48针编织机
CN → USAI Analysis
🧶 48-Gauge Knitting Machines (Textile Machinery)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know “48-Gauge Knitting Machines”?
A 48-gauge knitting machine is a high-precision textile machinery used primarily for producing fine-knit fabrics, such as those used in apparel (lingerie, underwear, lightweight sweaters), medical textiles, and technical fabrics. The “48 gauge” refers to the number of needles per inch (or per certain unit length), indicating the fineness of the knit. In international trade, these machines are classified under Chapter 84 (Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof), specifically as parts of textile machinery.
Key Distinction:
- If the machine is a complete unit capable of knitting fabric autonomously → Classified as 8446.
- If sold as spare parts (e.g., needles, cam plates, feeders) for such machines → Classified under 8448.
⚠️ Critical Classification Point:
- Complete machines (knitting machines, circular or flat) → 8446.30 / 8446.89
- Parts specifically for machines of heading 8444 or 8445 → 8448.20
- Parts specifically for knitting machines of heading 8446 → 8448.91
📦 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
8446.30.00.00 |
Circular knitting machines | Machines with circular needle beds; used for tubes of fabric (e.g., socks, t-shirts) | Complete machine |
8446.89.00.00 |
Other knitting machines | Flat knitting machines, 48-gauge flat bed machines, or other non-circular types | Complete machine |
8448.20.00.00 |
Parts for machines of heading 8444 or 8445 | Spares for spinning/weaving machines (not applicable here) | ❌ Incorrect for knitting machines |
8448.91.00.00 |
Parts for knitting machines of heading 8446 | Needles, cam plates, feeders, sinkers for 8446 machines | Spare parts only |
8448.99.00.00 |
Other parts of machinery of heading 8444 to 8447 | General spare parts not specifically listed | Backup for unlisted parts |
9031.80.90.00 |
Other measuring or checking instruments | If the “48-gauge” refers to a measuring device, not a machine | ❌ Rare, only if not a machine |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- A complete 48-gauge flat knitting machine must be classified under 8446.89.00.00.
- Do not misclassify as “textile equipment” under Chapter 84 without specifying “knitting machine.”
- Spare parts (needles, cams) must be declared separately if shipped alone.
💰 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 8446.89.00.00 — Other Knitting Machines (e.g., 48-Gauge Flat Bed)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (per USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (for China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:8446.89.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- The 25% USITC additional duty is part of Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods.
- The 10% IEEPA additional duty is an extra levy under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total 45% is a high tariff rate, requiring careful cost planning.
🎯 2. 8448.91.00.00 — Parts for Knitting Machines of Heading 8446
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:8448.91.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Note:
- Spare parts (needles, cams) for 48-gauge knitting machines face the same 45% total tariff.
- Even if parts are small, they are subject to the same additional duties if of Chinese origin.
🛠️ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must include gauge, type (flat/circular), dimensions, power rating |
| ✅ Machine Drawing / Schematic | ✔️ | To confirm classification as “knitting machine” vs. “part” |
| ✅ Product Photos (with Nameplate) | ✔️ | Clear view of model, brand, input/output specs |
| ✅ Third-Party Test Reports | ✔️ | CE, UL, RoHS (if applicable) |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must state “Knitting Machine, 48-Gauge, Flat Bed” |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | If non-Chinese origin, may reduce tariffs |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Show relationship between main unit and parts |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
🔥 “Complete Machine vs. Parts: Declare Accurately, Avoid Double Taxation!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 48-gauge flat knitting machine | 8446.89.00.00 |
Misclassify as “textile part” → 45% |
| Spare needles/cams for 8446 machine | 8448.91.00.00 |
Misclassify as “general part” → 45% |
| Machine + parts packed together | Declare as one entry with breakdown | Split declaration → Risk of higher scrutiny |
| Machine for R&D/lab use | Still 8446.89.00.00 |
No exemption unless specially approved |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Machines | Provide customer order + design drawings to avoid “non-standard” labeling |
| Used Machines | Provide proof of age and condition; may still face 45% tariff |
| Machines for Medical Textiles | No special exemption; same tariff applies |
| Machines for Military/Special Use | No automatic tariff reduction; must apply for special clearance |
🌍 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 8446.89.00.00 |
45% (China origin) | CE/UL + RoHS | High tariff due to Section 301 + IEEPA |
| 🇨🇳 China | 8446.89.00.00 |
0% | CCC + RoHS | No additional duties |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 8446.89.00.00 |
0% | CE + ErP | No additional duties |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 8446.89.00.00 |
5% | RCM | No additional duties |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 8446.89.00.00 |
0% | PSE | No additional duties |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market imposing high additional duties on Chinese-origin textile machinery.
- Chinese-origin 48-gauge knitting machines face a 45% total tariff in the US, significantly impacting cost.
- Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) to mitigate tariff risk.
📌 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring a complete machine as “spare parts”
👉 Consequence: Incorrect classification → Potential penalties or delays
❌ Mistake 2: Not providing technical drawings
👉 Consequence: Customs unable to verify classification → Detention or rejection
❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring IEEPA additional duties
👉 Consequence: Underpayment of 10% → Back taxes + interest
❌ Mistake 4: Using vague terms like “textile equipment”
👉 Consequence: Customs may reclassify to higher tariff item → 45% applies
✅ Correct Approach:
“Flat Knitting Machine, 48-Gauge, Model XYZ, CE Certified, CIF $10,000, HS Code 8446.89.00.00”
🎯 7. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Cost Optimization!
🎯 Key Takeaways:
🔹 “Complete machine: 8446.89, Parts: 8448.91, Both 45% in USA”
🔹 “HS Code determines tariff; misclassification costs thousands”
🔹 “Provide complete docs, declare accurately, avoid penalties”
📌 Pro Tip:
If your knitting machines are originally produced in Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption, reducing tariffs to 0%~5%.
Recommend applying for Advance Ruling from US Customs to confirm classification before shipment.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide machine specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure smooth customs clearance, reduce costs, and maximize profit margins!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every dollar saved is a dollar earned!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.