Product classification
HS code for Metal casting ladle: 8454.20
Ingot moulds and ladles, of a kind used in metallurgy or in metal foundries.
Classification of metal casting ladle under HS 8454.20
Metal casting ladles are classified under HS code 8454.20 because they are specialized industrial vessels used in metallurgy and metal foundries to receive, transport, and pour molten metal. This classification is governed by General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1, as the heading 8454 specifically names ladles used in metallurgy or metal foundries. These ladles are distinct from general-purpose containers because they are engineered to withstand extreme thermal stress and often incorporate mechanical or hydraulic tilting mechanisms for precise pouring into ingot moulds or casting machines. The classification applies whether the ladle is a simple hand-held version used in small-scale operations or a massive, crane-suspended industrial vessel capable of holding several tons of liquid steel.
- Covers
- Bottom-pour ladles for steel production
- Teapot ladles for slag-free pouring
- Transfer ladles for moving molten metal between furnaces
- Lip-pour ladles for manual or automated casting
- Treatment ladles used for ductile iron production
- 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. Metal casting ladles are frequently misclassified under HS code 7325 or 7326, which cover general articles of iron or steel. However, because these ladles are functional components of metallurgical machinery, Chapter 84 is more specific. Another common error is confusing them with crucibles under HS code 6903. While both hold molten metal, crucibles are made of refractory ceramic materials, whereas ladles classified under 8454.20 are primarily metallic vessels, even if they have a refractory lining.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845420 (the code used for metal casting ladle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845420 (the code used for metal casting 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 metal casting 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 metal casting 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 metal casting ladle
What is the HS code for Metal casting ladle?
The HS code for Metal casting ladle is 845420 (Ingot moulds and ladles; of a kind used in metallurgy or in metal foundries). The primary HS code for a metal casting ladle used in foundries or metallurgical plants is 8454.20.
How do I classify Metal casting ladle for customs?
Metal casting 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?
Yes, if the ladle is imported with its refractory lining installed or as a complete unit, it remains under 8454.20. However, if the refractory bricks or liners are shipped separately as replacements, they are classified under Chapter 69.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal casting ladle (HS 845420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845420 (the code used for metal casting 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 metal casting ladle (HS 845420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845420 (the code used for metal casting 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 Metal casting ladle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845420 for Metal casting 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 metal casting ladle in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 845420 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for metal casting ladle depends on the product's details: 8454.20.10 (Ingot moulds), 8454.20.90 (Ladles for metallurgy or foundries).