8480.71.80.20 - Temporarily imported for testing, calibration, examination, repair or alteration; returned after being exported for testing, calibration, examination, repair or alteration

This HTS category, 8480.71.80.20, specifically designates molds designed for injection or compression molding of rubber or plastics that are temporarily imported for testing, calibration, examination, repair, or alteration, or are returned after such processing abroad. These molds are integral to manufacturing processes where molten rubber or plastic is injected or compressed into a cavity to form a finished product. The scope is narrowly defined to include only those molds undergoing temporary international movement for specific service-related purposes, rather than permanent import for ongoing production.

While at the same hierarchical level as other "other" subcategories within molds for rubber or plastics, this particular code is distinguished by its explicit treatment of temporary import/export scenarios for service and repair. Other categories at this level would likely cover molds for permanent import and use in production, or molds for materials other than rubber and plastics, or different types of molding processes. The defining characteristic here is the transitional nature of the mold's presence in a country, driven by maintenance or evaluation needs.

As a leaf node, this classification does not have further subdivisions. The detailed description clarifies the specific conditions under which a mold would fall into this category: the purpose of the temporary import (testing, calibration, examination, repair, or alteration) or its return after having undergone such processing abroad. This level of detail is crucial for accurate tariff application, ensuring that the unique customs treatment for temporary movements is correctly applied to these specialized molds.