Product classification
HS code for Mold base: 8480.20
Mould bases, for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics.
Classification of mold base under HS 8480.20
A mold base is classified under HS code 8480.20. This classification is part of the broader heading 8480, which covers molding boxes for metal foundry, mold bases, molding patterns, and molds for metal, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics. The mold base is the fundamental supporting structure of a mold assembly, providing the housing for the mold cores, cavities, and other components like ejector pins and cooling channels. It is classified here because it is a specialized component designed specifically for the molding process. According to the Section XVI notes and Chapter 84 definitions, these bases are considered essential parts of the molding equipment. The classification applies regardless of whether the base is made of steel, aluminum, or other metals, provided it is intended for use with the materials specified in the heading description (metal, glass, rubber, or plastics).
- Covers
- Standard steel mold bases
- Aluminum mold bases for injection molding
- Die sets for metal casting
- Precision machined mold plates
- Ejector housings for mold assemblies
- Also under 8480.20
- DME mould bases
- Hasco mould bases
- Futaba mould bases
- Progressive Components mould bases
- PCS Company mould bases
Codes often confused with 8480.20
Common mistake. Mold bases are often misclassified under HS code 8480.71 or 8480.79, which are the codes for the complete molds for plastics or rubber. While the base is part of the mold, 8480.20 is the specific subheading for the base alone. Another common error is classifying them under 7326.90 as 'other articles of iron or steel.' However, because the mold base is a clearly identifiable part of a machine tool accessory described in heading 8480, the more specific code must be used per GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 848020 (the code used for mold base), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848020 (the code used for mold base) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 15% 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 848020, not only mold base.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $147M 57% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $29M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $16M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $257M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $42M 15% of world imports
- 2 India $29M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $24M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $289M 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 mold base
Brazil classifies mold base under NCM 8480.20.00: HS 8480.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mold base
What is the HS code for Mold base?
The HS code for Mold base is 848020 (Mould bases; for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics). The HS code for a mold base used for metal, glass, rubber, or plastics is 8480.20.
How do I classify Mold base for customs?
Mold base is classified under HS code 848020 — Mould bases; for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the mold cavity?
No, the mold cavity or the complete mold assembly is typically classified under subheadings 8480.41 through 8480.79, depending on the material being molded.
Which countries are the top exporters of mold base (HS 848020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848020 (the code used for mold base) in UN Comtrade data were China ($147M, 57% of world exports), South Korea ($29M) and the United States ($16M). World exports came to about $257M, 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 mold base (HS 848020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848020 (the code used for mold base) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($42M, 15% of world imports), India ($29M) and Germany ($24M). World imports came to about $289M, 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 Mold base the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848020 for Mold base 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 mold base in Brazil?
In Brazil, mold base (HS 848020) is classified under NCM 8480.20.00.