Molds and forming dies are generally classified separately from the machine itself, typically under HTS heading 8480 (molds for rubber or plastics, glass, or other materials) or as parts under 8441900000 if they are dedicated components of the pulp-molding machine. Whether they are imported together or separately, CBP may require individual classification for each article; a binding ruling is advisable for high-value tooling sets.

The primary end-use sectors are food-service packaging (egg cartons, cup carriers), electronics protective packaging, and consumer-goods cushioning — all areas where regulatory pressure on single-use plastics is accelerating conversion to molded fiber. Buyers often source from European specialists (particularly Dutch and German OEMs) because of their advanced thermoforming and drying-system integration, though Chinese-made equipment is increasingly competitive on price for standard tray configurations.