Product classification
HS code for Flask for foundry: 8480.10
Moulding boxes, for metal foundry.
Classification of flask for foundry under HS 8480.10
HS code 8480.10 covers moulding boxes for metal foundry, commonly referred to as flasks. These are essential tools in the sand casting process, acting as rigid frames that hold the moulding material, typically sand, in place while the molten metal is poured. The classification falls under Chapter 84, which encompasses machinery and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8480 is dedicated to moulding boxes, mould bases, and various types of moulds for metal, glass, or plastics. The flask itself does not perform a mechanical function with moving parts, but it is a fundamental piece of foundry equipment. Classification under 8480.10 is driven by the product's dedicated use in metal casting. It is important to distinguish these from the patterns used to create the cavity or the actual moulds themselves, although they are all grouped within the same heading. The material of the flask, usually cast iron or steel, does not change its classification because its specialized function as a moulding box is the primary characteristic according to GRI 1.
- Covers
- Sand casting flasks (cope and drag)
- Foundry moulding boxes
- Tight flasks for automated lines
- Snap flasks and slip flasks
- Metal moulding frames for foundry use
- Also under 8480.10
- DISA moulding boxes
- Sinto moulding flasks
- Foseco foundry equipment
- Inductotherm moulding systems
- Loramendi moulding boxes
Codes often confused with 8480.10
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include HS code 7325, which covers other cast articles of iron or steel, and 8454.20, which refers to ingot moulds and ladles. 7325 is intended for finished cast items, whereas the flask is a tool used to produce those items. 8454.20 refers to moulds used specifically for casting ingots, which are distinct from the sand-casting flasks used in general foundry work. Confusion also arises with 8480.20 for mould bases, but the flask is the outer frame, not the base plate upon which a mould is built.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848010 (the code used for flask for foundry), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848010 (the code used for flask for foundry) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.3% 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 848010, not only flask for foundry.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $81M 48% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $23M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $12M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $169M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $14M 9.3% of world imports
- 2 India $14M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $13M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $151M 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 flask for foundry
Brazil classifies flask for foundry under NCM 8480.10.00: HS 8480.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flask for foundry
What is the HS code for Flask for foundry?
The HS code for Flask for foundry is 848010 (Moulding boxes; for metal foundry). The HS code for a foundry flask or moulding box is 8480.10.
How do I classify Flask for foundry for customs?
Flask for foundry is classified under HS code 848010 — Moulding boxes; for metal foundry. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these classified by their material composition?
No, they are classified by their specific function as foundry moulding boxes under 8480.10, regardless of whether they are made of iron, steel, or other metals.
Which countries are the top exporters of flask for foundry (HS 848010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848010 (the code used for flask for foundry) in UN Comtrade data were China ($81M, 48% of world exports), South Korea ($23M) and the United States ($12M). World exports came to about $169M, 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 flask for foundry (HS 848010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848010 (the code used for flask for foundry) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($14M, 9.3% of world imports), India ($14M) and Egypt ($13M). World imports came to about $151M, 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 Flask for foundry the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848010 for Flask for foundry 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 flask for foundry in Brazil?
In Brazil, flask for foundry (HS 848010) is classified under NCM 8480.10.00.