HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8480.49 – Moulds; for metal or metal carbides, other than injection or compression types
HS code 8480.49 is the 6-digit subheading for moulds, for metal or metal carbides, other than injection or compression types. It is used for sand casting moulds, permanent moulds for gravity casting, die casting dies, investment casting shells and continuous casting moulds.
What HS 8480.49 covers
This HS code covers a broad category of moulds used for metal or metal carbides, excluding the injection or compression types specifically classified under 8480.41. This "other" category includes moulds for various casting processes like sand casting, die casting, gravity casting, investment casting, and continuous casting. These moulds are fundamental to shaping molten or semi-solid metals into desired forms for a vast array of industrial applications, from engine blocks to decorative items. Importers are typically foundries, automotive manufacturers, aerospace companies, and general machinery producers worldwide. Exporters are often specialized foundries, tool and die shops, and manufacturers of casting equipment, frequently located in countries with strong metallurgical industries. Key aspects of this trade include the mould's material (e.g., cast iron, steel, graphite), its design for specific casting methods, and its ability to withstand high temperatures and repeated use. The global demand for these moulds reflects the foundational role of metal casting in manufacturing.
- Covers
- Sand casting moulds
- Permanent moulds for gravity casting
- Die casting dies
- Investment casting shells
- Continuous casting moulds
- Centrifugal casting moulds
- Slush casting moulds
- Examples
- Bühler die casting machines (and their associated dies)
- Foseco sand casting moulds
- Alcoa permanent moulds
- custom-made graphite moulds
- steel moulds for low-pressure casting
Codes often confused with 8480.49
Common mistake. This code is differentiated from 8480.41 by the exclusion of injection/compression types, and from moulding boxes (8480.10) which hold the sand mould, not form the cavity directly. It can be confused with patterns (8480.30) if the distinction between the model and the actual mould isn't clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 848049, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 848049 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 13% 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 $164M 24% of world exports
- 2 Italy $120M 18% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $68M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $679M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $87M 13% of world imports
- 2 India $72M 11% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $51M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $660M 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 codes for 8480.49 2
Brazil splits HS 8480.49 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8480.49.10 Chill moulds for metal castingCoquilhas
- 8480.49.90 Other moulds for metal or metal carbidesOutros
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 8480.49
What is HS code 848049?
HS code 848049 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Moulds; for metal or metal carbides, other than injection or compression types. This HS code covers a broad category of moulds used for metal or metal carbides, excluding the injection or compression types specifically classified under 8480.41. This "other" category includes moulds for various casting processes like sand casting, die casting, gravity casting, investment casting, and continuous casting. These moulds are fundamental to shaping molten or semi-solid metals into desired forms for a vast array of industrial applications, from engine blocks to decorative items. Importers are typically foundries, automotive manufacturers, aerospace companies, and general machinery producers worldwide. Exporters are often specialized foundries, tool and die shops, and manufacturers of casting equipment, frequently located in countries with strong metallurgical industries. Key aspects of this trade include the mould's material (e.g., cast iron, steel, graphite), its design for specific casting methods, and its ability to withstand high temperatures and repeated use. The global demand for these moulds reflects the foundational role of metal casting in manufacturing.
What products fall under HS code 848049?
Sand casting moulds, permanent moulds for gravity casting, die casting dies, investment casting shells, continuous casting moulds, centrifugal casting moulds, slush casting moulds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 848049?
This code is differentiated from 8480.41 by the exclusion of injection/compression types, and from moulding boxes (8480.10) which hold the sand mould, not form the cavity directly. It can be confused with patterns (8480.30) if the distinction between the model and the actual mould isn't clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 848049?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 848049 in UN Comtrade data were China ($164M, 24% of world exports), Italy ($120M) and Türkiye ($68M). World exports came to about $679M, 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 848049?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 848049 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($87M, 13% of world imports), India ($72M) and Malaysia ($51M). World imports came to about $660M, 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 848049 structured?
HS code 848049 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 848049?
Brazil splits HS code 848049 into 2 NCM codes: 8480.49.10 (Chill moulds for metal casting), 8480.49.90 (Other moulds for metal or metal carbides). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.