose tools but are integral to the automated textile manufacturing process. Proper classification requires identifying the specific machine they serve, as parts for weaving machines or spinning frames fall under different subheadings of 84.48. The precision required for these elements means they are often manufactured by specialized firms rather than the machine manufacturers themselves, yet they remain classified based on their end-use in stitch-forming machinery.
- Covers
- Latch needles used in knitting
- Spring beard needles
- Sinkers for loop formation
- Sliders and jacks for needle selection
- Point needles and transfer needles
- 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. One common area of confusion involves HS code 8448.39, which covers parts and accessories for machines of heading 84.45 (spinning and preparing machines). While both codes deal with textile machinery parts, 8448.51 is strictly for stitch-forming machines. Another frequent error is classifying these industrial needles under 7319.90, which is intended for hand-sewing needles, knitting needles for hand use, and bodkins of iron or steel. The distinction lies in the industrial application and the mechanical design of the stitch-forming elements compared to manual tools.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844851 (the code used for stitch forming elements), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844851 (the code used for stitch forming elements) 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 stitch forming elements.
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 stitch forming elements
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 stitch forming elements
What is the HS code for Stitch forming elements?
The HS code for Stitch forming elements 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 primary HS code for these components is 8448.51, which covers sinkers, needles, and other articles used in forming stitches for machines of heading 84.47.
How do I classify Stitch forming elements for customs?
Stitch forming elements 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 these elements the same as sewing machine needles?
No, sewing machine needles are classified under HS code 8452.30. While both form stitches, 8448.51 is reserved for knitting and stitch-bonding machinery parts.
Which countries are the top exporters of stitch forming elements (HS 844851)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844851 (the code used for stitch forming elements) 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 stitch forming elements (HS 844851)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844851 (the code used for stitch forming elements) 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 Stitch forming elements the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844851 for Stitch forming elements 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 forming elements in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844851 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for stitch forming elements depends on the product's details: 8448.51.10 (Knitting machine sinkers), 8448.51.90 (Knitting needles and other stitch-forming parts).