HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8480.30 – Moulding patterns; of metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics
HS code 8480.30 is the 6-digit subheading for moulding patterns, of metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics. It is used for sand casting patterns, investment casting patterns, lost wax patterns, shell moulding patterns and permanent mould patterns.
What HS 8480.30 covers
This HS code covers moulding patterns, which are master models used to create the cavities in moulds, particularly in sand casting or similar processes. These patterns replicate the exact shape of the desired final product and are used to form the impression in the moulding material. They can be made from various materials, including metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics, depending on the application and required durability. Importers are typically foundries, pattern shops, and manufacturers involved in casting or forming processes for a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and general machinery. Exporters are often specialized pattern makers or tooling companies, frequently located in regions with strong industrial design and manufacturing capabilities. Key aspects of this trade include the precision and surface finish of the patterns, as these directly influence the quality and accuracy of the resulting cast or moulded parts. The demand for moulding patterns is closely tied to the production of custom or specialized components.
- Covers
- Sand casting patterns
- Investment casting patterns
- Lost wax patterns
- Shell moulding patterns
- Permanent mould patterns
- Core box patterns
- Master patterns for replication
- Examples
- Renishaw 3D printed patterns
- Voxeljet sand patterns
- ExOne binder jet patterns
- various custom-machined metal patterns
- resin patterns for prototyping
Codes often confused with 8480.30
Common mistake. Moulding patterns can be confused with the actual moulds themselves (e.g., 8480.41), but patterns are used to create the mould cavity, not to form the final product directly. They might also be mistaken for prototypes if their specific use in mould creation isn't clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 848030, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 848030 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.4% 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 $25M 12% of world exports
- 2 Italy $22M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $20M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $213M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $24M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 United States $24M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $16M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $258M 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 8480.30
Brazil does not split HS 8480.30: its NCM code is 8480.30.00.
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 8480.30
What is HS code 848030?
HS code 848030 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Moulding patterns; of metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics. This HS code covers moulding patterns, which are master models used to create the cavities in moulds, particularly in sand casting or similar processes. These patterns replicate the exact shape of the desired final product and are used to form the impression in the moulding material. They can be made from various materials, including metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics, depending on the application and required durability. Importers are typically foundries, pattern shops, and manufacturers involved in casting or forming processes for a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and general machinery. Exporters are often specialized pattern makers or tooling companies, frequently located in regions with strong industrial design and manufacturing capabilities. Key aspects of this trade include the precision and surface finish of the patterns, as these directly influence the quality and accuracy of the resulting cast or moulded parts. The demand for moulding patterns is closely tied to the production of custom or specialized components.
What products fall under HS code 848030?
Sand casting patterns, investment casting patterns, lost wax patterns, shell moulding patterns, permanent mould patterns, core box patterns, master patterns for replication
What are common misclassifications for HS code 848030?
Moulding patterns can be confused with the actual moulds themselves (e.g., 8480.41), but patterns are used to create the mould cavity, not to form the final product directly. They might also be mistaken for prototypes if their specific use in mould creation isn't clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 848030?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 848030 in UN Comtrade data were China ($25M, 12% of world exports), Italy ($22M) and the United States ($20M). World exports came to about $213M, 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 848030?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 848030 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($24M, 9.4% of world imports), the United States ($24M) and Malaysia ($16M). World imports came to about $258M, 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 848030 structured?
HS code 848030 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 848030?
In Brazil, HS code 848030 is NCM 8480.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.