Find HS Code and trade information for silicone molds

Silicone Molds

Silicone molds are versatile tools used to create replicas of an original form using a liquid silicone material. They are widely employed in a diverse range of applications, from culinary arts to industrial prototyping.

Material

The primary material is silicone, specifically polysiloxane polymers. These polymers offer flexibility, durability, and high-temperature resistance. Different silicone formulations exist, varying in hardness (Shore A scale), viscosity, and tear strength to suit specific needs. * Food-grade silicone is non-toxic and safe for contact with food. * Platinum-cure silicone is known for its superior quality, low shrinkage, and excellent detail reproduction, often used in professional mold-making. * Tin-cure silicone is more economical but can be prone to shrinkage and may require degassing.

Purpose

The fundamental purpose of a silicone mold is to reproduce an original object repeatedly and accurately. This is achieved by pouring a liquid material (resin, wax, chocolate, concrete, etc.) into the mold cavity, allowing it to cure or solidify, and then removing the resulting cast.

Function

Silicone molds function through the following principles: * Flexibility: Silicone's elasticity allows for easy demolding without damaging the cast object. * Detail Reproduction: The material accurately captures fine details of the original form. * Temperature Resistance: Silicone withstands a broad temperature range, enabling its use with hot or cold casting materials. * Chemical Resistance: Silicone resists many chemicals used in casting processes. * Non-Stick Properties: Silicone minimizes adhesion to the cast material, simplifying removal.

Usage Scenarios

• Culinary Arts: Creating chocolates, candies, ice cubes, cakes, and other desserts.
• Resin Casting: Producing jewelry, ornaments, figurines, and other decorative items.
• Candle Making: Forming candles with intricate shapes and designs.
• Soap Making: Crafting handmade soaps with unique patterns and forms.
• Concrete Casting: Creating planters, garden decorations, and architectural elements.
• Prototyping: Developing models and prototypes for product design.
• Special Effects: Fabricating props and components for film, television, and theater.
• Jewelry Making: Casting resin, wax, or metal jewelry pieces.

Common Types

• Two-Part Molds: Constructed from two silicone sections that are joined together after pouring the casting material. These are ideal for complex shapes with undercuts.
• One-Part Molds: Simpler molds suitable for objects without significant undercuts.
• Open Molds: Used for creating flat or shallow objects.
• Closed Molds: Enclose the casting material completely, often used for more complex shapes.
• Food-Grade Molds: Specifically designed and certified for use with food.
• High-Temperature Molds: Formulated to withstand higher temperatures for casting materials like hot glue or metal.
• Brush-On Molds: Applied directly onto the original object using a brush.
• Pour-On Molds: Poured around the original object in a contained space.

Silicone molds fall under the category of primary form silicones, or articles of plastics. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 3910.00.00.00: This HS code covers Silicones in primary forms. This would apply if the molds are being imported as the raw silicone material itself, before being formed into a specific shape. The tariff details indicate a base duty of 3.0%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 58.0%.

• 3926.90.40.00: This HS code covers Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Imitation gemstones. While not directly molds, if the silicone molds are designed to create imitation gemstones, this code may be applicable. The tariff details indicate a base duty of 2.8%, a surcharge of 0.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 32.8%.

• 4016.99.05.00: This HS code covers Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber: Other: Other: Household articles not elsewhere specified or included. If the silicone molds are used for household purposes (e.g., baking, crafting), this code might be relevant. The tariff details indicate a base duty of 3.4%, a surcharge of 7.5%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 40.9%.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'silicone molds' are limited, with only the following 3 found.