Product classification
HS code for Foundry molding box: 8480.10
Moulding boxes, for metal foundry.
Classification of foundry molding box under HS 8480.10
Foundry molding boxes, commonly referred to as flasks in the metal casting industry, are classified under HS code 8480.10. This classification is governed by the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) which prioritize the specific function of an article within industrial processes. Chapter 84 encompasses machinery and mechanical appliances, and heading 8480 is dedicated to molding boxes, mold bases, and patterns. The molding box is a critical component in sand casting, acting as a rigid frame that holds the molding sand and the pattern in place while the molten metal is poured. Because these boxes are specialized equipment designed exclusively for the foundry industry to facilitate the creation of metal castings, they are classified here rather than under general headings for iron or steel articles. The classification applies to both the cope (top half) and drag (bottom half) of the flask assembly, regardless of whether they are constructed from cast iron, fabricated steel, or aluminum, as long as their primary purpose is to contain foundry molds during the casting process.
- Covers
- Steel foundry flasks for sand casting
- Aluminum molding boxes
- Snap flasks used in manual molding
- Tight flasks for automated high-pressure lines
- Two-part cope and drag sets
- Ductile iron molding frames
- Slip flasks for removable mold applications
- 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. Foundry molding boxes are often misclassified under HS code 7326.90, which covers miscellaneous articles of iron or steel. This mistake typically occurs when the classifier focuses on the material of construction rather than the specialized industrial application. However, according to the Section XVI notes, specific machinery components in Chapter 84 take precedence. Another confusion arises with HS code 8480.71, which is intended for molds used for plastics or rubber. It is vital to distinguish between the 'box' (the container) and the 'mold' (the cavity-forming tool) or the 'pattern' (the model), which are classified under different subheadings of 8480.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848010 (the code used for foundry molding box), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848010 (the code used for foundry molding box) 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 foundry molding box.
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 foundry molding box
Brazil classifies foundry molding box 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 foundry molding box
What is the HS code for Foundry molding box?
The HS code for Foundry molding box is 848010 (Moulding boxes; for metal foundry). The correct HS code for a foundry molding box used in metal casting is 8480.10.
How do I classify Foundry molding box for customs?
Foundry molding box is classified under HS code 848010 — Moulding boxes; for metal foundry. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are molding patterns included in this HS code?
No, molding patterns used to create the shape within the sand are classified separately under HS code 8480.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of foundry molding box (HS 848010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848010 (the code used for foundry molding box) 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 foundry molding box (HS 848010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848010 (the code used for foundry molding box) 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 Foundry molding box the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848010 for Foundry molding box 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 molding box in Brazil?
In Brazil, foundry molding box (HS 848010) is classified under NCM 8480.10.00.