HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8480.79 – Moulds; for rubber or plastics, other than injection or compression types
HS code 8480.79 is the 6-digit subheading for moulds, for rubber or plastics, other than injection or compression types. It is used for rotational moulding tools, blow moulding dies, vacuum forming moulds, thermoforming moulds and slush moulding tools.
What HS 8480.79 covers
These moulds are crucial for manufacturing a wide array of rubber and plastic products, particularly those made through processes like rotational moulding, blow moulding (for hollow items), or vacuum forming, rather than the more common injection or compression methods. In international trade, these specialized moulds are often custom-engineered tools, making their trade value significant. Importers typically include manufacturers in industries such as automotive (for dashboards, bumpers), consumer goods (toys, containers), construction (pipes, fittings), and medical devices, who require specific shapes and designs for their end products. Exporters are often specialized tooling companies, particularly from countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities. Key things to know include the precision engineering required, the material compatibility (e.g., steel, aluminum), and the impact of mould quality on the final product's consistency and finish. The global demand for these moulds is directly tied to the growth of the plastics and rubber processing industries, with a strong emphasis on durability and efficiency for high-volume production.
- Covers
- Rotational moulding tools
- Blow moulding dies
- Vacuum forming moulds
- Thermoforming moulds
- Slush moulding tools
- Dip moulding forms
- Resin transfer moulding tools
- Examples
- Roto-moulding tools for kayaks
- Blow moulds for plastic bottles
- Vacuum form tools for automotive interior panels
- Thermoforming moulds for food packaging
- Slush moulds for car dashboards
Codes often confused with 8480.79
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 848071 (injection or compression moulds for rubber or plastics) due to the similar product type, but the distinction lies in the specific moulding process they are designed for. It might also be confused with 848060 (moulds for mineral materials) if the material isn't clearly specified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 848079, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 848079 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 $589M 28% of world exports
- 2 Italy $168M 7.9% of world exports
- 3 Germany $126M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $328M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $259M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $117M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 8480.79 2
Brazil splits HS 8480.79 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8480.79.10 Tyre vulcanising mouldsPara vulcanização de pneumáticos
- 8480.79.90 Other moulds for rubber or plasticsOutros
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 8480.79
What is HS code 848079?
HS code 848079 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Moulds; for rubber or plastics, other than injection or compression types. These moulds are crucial for manufacturing a wide array of rubber and plastic products, particularly those made through processes like rotational moulding, blow moulding (for hollow items), or vacuum forming, rather than the more common injection or compression methods. In international trade, these specialized moulds are often custom-engineered tools, making their trade value significant. Importers typically include manufacturers in industries such as automotive (for dashboards, bumpers), consumer goods (toys, containers), construction (pipes, fittings), and medical devices, who require specific shapes and designs for their end products. Exporters are often specialized tooling companies, particularly from countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities. Key things to know include the precision engineering required, the material compatibility (e.g., steel, aluminum), and the impact of mould quality on the final product's consistency and finish. The global demand for these moulds is directly tied to the growth of the plastics and rubber processing industries, with a strong emphasis on durability and efficiency for high-volume production.
What products fall under HS code 848079?
Rotational moulding tools, Blow moulding dies, Vacuum forming moulds, Thermoforming moulds, Slush moulding tools, Dip moulding forms, Resin transfer moulding tools
What are common misclassifications for HS code 848079?
This code can be confused with 848071 (injection or compression moulds for rubber or plastics) due to the similar product type, but the distinction lies in the specific moulding process they are designed for. It might also be confused with 848060 (moulds for mineral materials) if the material isn't clearly specified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 848079?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 848079 in UN Comtrade data were China ($589M, 28% of world exports), Italy ($168M) and Germany ($126M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 848079?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 848079 in UN Comtrade data were India ($328M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($259M) and Germany ($117M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 848079 structured?
HS code 848079 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 (79) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 848079?
Brazil splits HS code 848079 into 2 NCM codes: 8480.79.10 (Tyre vulcanising moulds), 8480.79.90 (Other moulds for rubber or plastics). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.