Looking to purchase a sewing machine in China but not sure of the correct HS code? There are many sewing machine custom hs codes for identifying different sewing machines and
Sewing Machine Parts. The International trade association for the garment industry (ITAG) has defined a sewing machine very simply. It's "a precision-machined metal or plastic device with a motor, gears, and cutters used to stitch two pieces of fabric together." Sewing machines come in different shapes and sizes. And also they vary in HS codes. Here's your guide to the HS code system!
What is Harmonized System (HS)?
HS codes, also known as the Harmonized System (HS) Codes, are a system of product classification used by customs officials to identify and classify goods. The HS code is a ten-digit number that identifies a particular product or group of products.
The first four digits of the HS code represent the chapter of the Harmonized System that corresponds to the product. The remaining six digits identify the specific product within that chapter.
The Harmonized System is divided into 21 chapters, which are further divided into sections and sub-sections. Each section and sub-section corresponds to a specific type of product.
The HS code is used to determine the duty that must be paid on imported goods. Customs officials use the HS code to identify the products being imported and to calculate the applicable duty rate.
Sewing machines fall under the category NO.8452 of the Chinese Harmonized System. As such, all sewing machines exported in China must bear an HS code. This is a numeric code that identifies the particular good being exported. The code is used by customs officials to determine duty rates and other import requirements.
Why sewing machine Harmonized System (HS) is important?
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally recognized system of classifying goods. Goods are classified by their type, quality, and other features. This system is important because it helps customs officials determine the correct duty to charge on imported or exported goods.
The Harmonized System also helps businesses understand what classification their products fall into. This can help businesses decide where to export their products and what tariffs to charge. The Harmonized System is constantly being updated as new products are developed.
When importing a sewing machine into China, you will need to know the correct HS code in order to receive the correct customs duty rate. The table below outlines the most common HS codes for sewing machines.
If you are unsure of which HS code to use, please contact your local customs office for assistance.
China sewing machine HS codes listing
Details on the HS codes for sewing machines and their associated product descriptions:
84529099.00 Other parts for sewing machines of non-household type(other than rotating shuttles).
84529019.00 Other parts for sewing machines of household type.
84522190.00 Other sewing machines of non-household type, automatic units.
84522900.00 Other non-automatic sewing machines(other than of household type).
84523000.00 Sewing machine needles.
84529091.00 Rotating shuttles for sewing machines of the non-household type.
84529092.00 Furniture, bases, and covers for sewing machines of non-household type, and parts thereof.
84521091.00 Sewing machines of household type, Hand operated.
84529011.00 Rotating shuttles for sewing machines of household type.
84521010.00 Multifunctional sewing machines of household type.
Other items that are easy to mix with sewing machine HS codes:
84532000.00 Machinery for making or repairing footwear.
84538000.00 Other machinery for making or repairing other articles of hides, skins, or leather, other than sewing machines.
How can we identify the HS codes quickly?
So let's first look into the HS codes of most special parts, including the sewing machine needles, and rotary hooks. And then we check all the rest between two categories: household type and non-household type. From the full set machine to spare parts, we'll be able to identify the codes quickly.
1. Sewing machine needle HS code
First of all, sewing machine needles have a separate code apart from sewing machines and sewing machine parts. It is 84523000.00.
There are many types of sewing machines needles that can be used for different fabrics and purposes. They each have a separate code and it is important to know which one to use for the project at hand. Sewing machine needles come in different sizes and shapes and are usually classified according to their thickness. The most common are sharp needles, ballpoint needles, and denim needles. And
China's sewing machine needles exporting value is 210M USD in 2019.
2. Sewing machine rotary hook HS code
For household-type sewing machine rotary hooks, the HS code is 84529011.00.
For non-household type sewing machine rotary hooks, the HS code is 84529091.00.
Same as needles, the rotary hooks are also using a unique HS code apart from the sewing machine. But it's different from household to non-household types.
3. Full set sewing machines
Household sewing machine HS code
If you are importing or exporting a hand-operated sewing machine at home (household type), use the code 84521091.00.
It's purely hand-operated, with no motor to support the sewing mechanism.
If you are importing or exporting a multi-functional sewing machine used at home (household type), the code will be 84521010.00.
Non-household sewing machine HS code
If you are importing a non-household sewing machine, with programming functions for automatic sewing operation, known as an
Industrial Sewing Machine mainly for factory application(of course can be used at home such as the JUKI 8700
Single Needle Sewing Machine), the HS code will be 84522190.00.
Within IHG sewing machines, the
Bar Tacking Sewing Machine 430D are usually using this code. The same does for the
Pattern Sewing Machine. It is digitally programmable on a screen-touch panel. So does the
jeans pocket setter sewing machine.
And if the industrial sewing equipment is not programmable, only equipped with a servo motor or clutch motor to support sewing operation, the code will be 84522900.00.
What is the ultrasonic sewing machine HS code? Same to 84522900.00.
What is a cylinder bed sewing machine HS code? Same to 84522900.00.
And the list goes on to high post bed sewing machine,
Feed Off The Arm Sewing Machine, etc.
4. Sewing machine parts HS code
Household sewing machine parts HS code
If you are buying household type
sewing machine spare parts only, or along with the full set machine you need to list them out, there will be an extra code: 84529019.00
Remember, needles and rotary hooks are not included in the code 84529019.00. But sewing machine presser foot, belt, motor, and many other spare parts are listed under this code.
Industrial sewing machine parts HS code
There will be a little confused here:
84529099.00 Other parts for sewing machines of non-household type(other than rotating shuttles).
84529092.00 Furniture, bases, and covers for sewing machines of non-household type, and parts thereof.
Still, let's apart from sewing machine needles and rotary hooks for industrial application, the usual code will be 84529099.00. Same examples as presser foot, needle bar, servo motors, etc.
But when we are mentioning furniture, bases, and covers to support the machine installation, we'll apply the code 84529092.00. Such as industrial sewing machine tables and stands, metal frames of pattern sewing machines, maintenance support metals, etc.
Final thoughts
It is important to be aware of the HS code for your sewing machine when shipping to China. By using the Chinese Custom Code, you can avoid any potential delays or issues at customs. Remember to always research the proper codes and paperwork needed for international shipping, in order to avoid any costly or time-consuming mistakes. Even though we have listed and explained the codes according to our exporting experience, you are still suggested to ask your local custom for importing confirmation. I hope this guide can get you in the right direction for communicating with your factories or customers.
