8480.71.10.00 - For shoe machinery

This classification, HTS Code 8480.71.10.00, specifically covers molds designed for use in shoe manufacturing machinery. These molds are integral to the production of footwear, shaping materials like rubber, plastics, or leather into various shoe components, including soles, heels, and uppers. The defining characteristic of this category is its specialized application within the footwear industry, utilizing injection or compression molding techniques.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, 8480.71.40.00 is dedicated to molds for semiconductor device manufacturing, a highly specialized area unrelated to footwear. The "Other" category (8480.71.80) encompasses injection or compression type molds for rubber or plastics that do not fall under the specific applications of shoe machinery or semiconductor device production. Therefore, the key differentiator for 8480.71.10.00 is its exclusive use in the production of shoes.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification within this heading relies on the explicit determination that the mold's intended purpose and design are for the manufacture of footwear. This implies that the mold's dimensions, shape, and any associated tooling or features are tailored to create specific shoe parts through the injection or compression molding process.