Product classification
HS code for Foundry ladle: 8454.20
Ingot moulds and ladles, of a kind used in metallurgy or in metal foundries.
Classification of foundry ladle under HS 8454.20
Foundry ladles are classified under HS code 8454.20, which specifically covers ingot moulds and ladles used in metallurgy or metal foundries. These items are essential for the handling, transport, and controlled pouring of molten metal. The classification is determined by the primary function of the vessel: the safe containment and discharge of liquid metal into moulds or casting machines. Under the Harmonized System, heading 8454 includes both non-mechanical and mechanical equipment used for casting and pouring. Ladles in this category are typically heavy-duty industrial containers lined with refractory material to withstand extreme temperatures. The classification remains consistent whether the ladle is operated manually, by crane, or via an automated pouring system, provided it is designed for the specific environment of a metal foundry or metallurgical facility. This follows the principle of classification by specific industrial application.
- Covers
- Bottom-pour ladles for steel casting
- Lip-pour ladles for iron foundries
- Teapot ladles for slag-free pouring
- Transfer ladles for moving metal between furnaces
- Treatment ladles for ductile iron processing
- Hand-held foundry ladles for small-scale casting
- Also under 8454.20
- Vesuvius tundish
- RHI Magnesita refractory ladles
- Nippon Steel ingot moulds
- SMS Group ladles
Codes often confused with 8454.20
Common mistake. Foundry ladles are often misclassified under 7326.90, which is a general category for other articles of iron or steel. However, because the ladle is a specific tool for metallurgy, 8454.20 takes precedence. Another common error is using 8480.41, which is for metal moulds; while ladles and moulds are often used together, the ladle is the transport vessel, not the shaping cavity. Furthermore, large industrial ladles should not be confused with kitchenware under 7323, as the industrial refractory lining and structural requirements for molten metal handling clearly define them as foundry equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845420 (the code used for foundry ladle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845420 (the code used for foundry ladle) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 13% 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 845420, not only foundry ladle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $95M 47% of world exports
- 2 Poland $31M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $13M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $204M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $34M 13% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $22M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $17M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $259M 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 foundry ladle
Brazil splits HS 8454.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8454.20.10Ingot moulds
- 8454.20.90Ladles for metallurgy or foundries
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about foundry ladle
What is the HS code for Foundry ladle?
The HS code for Foundry ladle is 845420 (Ingot moulds and ladles; of a kind used in metallurgy or in metal foundries). The HS code for a foundry ladle used in metallurgy is 8454.20.
How do I classify Foundry ladle for customs?
Foundry ladle is classified under HS code 845420 — Ingot moulds and ladles; of a kind used in metallurgy or in metal foundries. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the refractory lining?
If the ladle is imported with its refractory lining installed, it is classified as a whole unit under 8454.20. However, if the refractory bricks are imported separately, they are classified under 6902.
Which countries are the top exporters of foundry ladle (HS 845420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845420 (the code used for foundry ladle) in UN Comtrade data were China ($95M, 47% of world exports), Poland ($31M) and Germany ($13M). World exports came to about $204M, 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 foundry ladle (HS 845420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845420 (the code used for foundry ladle) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($34M, 13% of world imports), Mexico ($22M) and Italy ($17M). World imports came to about $259M, 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 Foundry ladle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845420 for Foundry ladle 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 foundry ladle in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 845420 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for foundry ladle depends on the product's details: 8454.20.10 (Ingot moulds), 8454.20.90 (Ladles for metallurgy or foundries).