Product classification
HS code for Foundry pattern: 8480.30
Moulding patterns, of metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics.
Classification of foundry pattern under HS 8480.30
Foundry patterns are classified under HS code 8480.30. Heading 8480 is dedicated to moulding boxes for metal foundry, moulding bases, moulding patterns, and moulds for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics. A foundry pattern is a physical model used to form the cavity in a sand mould into which molten metal will be poured. The classification under 8480.30 is based on the item's function as a template for the moulding process. Regardless of whether the pattern is made of wood, plastic, or metal, it is classified here because the Harmonized System prioritizes the specific use of the item in the foundry process over the constituent material of the pattern itself. This follows the principle of specific heading over general material headings (GRI 3a). These patterns are essential for ensuring the dimensional accuracy of the final cast part and are often precision-engineered to account for metal shrinkage during cooling.
- Covers
- Wooden foundry patterns
- Aluminum or iron moulding patterns
- Plastic and epoxy resin patterns
- Split patterns and match-plate patterns
- Gated patterns for multiple castings
- Lost foam patterns (if reusable or part of a set)
- Also under 8480.30
- Renishaw 3D printed patterns
- Voxeljet sand patterns
- ExOne binder jet patterns
- various custom-machined metal patterns
- resin patterns for prototyping
Codes often confused with 8480.30
Common mistake. Foundry patterns are often misclassified based on their material. For example, wooden patterns might be incorrectly placed under 4421 (other articles of wood), or plastic patterns under 3926 (other articles of plastic). However, HS code 8480.30 is the specific provision for patterns regardless of material. Another common confusion is with the moulds themselves (8480.41 for metal moulds), but the pattern is the "positive" model used to create the "negative" space in the sand, not the final mould that receives the liquid metal.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848030 (the code used for foundry pattern), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848030 (the code used for foundry pattern) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.4% 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 848030, not only foundry pattern.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $25M 12% of world exports
- 2 Italy $22M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $20M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $213M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $24M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 United States $24M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $16M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $258M 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 pattern
Brazil classifies foundry pattern under NCM 8480.30.00: HS 8480.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about foundry pattern
What is the HS code for Foundry pattern?
The HS code for Foundry pattern is 848030 (Moulding patterns; of metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics). The HS code for a foundry moulding pattern is 8480.30.
How do I classify Foundry pattern for customs?
Foundry pattern is classified under HS code 848030 — Moulding patterns; of metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the material of the pattern change the HS code?
No, whether the pattern is made of wood, metal, or plastic, it remains under 8480.30 because the HS code is based on its specific function in the foundry process.
Which countries are the top exporters of foundry pattern (HS 848030)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848030 (the code used for foundry pattern) in UN Comtrade data were China ($25M, 12% of world exports), Italy ($22M) and the United States ($20M). World exports came to about $213M, 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 pattern (HS 848030)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848030 (the code used for foundry pattern) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($24M, 9.4% of world imports), the United States ($24M) and Malaysia ($16M). World imports came to about $258M, 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 pattern the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848030 for Foundry pattern 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 pattern in Brazil?
In Brazil, foundry pattern (HS 848030) is classified under NCM 8480.30.00.