HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 6811.40 – Asbestos-cement; articles or the like, containing asbestos
HS code 6811.40 is the 6-digit subheading for asbestos-cement, articles or the like, containing asbestos. It is used for asbestos-cement sheets, asbestos-cement pipes, asbestos-cement roofing tiles, asbestos-cement siding and asbestos-cement insulation boards.
What HS 6811.40 covers
This HS code specifically covers articles made from asbestos-cement or similar materials that contain asbestos. It is critical to note that international trade in these products is severely restricted or outright banned in most countries due to the well-documented health hazards associated with asbestos exposure, particularly its carcinogenic properties. Historically, asbestos-cement was widely used for roofing, siding, pipes, and insulation due to its durability and fire resistance. However, with growing awareness and regulation, its use has dramatically declined. Any remaining legal trade is extremely limited, often involving specific industrial applications in countries where bans are not yet comprehensive, or for the safe disposal and remediation of existing asbestos-containing materials. Importers and exporters must navigate complex international conventions and national laws, such as the Rotterdam Convention, which regulates the trade of hazardous chemicals and pesticides. The global trend is towards the complete eradication of asbestos use and trade.
- Covers
- Asbestos-cement sheets
- Asbestos-cement pipes
- Asbestos-cement roofing tiles
- Asbestos-cement siding
- Asbestos-cement insulation boards
- Asbestos-cement flower boxes
- Examples
- Eternit (historical products)
- Johns Manville (historical products)
- various legacy building materials (no current brands actively trading)
Codes often confused with 6811.40
Common mistake. This code is distinct due to the presence of asbestos. It should not be confused with 681181, 681182, or 681189, which specifically cover *non-asbestos* cellulose fibre-cement products.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 681140, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 681140 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 22% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $21M 32% of world exports
- 2 Kyrgyzstan $14M 21% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$11M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $66M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kazakhstan $9.6M 22% of world imports
- 2 Laos* ~$7.0M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $4.7M 11% of world imports
World total: $44M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 6811.40
Brazil does not split HS 6811.40: its NCM code is 6811.40.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 68.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 6811.40
What is HS code 681140?
HS code 681140 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Asbestos-cement; articles or the like, containing asbestos. This HS code specifically covers articles made from asbestos-cement or similar materials that contain asbestos. It is critical to note that international trade in these products is severely restricted or outright banned in most countries due to the well-documented health hazards associated with asbestos exposure, particularly its carcinogenic properties. Historically, asbestos-cement was widely used for roofing, siding, pipes, and insulation due to its durability and fire resistance. However, with growing awareness and regulation, its use has dramatically declined. Any remaining legal trade is extremely limited, often involving specific industrial applications in countries where bans are not yet comprehensive, or for the safe disposal and remediation of existing asbestos-containing materials. Importers and exporters must navigate complex international conventions and national laws, such as the Rotterdam Convention, which regulates the trade of hazardous chemicals and pesticides. The global trend is towards the complete eradication of asbestos use and trade.
What products fall under HS code 681140?
Asbestos-cement sheets, asbestos-cement pipes, asbestos-cement roofing tiles, asbestos-cement siding, asbestos-cement insulation boards, asbestos-cement flower boxes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 681140?
This code is distinct due to the presence of asbestos. It should not be confused with 681181, 681182, or 681189, which specifically cover *non-asbestos* cellulose fibre-cement products.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 681140?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 681140 in UN Comtrade data were China ($21M, 32% of world exports), Kyrgyzstan ($14M) and Russia (about $11M). World exports came to about $66M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 681140?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 681140 in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($9.6M, 22% of world imports), Laos (about $7.0M) and Malaysia ($4.7M). World imports came to about $44M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 681140 structured?
HS code 681140 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (68) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 681140?
In Brazil, HS code 681140 is NCM 6811.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.