Product classification

HS code for Vacuum forming machine: 8477.40

Machinery, vacuum moulding machines and other thermoforming machines, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials.

Classification of vacuum forming machine under HS 8477.40

Vacuum forming machines, a subset of thermoforming machinery, are classified under HS code 8477.40. These machines are used for working rubber or plastics. The process involves heating a plastic sheet until it becomes pliable and then using a vacuum to pull the sheet over a mold. This specific subheading (8477.40) covers vacuum molding machines and other thermoforming machines. Classification is based on the machine's function (molding/forming) and the material it processes (plastics/rubber), falling under the broader category of machinery for the plastics industry in Chapter 84. The machinery must be designed specifically for the manipulation of polymers. The vacuum component is an integral part of the forming process, distinguishing it from mechanical presses or injection systems. Under GRI 1, the machine is classified by its functional description in the heading and subheading text. This code includes both large-scale industrial thermoformers used for packaging and small-scale units used in dental labs or prototyping shops.

Covers
  • Industrial vacuum thermoforming machines
  • Dental vacuum forming units for aligners
  • Automatic plastic tray forming machines
  • Manual vacuum formers for prototyping
  • Thin-gauge and heavy-gauge vacuum forming equipment
Also under 8477.40
  • Illig Thermoformers
  • Kiefel Thermoforming Machines
  • Gabler Thermoformers
  • WM Thermoforming Machines

Codes often confused with 8477.40

Common mistake. Vacuum forming machines are often confused with injection molding machines (8477.10) or blow molding machines (8477.30). While all process plastics, the mechanical method of forming is distinct. Another error is classifying them under 8419.89 if the focus is placed solely on the heating element; however, since the primary purpose is molding plastic, 8477.40 is the correct functional classification. Machines for forming metal are classified under 8462.

8477.10Machinery; injection-moulding machines, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials8477.30Machinery; blow moulding machines, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials8419.89Machinery, plant and laboratory equipment; for treating materials by change of temperature, other than for making hot drinks or cooking or heating food84.62Machine-tools (including presses) for working metal by forging, hammering or die forging (excluding rolling mills); machine-tools (including presses, slitting lines and cut-to-length lines) for working metal by bending, folding, straightening, flattening,

Top exporters and importers of HS 847740 (the code used for vacuum forming machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847740 (the code used for vacuum forming machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 847740, not only vacuum forming machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $435M
  2. 2 Germany $159M
  3. 3 Italy $62M

World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $362M
  2. 2 United States $94M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$71M

World total: $1.2B 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 vacuum forming machine

Brazil splits HS 8477.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8477.40.10Vacuum moulders for EPS or EPP foam
  • 8477.40.90Other vacuum moulding and thermoforming machines

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about vacuum forming machine

What is the HS code for Vacuum forming machine?

The HS code for Vacuum forming machine is 847740 (Machinery; vacuum moulding machines and other thermoforming machines, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials). The HS code for vacuum molding and other thermoforming machines for rubber or plastics is 8477.40.

How do I classify Vacuum forming machine for customs?

Vacuum forming machine is classified under HS code 847740 — Machinery; vacuum moulding machines and other thermoforming machines, for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include the molds used in the machine?

No, molds are generally classified separately under heading 8480, specifically 8480.71 or 8480.79 for rubber or plastic molds.

Which countries are the top exporters of vacuum forming machine (HS 847740)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847740 (the code used for vacuum forming machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($435M, 42% of world exports), Germany ($159M) and Italy ($62M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 vacuum forming machine (HS 847740)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 847740 (the code used for vacuum forming machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($362M, 29% of world imports), the United States ($94M) and Vietnam (about $71M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Vacuum forming machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 847740 for Vacuum forming 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 vacuum forming machine in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 847740 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for vacuum forming machine depends on the product's details: 8477.40.10 (Vacuum moulders for EPS or EPP foam), 8477.40.90 (Other vacuum moulding and thermoforming machines).