Harmonized System
U.S. imports of Letterpress Printing Machinery, Non-Reel-Fed (Excluding Flexographic) (HS 844315) totaled $85K in August 2026, imported from 7 countries.
Importers of Letterpress Printing Machinery, Non-Reel-Fed (Excluding Flexographic) paid $18K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 20.92% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Letterpress Printing Machinery, Non-Reel-Fed (Excluding Flexographic) imports of $85K in August 2026 ran 68% below the year-to-date monthly average of $265K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataSheet-fed and platen-style letterpress presses — excluding both reel-fed and flexographic variants — serve specialty commercial printing, fine-art printing, and short-run packaging applications where tactile impression and traditional typography remain valued. The United Kingdom and Netherlands lead supply under this heading, with Germany also a significant source, reflecting the continued European craftsmanship tradition in specialty press manufacturing. As with reel-fed letterpress, the flexographic exclusion is the key classification boundary: machines using flexible relief plates belong under 844316 regardless of whether they are sheet-fed or reel-fed.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
12 import shipments a month
Yes, provided the machine functions as a letterpress printing press and is not reel-fed and not flexographic. Condition (new, used, antique) does not change the HTS classification. However, antique machinery may require a formal appraisal for customs valuation purposes, and CBP may scrutinize the declared value of vintage equipment. A licensed customs broker can advise on valuation methodology and any applicable antique-goods provisions.
The most useful documents are the manufacturer's technical specification sheet or operator manual clearly identifying the press as a letterpress (rigid type or plate) rather than a flexographic (flexible plate) machine. If the press is used or lacks original documentation, a written technical description from a qualified printing-industry engineer or the seller can support the classification. CBP may request this evidence if the printing method is not apparent from the commercial invoice description.
Subheading 9 of 13 in heading 8443
Subheading 844315 · $85K of $851.3M
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8443150000 | Letterpress Printing Machinery, Except Reel-Fed | $85K | 20.92% | 100.00% | $18K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8443150000 | Letterpress Printing Machinery, Except Reel-Fed | $5K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$85KYoY · free account
Exports
$5KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $2.4M of Letterpress Printing Machinery, Non-Reel-Fed (Excluding Flexographic) and exported $240K.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
United Kingdom and China together supply 100% of it. China pays 37.5% duty; United Kingdom 10.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 20.92% of imports for consumption.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 844315 — Letterpress Printing Machinery, Non-Reel-Fed (Excluding Flexographic), so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.