Product classification
HS code for Plastic mold: 8480.79
Moulds, for rubber or plastics, other than injection or compression types.
Classification of plastic mold under HS 8480.79
The classification of plastic molds under HS code 8480.79 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the function and the material the mold is designed to process. Heading 8480 is a specialized category that encompasses moulding boxes for metal foundry, mould bases, moulding patterns, and moulds for a variety of materials including metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics. Within this heading, the structure differentiates between the specific mechanical technologies employed during the manufacturing process. Subheading 8480.71 is strictly reserved for injection or compression types, which are the most prevalent industrial methods for high-volume plastic part production. Consequently, subheading 8480.79 serves as the essential residual category for all other types of moulds used for rubber or plastics that do not utilize these specific pressurized techniques. This includes a diverse range of manufacturing tools such as blow moulds used for producing hollow plastic bottles, vacuum forming moulds used for thin-gauge packaging and trays, and rotational moulds used for large, hollow items like water tanks or playground equipment. These tools are critical industrial assets, acting as the negative cavity or form into which molten or softened material is introduced to achieve a specific geometric shape. The classification remains under 8480.79 regardless of the mould's own material composition—whether it is machined from high-grade aluminum, cast iron, or steel—as long as its primary intended use is the shaping of rubber or plastics through methods other than injection or compression.
- Covers
- Blow moulds for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles
- Vacuum forming moulds for plastic blister packaging
- Rotational moulds for large polyethylene storage tanks
- Gravity moulds for casting liquid resins or plastics
- Transfer moulds for specific thermosetting plastic applications
- Thermoforming moulds for industrial plastic components
- Slush moulding tools for hollow PVC products
- Also under 8480.79
- Roto-moulding tools for kayaks
- Blow moulds for plastic bottles
- Vacuum form tools for automotive interior panels
- Thermoforming moulds for food packaging
- Slush moulds for car dashboards
Codes often confused with 8480.79
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion occurs between HS code 8480.79 and 8480.71. The latter is specifically for injection or compression moulds, which are often more complex and involve high-pressure systems. If a mould uses air pressure to push plastic against the walls (blow moulding), it must be 8480.79. Another common error is using 8207.30, which covers interchangeable tools for pressing, stamping, or punching. However, because 8480 is more specific to the "moulding" process of plastics, it takes precedence over the general tool heading of 8207.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848079 (the code used for plastic mold), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848079 (the code used for plastic mold) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 848079, not only plastic mold.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $589M 28% of world exports
- 2 Italy $168M 7.9% of world exports
- 3 Germany $126M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $328M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $259M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $117M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 plastic mold
Brazil splits HS 8480.79 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8480.79.10Tyre vulcanising moulds
- 8480.79.90Other moulds for rubber or plastics
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic mold
What is the HS code for Plastic mold?
The HS code for Plastic mold is 848079 (Moulds; for rubber or plastics, other than injection or compression types). The HS code for plastic moulds that are not for injection or compression is 8480.79.
How do I classify Plastic mold for customs?
Plastic mold is classified under HS code 848079 — Moulds; for rubber or plastics, other than injection or compression types. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a metal mould be classified here?
Yes, the material of the mould itself (e.g., steel or aluminum) does not change the classification; it is the material being shaped (plastic or rubber) and the method of shaping that determines the code.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic mold (HS 848079)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848079 (the code used for plastic mold) in UN Comtrade data were China ($589M, 28% of world exports), Italy ($168M) and Germany ($126M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 mold (HS 848079)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848079 (the code used for plastic mold) in UN Comtrade data were India ($328M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($259M) and Germany ($117M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 mold the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848079 for Plastic 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 mold in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 848079 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic mold depends on the product's details: 8480.79.10 (Tyre vulcanising moulds), 8480.79.90 (Other moulds for rubber or plastics).