HS Code 68.13 – Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted; for brakes, clutches or the like, with a basis of asbestos, other mineral substances, or cellulose

HS code 6813 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted; for brakes, clutches or the like, with a basis of asbestos, other mineral substances, or cellulose. Heading 6813 covers friction material and articles thereof, specifically designed for brakes, clutches, or similar applications, provided they are 'not mounted'. This classification is crucial for the automotive, industrial machinery, and aerospace sectors. The materials can have a basis of asbestos, other mineral substances (like ceramic or metallic fibers), or cellulose, reflecting the evolution of friction technology away from asbestos. The 'not mounted' condition is a critical boundary for this heading, distinguishing these components from finished brake pads or clutch assemblies that would typically be classified with the machines or vehicles they are designed for (e.g., Chapter 87 for vehicles, Chapter 84 for machinery). The scope includes sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, and pads in their unmounted state. This heading's significance lies in its direct impact on supply chains for vehicle manufacturing, aftermarket parts, and heavy industrial equipment. The shift from asbestos to non-asbestos materials has been a major historical trend, driven by environmental and health regulations, making the material basis a key factor for compliance. Proper classification ensures correct tariff application, adherence to environmental regulations (especially concerning asbestos), and seamless integration into global manufacturing and repair networks. It sits within Chapter 68, emphasizing its nature as a fabricated article derived from mineral or similar substances, specialized for a specific mechanical function.

Unmounted asbestos-free brake pads, unmounted cellulose-based clutch facings, unmounted mineral-based brake linings, friction sheets for industrial clutches, friction rolls for heavy machinery, friction strips for railway brakes, friction segments for automotive brakes, unmounted ceramic friction discs, unmounted carbon-fiber brake washers, industrial friction pads (unmounted), unmounted wind turbine brake pads, unmounted motorcycle clutch plates, unmounted bicycle brake pads, unmounted heavy equipment friction plates, unmounted marine clutch facings, unmounted crane brake linings, unmounted elevator brake pads, unmounted agricultural machinery friction elements, friction material in bulk rolls, friction material in pre-cut strips, unmounted brake blocks, unmounted industrial brake shoes, unmounted friction rings, unmounted automotive clutch discs, unmounted brake shoes for trucks.

The most common misclassification error is failing to observe the 'not mounted' proviso. Mounted brake pads or clutch assemblies are generally classified with the vehicles or machinery they are designed for (e.g., Chapter 87 for vehicle parts, Chapter 84 for machinery parts). Another mistake is confusing the raw materials (e.g., mineral fibers, heading 2528) with the fabricated friction material. Also, asbestos-based friction materials must be carefully handled due to severe restrictions, often leading to confusion with other asbestos articles (6812).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6813 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($258M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($225M) and Germany ($182M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6813 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($164M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($119M) and Mexico ($76M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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.

HS code 6813 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 68 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (68) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.