Chapter 84 is the core chapter of machinery and mechanical appliances, and parts thereof, in the HS classification system, covering a range from boilers, engines, pumps, fans, and air-conditioning equipment to machine tools, molds, and other mechanical equipment. The core characteristic of this chapter is that goods must have a mechanical function or the attribute of being a mechanical part, but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from electrical equipment in Chapter 85, tools in Chapter 82, and iron and steel products in Chapter 73. As a key component of plastics processing machinery, injection molds are classified in this chapter because they shape materials through mechanical pressure. Heading 8480 specifically covers various molding boxes, bases, patterns, and molds for metals, hard metals, glass, mineral materials, rubber, or plastics. Molds under this heading must have a reusable shaping function and are usually made of metal materials. Injection molds belong to the subheading for molds for plastics or rubber, and their core function is to inject molten plastic into a cavity under high pressure in an injection molding machine, then obtain a molded product after cooling. The first 2 digits 84: indicate Chapter 84, covering mechanical appliances, machinery and equipment, and parts thereof. The 3rd-4th digits 80: indicate heading 8480, namely molding boxes, bases, patterns, and molds for various material products. The 5th-6th digits 20: indicate subheading 848020, specifically injection molds or compression molds for plastics or rubber. The level-by-level subdivision logic: chapter (machinery) -> heading (major mold category) -> subheading (injection or compression molds for plastics/rubber). This code includes only injection molds and compression molds, and does not include blow molds (848030) or other molding molds. Injection molds are classified under 848020 because they are specially used for the injection molding process of plastics or rubber, conforming to the definition of molds under heading 8480. They are not classified under 848030 (blow molds) or 848040 (other molding molds), nor under 8477 (plastics processing machinery), because 8477 is a complete injection molding machine, while 848020 is the mold component used by an injection molding machine. In addition, if a mold is made of iron or steel and is not for mechanical use, it may be classified under 7326, but injection molds have a specific shaping function, so they are preferentially classified under 8480.

Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity should be stated as injection mold or compression mold, and its use should be explained. Use: Clearly specify what kind of plastic or rubber products the mold is used to produce, such as auto parts, daily necessities, etc. Material: The material of the main components of the mold, usually mold steel, and the specific steel grade or composition must be indicated. Brand: The brand or manufacturer name of the mold; if there is no brand, 'no brand' must be indicated. Model: The model or number of the mold, used to distinguish molds of different specifications. Processing method: Explain the molding method of the mold, such as injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, etc. Applicable machine model: The tonnage or model of the injection molding machine to which the mold is adapted, helping customs determine the use. Product name: injection mold; Use: used to produce automobile bumpers; Material: mold steel (grade P20); Brand: no brand; Model: M-2024-01; Processing method: injection molding; Applicable machine model: Haitian injection molding machine MA1600. Mistakenly classifying an injection mold under 848030 (blow mold), leading to differences in tax rates and regulatory conditions. Failure to provide proof of the mold material; customs may question whether it is a metal mold. Inaccurate declaration of brand and model, affecting customs assessment of the commodity value.

The core determination basis for classification is: the mold is used for injection molding of plastics or rubber, and the mold itself is a reusable metal mold. The following must be satisfied at the same time: 1) it falls within the mold scope of heading 8480; 2) it is specially used for plastic or rubber materials; 3) the molding method is injection molding or compression molding. If the mold is used for other materials (such as glass or minerals), it is classified under 848050; if it is blow molding, it is classified under 848030. In addition, if the mold is a dedicated part of an injection molding machine and is imported together with the machine, it may be classified as a complete machine, but a mold imported separately is still classified under 848020. 848030 Blow molds: Blow molds are used for forming hollow plastic products, such as bottles; injection molds are used for solid or complex-shaped products. The molding principles of the two are different, and they must be strictly distinguished during classification. 848040 Other molding molds: Includes molds for glass and mineral materials, as well as die-casting molds, etc. If a mold is used for plastics but is not injection molding or compression molding, such as a rotational molding mold, it may be classified under this code. 847710 Injection molding machines: An injection molding machine is a complete plastics processing machine, while an injection mold is its replaceable component. If a complete injection molding machine is imported, it is classified under 847710; if the mold is imported separately, it is classified under 848020. 820720 Metal drawing dies: Drawing dies are used for forming metal wire and belong to tools of Chapter 82. Injection molds are used for plastic molding and are classified in Chapter 84. Both material and use are different. 732690 Other articles of iron or steel: If a mold is damaged or has lost its molding function and is only iron or steel scrap, it may be classified under 7326. However, molds with a molding function must be classified under 8480. Is the mold used for injection/compression molding of plastics or rubber? Is the mold reusable and made of metal? Is it confused with blow molds or die-casting molds? Is it imported separately rather than together with an injection molding machine? Are the declaration elements complete, especially material and use?

How are injection molds and blow molds distinguished in HS codes? Injection molds are classified under 848020, and blow molds under 848030. The key distinction lies in the molding process: injection molding injects molten plastic into a closed mold and obtains the product after cooling; blow molding places a parison into a mold and blows in compressed air so that it conforms to the mold wall. A process description must be provided during declaration to avoid classification errors. If an injection mold is imported together with an injection molding machine, how should it be declared? If the mold is imported together with the injection molding machine and constitutes a complete machine, it is usually classified under 847710 as an injection molding machine. However, if the mold is separately priced and can be replaced independently, it is recommended to declare them separately: the injection molding machine under 847710 and the mold under 848020. The specific treatment should be judged based on the contract and invoice, and customs should be consulted when necessary. In the declaration elements for an injection mold, how should the material be filled in? The material should be filled in as the material of the main components of the mold (such as the cavity and core), usually mold steel, and the specific grade should be indicated (such as P20, 718, etc.). If other materials such as aluminum alloy are used, they must also be declared truthfully. Material affects classification and valuation, so it must be accurate. Can second-hand injection molds be imported? Is the HS code the same? Second-hand injection molds can be imported, and the HS code is still 848020. However, note: 1) old molds may involve solid waste regulation and require a testing report; 2) when declaring, 'used' and the years of use must be indicated; 3) some countries prohibit the import of old molds, so this must be confirmed in advance. Does the HS code for injection molds apply to all plastic molding molds? No. 848020 applies only to injection molds and compression molds. Others, such as blow molds (848030), rotational molding molds (848040), and foam molds (848040), are classified under different subheadings. Classification must be judged according to the specific molding process. How can I check the import tax rate and regulatory conditions for injection molds? They can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Single Window.' Enter HS code 848020 to view the current import tariff rate, value-added tax rate, regulatory conditions (such as whether an O certificate is required), and inspection and quarantine category. Tax rates may change, so the latest query results should prevail. Is the classification of injection molds affected by mold size or weight? HS classification is mainly based on function, material, and use; size and weight do not affect the code. However, oversized or overweight molds may involve special transport and declaration requirements, such as out-of-gauge equipment requiring relevant certificates. For classification, 848020 still applies. If an injection mold is used to produce medical supplies, will the HS code be different? No. The HS code is based on the attributes of the mold itself, not the use of the final product. Even if the mold is used to produce medical plastic parts, it is still classified under 848020. However, if the mold has special hygiene requirements, relevant certificates may be required, but the code remains unchanged.