Heading 8480

Molding boxes for metal foundry; mold bases; molding patterns; molds for metal (other than ingot molds), metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics

19 declarable lines

Heading 8480 covers molds and mold-making equipment: molding boxes for metal foundry, mold bases, molding patterns, and molds for metal or metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics. The heading splits first by the material being molded, then by mold type (injection or compression versus other types). Molds for rubber or plastics carry further breakouts for shoe machinery, semiconductor device manufacture, and blow or bladder operated molds.

Products in this heading

Injection molds for plastic parts
Blow molds for plastic bottles
Mold bases for building mold assemblies
Molding boxes for metal foundry
Molds for forming glass bottles
Compression molds for rubber goods
Molds used to encapsulate semiconductor devices
Molding patterns used in foundry work

How to choose the right subheading

Material being molded: metal or metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, or rubber or plastics
Mold type: injection or compression type versus other types such as blow molds
End use where a specific breakout applies, such as shoe machinery or semiconductor device manufacture
Whether the article is a complete mold, or a mold base, molding pattern or molding box
Import circumstance where a line covers temporary import or return after export

Often confused with

Ingot molds
Ingot molds and casting machines of a kind used in metallurgy are classified in heading 8454.
Heading 8454
Machines for forming foundry molds of sand
Sand mold forming machines are machinery of heading 8474, not molds themselves.
Heading 8474
Injection molding machines for plastics
The machine that presses the mold is classified in heading 8477; only the mold belongs in 8480.
Heading 8477
Machine tools for cold working glass or working stone
Machine tools that shape glass, stone or ceramics by removing material are in heading 8464.
Heading 8464
Presses for working metal or metal carbides
Presses that work metal are classified in heading 8462, separate from the molds they hold.
Heading 8462

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for injection molds for plastic parts?

Injection type molds for rubber or plastics of the residual kind fall under 8480.71.80.45, which carries a general (MFN) rate of 3.1%.

What is the duty on molds for glass?

Molds for glass are duty free. Injection or compression types are 8480.50.00.10 and other types are 8480.50.00.90, both at a general (MFN) rate of Free.

How do I classify a blow mold for plastic bottles?

Blow molds for rubber or plastics are other types, not injection or compression, and are classified in 8480.79.90.10 at a general (MFN) rate of 3.1%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.