Product classification
HS code for Ingot mold: 8454.20
Ingot moulds and ladles, of a kind used in metallurgy or in metal foundries.
Classification of ingot mold under HS 8454.20
Ingot molds are classified under HS code 8454.20, which falls within the chapter dedicated to nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8454 covers converters, ladles, ingot molds, and casting machines of a kind used in metallurgy or in metal foundries. These molds are essential industrial tools used to receive molten metal, allowing it to solidify into a specific shape (an ingot) for easier transport or further processing. The classification is determined by the mold's primary function within the metallurgical industry. Unlike molds used for plastics or glass, these are designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of molten steel, iron, or other metals. The Harmonized System groups these with other metal-casting equipment because they are integral to the primary metal production process. The material of the mold itself (often cast iron or steel) does not change the classification to a general metal article chapter because the functional use in metallurgy takes precedence under the Section XVI notes.
- Covers
- Steel ingot molds
- Cast iron molds for metal foundries
- Molds for non-ferrous metal ingots
- Reusable molds for casting metal slabs or billets
- 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. Ingot molds are often confused with HS code 8480, which covers molding boxes for metal foundry and molding patterns. However, 8454.20 is specific to the heavy molds used to create ingots in metallurgy. Another common error is classifying them by material under Chapter 73 (Articles of iron or steel), but since they are identifiable as machinery parts for metallurgy, 8454.20 is the correct, more specific heading according to GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 845420 (the code used for ingot mold), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845420 (the code used for ingot mold) 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 ingot mold.
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 ingot mold
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 ingot mold
What is the HS code for Ingot mold?
The HS code for Ingot mold is 845420 (Ingot moulds and ladles; of a kind used in metallurgy or in metal foundries). The HS code for ingot molds used in metallurgy or metal foundries is 8454.20.
How do I classify Ingot mold for customs?
Ingot mold 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.
Are graphite molds classified here?
No, graphite molds are generally classified under HS code 6815.10 as articles of graphite, even if used for casting metal, because Chapter 84 usually excludes non-mechanical articles of stone or other mineral materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of ingot mold (HS 845420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845420 (the code used for ingot mold) 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 ingot mold (HS 845420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845420 (the code used for ingot mold) 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 Ingot mold the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845420 for Ingot mold 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 ingot mold in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 845420 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for ingot mold depends on the product's details: 8454.20.10 (Ingot moulds), 8454.20.90 (Ladles for metallurgy or foundries).