Product classification
HS code for Molding pattern: 8480.30
Moulding patterns, of metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics.
Classification of molding pattern under HS 8480.30
Molding patterns are classified under HS code 8480.30. These items are essential tools in the foundry and molding industries, used to create the shape of the cavity into which material is poured or injected. The classification falls under heading 8480 because patterns are integral to the preparation of molds for metal, glass, rubber, or plastics. Molding patterns can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, or metal, but they are classified here based on their function rather than their constituent material. This is a specific application of the General Rules of Interpretation, where the functional purpose of the tool in the molding process takes precedence over the material composition. The patterns must be specifically designed for the production of molds to qualify for this subheading. This includes patterns used in sand casting, investment casting, and other industrial forming processes.
- Covers
- Wooden foundry patterns
- Plastic molding patterns
- Metal patterns for sand molds
- Master patterns for industrial casting
- Shell molding patterns
- 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. Molding patterns are frequently misclassified based on their material. For example, wooden patterns might be incorrectly assigned to HS code 4421 (other articles of wood), and plastic patterns to 3926 (other articles of plastics). However, Note 1 to Chapter 44 and similar notes in other chapters usually exclude articles of Section XVI, which includes heading 8480. Another error is confusing patterns with the molds themselves (8480.41-8480.79) or with templates used for marking (Chapter 90).
Top exporters and importers of HS 848030 (the code used for molding pattern), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848030 (the code used for molding 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 molding 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 molding pattern
Brazil classifies molding 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 molding pattern
What is the HS code for Molding pattern?
The HS code for Molding pattern is 848030 (Moulding patterns; of metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics). The HS code for molding patterns of any material (wood, metal, plastic) is 8480.30.
How do I classify Molding pattern for customs?
Molding 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.
Are patterns for garment making included here?
No, paper or textile patterns for garments are classified under their respective material headings (e.g., Chapter 48 for paper) as they are not used for molding metal, glass, or plastics.
Which countries are the top exporters of molding pattern (HS 848030)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848030 (the code used for molding 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 molding pattern (HS 848030)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848030 (the code used for molding 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 Molding pattern the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848030 for Molding 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 molding pattern in Brazil?
In Brazil, molding pattern (HS 848030) is classified under NCM 8480.30.00.