HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8480.20 – Mould bases; for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics
HS code 8480.20 is the 6-digit subheading for mould bases, for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics. It is used for standardized injection mould bases, die casting mould bases, compression mould bases, two-plate mould bases and three-plate mould bases.
What HS 8480.20 covers
This HS code encompasses mould bases, which serve as the foundational structure upon which various types of moulds are built. These bases provide the framework, support, and often the standardized components (like ejector pins, guide pillars) for the actual mould cavities. They are crucial for the efficient and precise production of items made from metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics. Importers are typically mould makers, tool and die shops, and manufacturers across industries such as automotive, electronics, packaging, and consumer goods. Exporters are often specialized manufacturers of mould components and standardized tooling, frequently from countries with advanced precision engineering capabilities. Key considerations in this trade include the standardization of dimensions, material quality (e.g., hardened steel), and the precision of machining, as these factors directly impact the performance and lifespan of the finished mould. The global demand for mould bases reflects the widespread use of moulding processes in modern manufacturing.
- Covers
- Standardized injection mould bases
- Die casting mould bases
- Compression mould bases
- Two-plate mould bases
- Three-plate mould bases
- Hot runner mould bases
- Custom mould base assemblies
- Examples
- DME mould bases
- Hasco mould bases
- Futaba mould bases
- Progressive Components mould bases
- PCS Company mould bases
Codes often confused with 8480.20
Common mistake. Mould bases are distinct from complete moulds (e.g., 8480.41 for injection moulds) as they are the structural foundation, not the cavity-forming part. They might be confused with general metal parts if their specific function as a mould base is not clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 848020, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 848020 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $147M 57% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $29M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $16M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $257M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $42M 15% of world imports
- 2 India $29M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $24M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $289M 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 code for 8480.20
Brazil does not split HS 8480.20: its NCM code is 8480.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.80 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8480.20
What is HS code 848020?
HS code 848020 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mould bases; for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics. This HS code encompasses mould bases, which serve as the foundational structure upon which various types of moulds are built. These bases provide the framework, support, and often the standardized components (like ejector pins, guide pillars) for the actual mould cavities. They are crucial for the efficient and precise production of items made from metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics. Importers are typically mould makers, tool and die shops, and manufacturers across industries such as automotive, electronics, packaging, and consumer goods. Exporters are often specialized manufacturers of mould components and standardized tooling, frequently from countries with advanced precision engineering capabilities. Key considerations in this trade include the standardization of dimensions, material quality (e.g., hardened steel), and the precision of machining, as these factors directly impact the performance and lifespan of the finished mould. The global demand for mould bases reflects the widespread use of moulding processes in modern manufacturing.
What products fall under HS code 848020?
Standardized injection mould bases, die casting mould bases, compression mould bases, two-plate mould bases, three-plate mould bases, hot runner mould bases, custom mould base assemblies
What are common misclassifications for HS code 848020?
Mould bases are distinct from complete moulds (e.g., 8480.41 for injection moulds) as they are the structural foundation, not the cavity-forming part. They might be confused with general metal parts if their specific function as a mould base is not clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 848020?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 848020 in UN Comtrade data were China ($147M, 57% of world exports), South Korea ($29M) and the United States ($16M). World exports came to about $257M, 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 goods under HS code 848020?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 848020 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($42M, 15% of world imports), India ($29M) and Germany ($24M). World imports came to about $289M, 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.
How is HS code 848020 structured?
HS code 848020 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (80) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 848020?
In Brazil, HS code 848020 is NCM 8480.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.