Chapter 84 is the major category in the HS classification system for "nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof," covering various power machinery, working machinery, pumps, compressors, fans, bearings, molds, etc., other than electrical equipment (Chapter 85). Goods in this chapter generally have mechanical movement, energy conversion, or material forming functions and are core components of industrial manufacturing. Rubber molds, as forming tools, meet the definition of "mechanical appliances and parts thereof" in this chapter. Heading 8480 covers "molding boxes for metal foundry; mold bases; molding patterns; molds for metal (other than ingot molds), metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics." This heading includes various molds used for material forming, regardless of their material (usually metal) and whether they are used for casting, pressing, injection, or other forming processes. Rubber molds belong to an important subheading under this heading. HS code 848071 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "84" represent Chapter 84, namely machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof. The 3rd-4th digits "80" represent heading 8480, namely various molds. The 5th-6th digits "71" represent subheading 848071, specifically "molds for rubber or plastics." Among them, the 5th digit "7" indicates molds for rubber or plastics divided by use under 8480, and the 6th digit "1" is further subdivided, usually referring to molds for rubber (distinguished from molds for plastics). This code covers only forming molds for rubber or plastics and does not include molds for metal (8480.41/49) or molds for glass (8480.50). Rubber molds are used for forming rubber products and are material forming tools, conforming to the description of heading 8480 "molds for rubber or plastics." Compared with the adjacent code 848079 (other molds for rubber or plastics), 848071 usually specifically refers to molds for rubber, while 848079 covers molds for plastics or other molds not elsewhere specified. If the mold is used for metal casting, it should be classified under 848041 or 848049; if used for glass forming, it should be classified under 848050. Therefore, according to the mold's use and forming material, rubber molds are correctly classified under 848071.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the major category in the HS classification system for "nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof," covering various power machinery, working machinery, pumps, compressors, fans, bearings, molds, etc., other than electrical equipment (Chapter 85). Goods in this chapter generally have mechanical movement, energy conversion, or material forming functions and are core components of industrial manufacturing. Rubber molds, as forming tools, meet the definition of "mechanical appliances and parts thereof" in this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8480 covers "molding boxes for metal foundry; mold bases; molding patterns; molds for metal (other than ingot molds), metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics." This heading includes various molds used for material forming, regardless of their material (usually metal) and whether they are used for casting, pressing, injection, or other forming processes. Rubber molds belong to an important subheading under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 848071 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "84" represent Chapter 84, namely machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof. The 3rd-4th digits "80" represent heading 8480, namely various molds. The 5th-6th digits "71" represent subheading 848071, specifically "molds for rubber or plastics." Among them, the 5th digit "7" indicates molds for rubber or plastics divided by use under 8480, and the 6th digit "1" is further subdivided, usually referring to molds for rubber (distinguished from molds for plastics). This code covers only forming molds for rubber or plastics and does not include molds for metal (8480.41/49) or molds for glass (8480.50).
Classification Basis
Rubber molds are used for forming rubber products and are material forming tools, conforming to the description of heading 8480 "molds for rubber or plastics." Compared with the adjacent code 848079 (other molds for rubber or plastics), 848071 usually specifically refers to molds for rubber, while 848079 covers molds for plastics or other molds not elsewhere specified. If the mold is used for metal casting, it should be classified under 848041 or 848049; if used for glass forming, it should be classified under 848050. Therefore, according to the mold's use and forming material, rubber molds are correctly classified under 848071.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared commodity should accurately describe the mold type, such as "rubber injection mold," "rubber compression mold," etc. Use: Explain the specific use of the mold, such as for producing rubber sealing rings, tires, shoe soles, etc., and it must correspond to rubber products. Material: The main material of the mold body, usually metal (such as steel, aluminum alloy), and the specific type should be indicated. Brand: The brand or manufacturer name of the mold; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: The model or specification of the mold, used to distinguish different products, and should be declared truthfully. Processing method: The forming process of the mold, such as injection, compression, transfer, extrusion, etc., which affects subheading subdivision. Applicable rubber type: Explain what kind of rubber the mold is suitable for, such as natural rubber, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, etc. Customs declaration example:
Product name: rubber injection mold; Use: used to produce silicone rubber sealing rings; Material: mold steel; Brand: XX; Model: M-2024-01; Processing method: injection molding; Applicable rubber type: silicone rubber.
Note: This mold is made of metal and produces rubber products through the injection molding process, conforming to HS code 848071. Mistakenly classifying molds for plastics under 848071; actual plastic molds should be classified under 848079. Ignoring the mold material; if the mold is made of rubber (rare), other codes need to be considered. Failing to distinguish the processing method; injection molds and compression molds may affect subheading subdivision.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared commodity should accurately describe the mold type, such as "rubber injection mold," "rubber compression mold," etc.
⚠️ Filling in only "mold" is too general and does not indicate use for rubber.
Use
Explain the specific use of the mold, such as for producing rubber sealing rings, tires, shoe soles, etc., and it must correspond to rubber products.
⚠️ Filling in "used for producing plastic parts" leads to classification errors.
Material
The main material of the mold body, usually metal (such as steel, aluminum alloy), and the specific type should be indicated.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in "rubber" or "plastic," while actual molds are mostly made of metal.
Brand
The brand or manufacturer name of the mold; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting it, making identification impossible.
Model
The model or specification of the mold, used to distinguish different products, and should be declared truthfully.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual item.
Processing method
The forming process of the mold, such as injection, compression, transfer, extrusion, etc., which affects subheading subdivision.
⚠️ Misreporting an injection mold as a compression mold, leading to classification deviation.
Applicable rubber type
Explain what kind of rubber the mold is suitable for, such as natural rubber, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, etc.
⚠️ Filling in "rubber" generally without specificity may affect customs valuation.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product name: rubber injection mold; Use: used to produce silicone rubber sealing rings; Material: mold steel; Brand: XX; Model: M-2024-01; Processing method: injection molding; Applicable rubber type: silicone rubber.
Note: This mold is made of metal and produces rubber products through the injection molding process, conforming to HS code 848071.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying molds for plastics under 848071; actual plastic molds should be classified under 848079.
Ignoring the mold material; if the mold is made of rubber (rare), other codes need to be considered.
Failing to distinguish the processing method; injection molds and compression molds may affect subheading subdivision.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the mold's use and forming material. According to HS notes, heading 8480 includes molds for rubber or plastics. Subheading 848071 specifically refers to molds for rubber, while 848079 is for others (including plastics). Therefore, the key points for determination are: 1) whether the mold is used for rubber forming; 2) whether the mold forms rubber through processes such as injection or compression; 3) the mold itself is usually made of metal, but this does not affect classification. If the mold is used for metal casting, it is classified under 848041/49; if used for glass, it is classified under 848050. 848079 Other molds for rubber or plastics: 848079 covers molds for plastics and other molds not elsewhere specified, while 848071 specifically refers to molds for rubber. If the mold is used for plastic forming, it should be classified under 848079. 848041 Molds for metal (injection or compression type): 848041 is used for molds for metal casting, while 848071 is used for rubber forming. The difference lies in the forming material: metal vs. rubber. 848049 Other molds for metal: Same as 848041, but covers metal forming molds other than injection/compression, and has a different use from rubber molds. 848050 Molds for glass: Specifically used for glass forming, with a different forming material from rubber molds, and must not be confused. 848060 Molds for mineral materials: Used for forming mineral materials (such as ceramics, cement), with applicable materials different from rubber molds. Is the mold used for forming rubber products? Does the mold form rubber through processes such as injection or compression? Is the mold material metal? Is it distinguished from molds for plastics? Is it distinguished from molds for metal?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the mold's use and forming material. According to HS notes, heading 8480 includes molds for rubber or plastics. Subheading 848071 specifically refers to molds for rubber, while 848079 is for others (including plastics). Therefore, the key points for determination are: 1) whether the mold is used for rubber forming; 2) whether the mold forms rubber through processes such as injection or compression; 3) the mold itself is usually made of metal, but this does not affect classification. If the mold is used for metal casting, it is classified under 848041/49; if used for glass, it is classified under 848050.
Confused Codes：
848079 - Other molds for rubber or plastics
848079 covers molds for plastics and other molds not elsewhere specified, while 848071 specifically refers to molds for rubber. If the mold is used for plastic forming, it should be classified under 848079.
848041 - Molds for metal (injection or compression type)
848041 is used for molds for metal casting, while 848071 is used for rubber forming. The difference lies in the forming material: metal vs. rubber.
848049 - Other molds for metal
Same as 848041, but covers metal forming molds other than injection/compression, and has a different use from rubber molds.
848050 - Molds for glass
Specifically used for glass forming, with a different forming material from rubber molds, and must not be confused.
848060 - Molds for mineral materials
Used for forming mineral materials (such as ceramics, cement), with applicable materials different from rubber molds.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the mold used for forming rubber products?
✓ Does the mold form rubber through processes such as injection or compression?
✓ Is the mold material metal?
✓ Is it distinguished from molds for plastics?
✓ Is it distinguished from molds for metal?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between rubber molds and plastic molds? Rubber molds are classified under 848071, and plastic molds under 848079. Both belong to heading 8480, but under different subheadings. The key distinction is the forming material: rubber molds are used for rubber products (such as sealing rings, tires), and plastic molds are used for plastic products. When declaring, the use and applicable material must be clearly specified. How can one determine whether a mold is for rubber or plastic? It can be judged by the mold design, heating method, rubber injection system, etc. Rubber molds usually have heated runners, while plastic molds have cooling systems. You may also refer to the mold nameplate or manual, or ask the manufacturer. If it cannot be determined, it is recommended to declare according to actual use to avoid classification errors. In the declaration elements for rubber molds, what should be filled in for material? Material refers to the material of the mold body, usually metal, such as mold steel, aluminum alloy, etc. Rubber or plastic should not be filled in, because the mold is a tool used to form rubber and is not itself made of rubber. If the mold contains non-metal parts, the main material may be indicated. If a mold can be used for both rubber and plastic, which code should it be classified under? According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, it should be classified according to its principal use. If it is mainly used for rubber, it is classified under 848071; if mainly used for plastic, under 848079. If the principal use cannot be determined, reference may be made to customs advance classification decisions or consultation with a professional customs broker. How can the import tax rate for rubber molds be checked? Tax rates vary depending on the country, trade agreements, place of origin, and other factors. It is recommended to check the latest tax rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that this answer does not provide specific tax rate figures. Does the HS code for rubber molds apply to all types of rubber molds? 848071 applies to molds for rubber, including injection molds, compression molds, transfer molds, etc. However, if the mold is used for special processes (such as extrusion dies), it may be classified under other codes. It is recommended to confirm according to the mold's specific function and process. What are the common errors when declaring rubber molds? Common errors include: misreporting plastic molds as rubber molds; filling in the wrong material (such as rubber); unclear use description; failure to distinguish the processing method. These errors may lead to classification errors, returned declarations, or penalties. Does the export tax rebate apply to rubber molds? The export tax rebate depends on national policy and the commodity code. 848071 may be eligible for a rebate, but the latest rebate catalog must be confirmed. It is recommended to check with the State Taxation Administration or consult a tax adviser to ensure compliance.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between rubber molds and plastic molds?
A: Rubber molds are classified under 848071, and plastic molds under 848079. Both belong to heading 8480, but under different subheadings. The key distinction is the forming material: rubber molds are used for rubber products (such as sealing rings, tires), and plastic molds are used for plastic products. When declaring, the use and applicable material must be clearly specified.
Q: How can one determine whether a mold is for rubber or plastic?
A: It can be judged by the mold design, heating method, rubber injection system, etc. Rubber molds usually have heated runners, while plastic molds have cooling systems. You may also refer to the mold nameplate or manual, or ask the manufacturer. If it cannot be determined, it is recommended to declare according to actual use to avoid classification errors.
Q: In the declaration elements for rubber molds, what should be filled in for material?
A: Material refers to the material of the mold body, usually metal, such as mold steel, aluminum alloy, etc. Rubber or plastic should not be filled in, because the mold is a tool used to form rubber and is not itself made of rubber. If the mold contains non-metal parts, the main material may be indicated.
Q: If a mold can be used for both rubber and plastic, which code should it be classified under?
A: According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, it should be classified according to its principal use. If it is mainly used for rubber, it is classified under 848071; if mainly used for plastic, under 848079. If the principal use cannot be determined, reference may be made to customs advance classification decisions or consultation with a professional customs broker.
Q: How can the import tax rate for rubber molds be checked?
A: Tax rates vary depending on the country, trade agreements, place of origin, and other factors. It is recommended to check the latest tax rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that this answer does not provide specific tax rate figures.
Q: Does the HS code for rubber molds apply to all types of rubber molds?
A: 848071 applies to molds for rubber, including injection molds, compression molds, transfer molds, etc. However, if the mold is used for special processes (such as extrusion dies), it may be classified under other codes. It is recommended to confirm according to the mold's specific function and process.
Q: What are the common errors when declaring rubber molds?
A: Common errors include: misreporting plastic molds as rubber molds; filling in the wrong material (such as rubber); unclear use description; failure to distinguish the processing method. These errors may lead to classification errors, returned declarations, or penalties.
Q: Does the export tax rebate apply to rubber molds?
A: The export tax rebate depends on national policy and the commodity code. 848071 may be eligible for a rebate, but the latest rebate catalog must be confirmed. It is recommended to check with the State Taxation Administration or consult a tax adviser to ensure compliance.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.