Product classification
HS code for Plastic compression mold: 8480.71
Moulds, for rubber or plastics, injection or compression types.
Classification of plastic compression mold under HS 8480.71
The classification of plastic compression molds under HS code 8480.71 is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically focusing on the function and intended use of the article within industrial manufacturing. Heading 8480 covers molding boxes for metal foundry, mold bases, and molds for various materials including metal, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics. Subheading 8480.71 is specifically designated for molds used for rubber or plastics that utilize injection or compression techniques. A compression mold is a high-pressure tool where the molding material is placed into a heated mold cavity, which is then closed and subjected to pressure to shape the material. This classification is appropriate because the item is a tool for the production of goods rather than a part of the machine itself. Under the Harmonized System, tools that determine the shape of the final product through a molding process are categorized here, provided they are not made of materials like ceramic or glass, which would fall under different chapters. The technical distinction between compression and other molding types, such as blow molding, is the primary factor in selecting the six-digit subheading 8480.71.
- Covers
- Thermosetting plastic compression molds
- Rubber compression molds for industrial gaskets
- Composite material compression molds
- Heated mold cavities for plastic resin
- Matched metal die molds for plastics
- Also under 8480.71
- Husky Injection Molding Systems moulds
- DME Company moulds
- Progressive Components moulds
- StackTeck Systems moulds
Codes often confused with 8480.71
Common mistake. Plastic compression molds are frequently misclassified under HS code 8480.79, which is the residual category for "other" molds for rubber or plastics. This occurs when the specific molding mechanism (compression) is not clearly identified in the shipping documentation. Additionally, they are sometimes confused with HS code 8207, which covers interchangeable tools for hand tools or machine tools. However, because these molds define the shape of the product through a cavity rather than a cutting or drilling edge, 8480 is the correct heading. Another common error involves HS code 8477, which covers the actual machinery for working rubber or plastics; the molds themselves must be classified separately under 8480.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848071 (the code used for plastic compression mold), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848071 (the code used for plastic compression mold) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 848071, not only plastic compression mold.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $6.0B 43% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.2B 8.6% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $876M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $14.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.6B 13% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $1.3B 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.1B 8.3% of world imports
World total: $13.0B 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 plastic compression mold
Brazil classifies plastic compression mold under NCM 8480.71.00: HS 8480.71 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic compression mold
What is the HS code for Plastic compression mold?
The HS code for Plastic compression mold is 848071 (Moulds; for rubber or plastics, injection or compression types). The primary HS code for a plastic compression mold is 8480.71, which specifically covers injection or compression type molds for rubber or plastics.
How do I classify Plastic compression mold for customs?
Plastic compression mold is classified under HS code 848071 — Moulds; for rubber or plastics, injection or compression types. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 8480.71 differ from 8480.79?
HS code 8480.71 is reserved for injection and compression molds, while 8480.79 covers all other types of molds for rubber or plastics, such as blow molds or vacuum forming molds.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic compression mold (HS 848071)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848071 (the code used for plastic compression mold) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.0B, 43% of world exports), Germany ($1.2B) and South Korea ($876M). World exports came to about $14.0B, 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 plastic compression mold (HS 848071)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848071 (the code used for plastic compression mold) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 13% of world imports), Mexico ($1.3B) and Germany ($1.1B). World imports came to about $13.0B, 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 Plastic compression mold the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848071 for Plastic compression 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 plastic compression mold in Brazil?
In Brazil, plastic compression mold (HS 848071) is classified under NCM 8480.71.00.