Product classification
HS code for Metal mold: 8480.49
Moulds, for metal or metal carbides, other than injection or compression types.
Classification of metal mold under HS 8480.49
The classification of metal molds under HS code 8480.49 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Heading 8480 covers molding boxes for metal foundry, mold bases, and molding patterns. Specifically, subheading 8480.49 is reserved for molds designed for metal or metal carbides that do not utilize injection or compression molding techniques. These molds are essential components in industrial casting processes where molten metal is poured into a cavity to solidify. The classification depends on the material the mold is designed to shape (metal) and the mechanical method of operation. Unlike machinery parts that might be classified under 8484 or 8487, these are distinct tools used to form materials. The technical specifications must confirm that the mold is not intended for rubber or plastics, which would shift the classification to 8480.71 or 8480.79. Furthermore, the distinction between 8480.41 (injection/compression) and 8480.49 (other) is critical, as 8480.49 typically encompasses gravity casting, sand casting, and low-pressure casting molds used in heavy industrial manufacturing and foundries.
- Covers
- Gravity casting molds for aluminum
- Sand casting molding boxes
- Ingot molds for steel production
- Permanent molds for non-ferrous metal casting
- Molds for metal carbides
- Chill molds for metal foundry
- Also under 8480.49
- Bühler die casting machines (and their associated dies)
- Foseco sand casting moulds
- Alcoa permanent moulds
- custom-made graphite moulds
- steel moulds for low-pressure casting
Codes often confused with 8480.49
Common mistake. A frequent error involves misclassifying these items under 8480.41, which is strictly for injection or compression type molds for metal. Another common mistake is using 8480.71, which is reserved for molds used with rubber or plastics. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8454.90 for casting machine parts, but 8480.49 is the specific code for the mold itself as a tool.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848049 (the code used for metal mold), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848049 (the code used for metal mold) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, 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 848049, not only metal mold.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $164M 24% of world exports
- 2 Italy $120M 18% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $68M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $679M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $87M 13% of world imports
- 2 India $72M 11% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $51M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $660M 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 mold
Brazil splits HS 8480.49 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8480.49.10Chill moulds for metal casting
- 8480.49.90Other moulds for metal or metal carbides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal mold
What is the HS code for Metal mold?
The HS code for Metal mold is 848049 (Moulds; for metal or metal carbides, other than injection or compression types). The HS code for metal molds, specifically those not used for injection or compression, is 8480.49.
How do I classify Metal mold for customs?
Metal mold is classified under HS code 848049 — Moulds; for metal or metal carbides, other than injection or compression types. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 8480.41 and 8480.49?
Code 8480.41 is used for molds where the material is forced in under pressure (injection) or squeezed (compression), whereas 8480.49 is for gravity-fed or other non-pressure casting methods.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal mold (HS 848049)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848049 (the code used for metal mold) in UN Comtrade data were China ($164M, 24% of world exports), Italy ($120M) and Türkiye ($68M). World exports came to about $679M, 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 mold (HS 848049)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848049 (the code used for metal mold) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($87M, 13% of world imports), India ($72M) and Malaysia ($51M). World imports came to about $660M, 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 mold the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848049 for Metal 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 metal mold in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 848049 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for metal mold depends on the product's details: 8480.49.10 (Chill moulds for metal casting), 8480.49.90 (Other moulds for metal or metal carbides).