Product classification
HS code for Die base: 8480.20
Mould bases, for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics.
Classification of die base under HS 8480.20
A die base, also referred to as a mould base, is classified under HS code 8480.20. Heading 8480 of the Harmonized System covers moulding boxes for metal foundry, mould bases, and various types of moulds for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics. The die base is the essential structural assembly that supports the mould cavity and provides the necessary alignment for the die components during the manufacturing process. According to the Explanatory Notes to the HS, mould bases are the plates and frames that house the internal parts of a mould. Because the die base is a specialized component designed specifically for the assembly of moulds, it is classified under the dedicated subheading 8480.20 rather than as general articles of steel or as parts of specific machinery. This classification applies to bases used in injection moulding, compression moulding, and die casting.
- Covers
- Standard mould bases
- Die sets for metal stamping
- Mould plates and frames
- Precision die bases
- Custom-machined mould housings
- Also under 8480.20
- 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. Die bases are frequently misclassified under HS code 7326.90, which is a residual category for other articles of iron or steel. This occurs because the base often appears to be a simple assembly of steel plates. However, since it is a specific component of a mould assembly, heading 8480 takes precedence. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 8480.71 or 8480.79, which are the codes for the finished moulds for plastics or rubber, rather than just the base assembly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848020 (the code used for die base), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848020 (the code used for die base) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 848020, not only die base.
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 die base
Brazil classifies die base under NCM 8480.20.00: HS 8480.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about die base
What is the HS code for Die base?
The HS code for Die base is 848020 (Mould bases; for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics). The HS code for a die base is 8480.20, which specifically covers mould bases for various industrial applications.
How do I classify Die base for customs?
Die base is classified under HS code 848020 — Mould bases; for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does a die base include the internal cavities?
Generally, no. The die base refers to the supporting frame and plates. If the internal cavities are included and the unit is functional, it may be classified as a complete mould under other subheadings of 8480.
Which countries are the top exporters of die base (HS 848020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848020 (the code used for die base) 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 die base (HS 848020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848020 (the code used for die base) 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.
Is the HS code for Die base the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848020 for Die base is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for die base in Brazil?
In Brazil, die base (HS 848020) is classified under NCM 8480.20.00.