Product classification
HS code for Tube making machine: 8441.30
Machines, for making cartons, boxes, cases, tubes, drums or similar containers (other than by moulding), of paper pulp, paper or paperboard.
Classification of tube making machine under HS 8441.30
The classification of tube making machines under HS code 8441.30 is strictly determined by their specialized function in the conversion of paper pulp, paper, or paperboard into finished cylindrical or rectangular containers. This specific code addresses machinery designed for making cartons, boxes, cases, tubes, drums, or similar containers through mechanical forming methods other than moulding. The technical distinction lies in the complex mechanical process of forming the shape from flat sheets or continuous rolls of paper material. These machines typically integrate several stages of production, including multiple unwinding stations for ply-loading, precision adhesive application units that ensure structural integrity, and spiral or parallel winding mandrels that define the internal diameter of the tube. Furthermore, they incorporate high-speed precision cutting mechanisms, such as servo-driven saws or knives, which work in a synchronized sequence to produce rigid paper tubes. These tubes are used across a vast array of industries, ranging from heavy-duty shipping cores for the paper and film industries to textile yarn carriers, consumer-grade mailing tubes, and composite cans for food packaging. The classification is driven by the fact that the machine transforms the raw paper material into a specific three-dimensional container form, which is the core criteria for heading 8441. This heading excludes machines that merely cut paper without forming a container, as well as machines that work with plastic or metal materials, ensuring a narrow focus on paper-based container manufacturing technology.
- Covers
- Spiral paper tube winding machines
- Parallel paper core making machines
- Paperboard drum manufacturing equipment
- Automatic paper tube labeling and cutting lines
- Composite can forming machinery
- Also under 8441.30
- Bobst Masterfold 110 A3 Folder-Gluer
- EMBA 245 QS Flexo Folder Gluer
- Guschky & Tönnesmann Spiral Tube Winder
- Heiber + Schröder Tray Erector
- KBA-Flexotecnica Corrugated Box Machine
Codes often confused with 8441.30
Common mistake. These machines are often confused with HS code 8477.20, which covers extruders for plastic tube production. It is also frequently mixed up with 8441.10, which is reserved for machines that only perform cutting operations without the forming or gluing necessary to create a tube. Additionally, 8422.40 (packing or wrapping machinery) is sometimes incorrectly used when the machine is part of an integrated packaging line.
Top exporters and importers of HS 844130 (the code used for tube making machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 844130 (the code used for tube making machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 844130, not only tube making machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $543M 29% of world exports
- 2 France $286M 15% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $211M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $292M 18% of world imports
- 2 Italy $114M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $113M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 tube making machine
Brazil splits HS 8441.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8441.30.10Box folder-gluers
- 8441.30.90Other carton, box or tube making machines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tube making machine
What is the HS code for Tube making machine?
The HS code for Tube making machine is 844130 (Machines; for making cartons, boxes, cases, tubes, drums or similar containers (other than by moulding), of paper pulp, paper or paperboard). The HS code for machines making paper or paperboard tubes is 8441.30.
How do I classify Tube making machine for customs?
Tube making machine is classified under HS code 844130 — Machines; for making cartons, boxes, cases, tubes, drums or similar containers (other than by moulding), of paper pulp, paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover machines for plastic tubes?
No, machines that extrude or mould plastic tubes are classified under heading 8477.
Which countries are the top exporters of tube making machine (HS 844130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 844130 (the code used for tube making machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($543M, 29% of world exports), France ($286M) and Switzerland ($211M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 tube making machine (HS 844130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 844130 (the code used for tube making machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($292M, 18% of world imports), Italy ($114M) and Germany ($113M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Tube making machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 844130 for Tube 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 tube making machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 844130 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for tube making machine depends on the product's details: 8441.30.10 (Box folder-gluers), 8441.30.90 (Other carton, box or tube making machines).