HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8480.41 – Moulds; for metal or metal carbides, injection or compression types
HS code 8480.41 is the 6-digit subheading for moulds, for metal or metal carbides, injection or compression types. It is used for metal injection moulding (MIM) tools, powder metallurgy compression dies, carbide forming moulds, hot pressing dies and cold pressing dies.
What HS 8480.41 covers
This HS code specifically covers injection or compression moulds designed for shaping metal or metal carbides. These highly engineered tools are critical for producing complex, high-precision metal components through processes like metal injection moulding (MIM) or powder metallurgy compression. They are essential for industries requiring intricate parts with excellent surface finish and tight tolerances, such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and electronics. Importers are typically manufacturers utilizing advanced metal forming techniques, seeking to produce components efficiently and at scale. Exporters are often specialized tool and die makers or precision engineering firms, predominantly from countries with advanced manufacturing technologies. Key considerations in this trade include the mould's material (e.g., hardened tool steel), its design complexity, precision machining, and durability under high pressure and temperature. The demand for these moulds is driven by the increasing need for lightweight, strong, and complex metal parts in modern industrial applications.
- Covers
- Metal injection moulding (MIM) tools
- Powder metallurgy compression dies
- Carbide forming moulds
- Hot pressing dies
- Cold pressing dies
- Progressive dies for metal
- Fine blanking dies
- Examples
- Schunk compression moulds
- Kennametal carbide dies
- StackTeck injection moulds for metal
- custom-made MIM tooling
- Sumitomo (for their MIM machines, but also the moulds)
Codes often confused with 8480.41
Common mistake. These moulds are distinct from moulds for plastics (8480.71) or glass (8480.50) due to their specific application with metals and metal carbides, and their design for injection or compression processes. They should not be confused with general metalworking tools.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 848041, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 848041 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 18% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.5% of its imports here ($5.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $529M 44% of world exports
- 2 Italy $153M 13% of world exports
- 3 Japan $122M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $195M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $90M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$89M 8.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.5% of its imports here ($5.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $1.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 8480.41
Brazil does not split HS 8480.41: its NCM code is 8480.41.00.
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 8480.41
What is HS code 848041?
HS code 848041 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Moulds; for metal or metal carbides, injection or compression types. This HS code specifically covers injection or compression moulds designed for shaping metal or metal carbides. These highly engineered tools are critical for producing complex, high-precision metal components through processes like metal injection moulding (MIM) or powder metallurgy compression. They are essential for industries requiring intricate parts with excellent surface finish and tight tolerances, such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and electronics. Importers are typically manufacturers utilizing advanced metal forming techniques, seeking to produce components efficiently and at scale. Exporters are often specialized tool and die makers or precision engineering firms, predominantly from countries with advanced manufacturing technologies. Key considerations in this trade include the mould's material (e.g., hardened tool steel), its design complexity, precision machining, and durability under high pressure and temperature. The demand for these moulds is driven by the increasing need for lightweight, strong, and complex metal parts in modern industrial applications.
What products fall under HS code 848041?
Metal injection moulding (MIM) tools, powder metallurgy compression dies, carbide forming moulds, hot pressing dies, cold pressing dies, progressive dies for metal, fine blanking dies
What are common misclassifications for HS code 848041?
These moulds are distinct from moulds for plastics (8480.71) or glass (8480.50) due to their specific application with metals and metal carbides, and their design for injection or compression processes. They should not be confused with general metalworking tools.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 848041?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 848041 in UN Comtrade data were China ($529M, 44% of world exports), Italy ($153M) and Japan ($122M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 848041?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 848041 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($195M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($90M) and Vietnam (about $89M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.5% of its imports here ($5.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
How is HS code 848041 structured?
HS code 848041 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 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 848041?
In Brazil, HS code 848041 is NCM 8480.41.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.