HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 6813.20 – 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

HS code 6813.20 is the 6-digit subheading for 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. It is used for asbestos brake linings, asbestos clutch facings, asbestos friction sheets, asbestos friction segments and asbestos brake pads (unmounted).

What HS 6813.20 covers

This code pertains to friction materials and articles, such as sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, and pads, that are unmounted and have a basis of asbestos, used for brakes, clutches, or similar applications. Similar to other asbestos-related codes, international trade in these products is severely limited due to widespread health concerns and regulatory bans. Importers and exporters are typically specialized suppliers catering to legacy machinery, vintage vehicles, or specific industrial applications in jurisdictions where asbestos use is not entirely prohibited. Trade involves navigating complex international regulations, health and safety standards, and often requires special permits. The market for these products is shrinking as industries globally adopt non-asbestos alternatives.

Covers
  • Asbestos brake linings
  • Asbestos clutch facings
  • Asbestos friction sheets
  • Asbestos friction segments
  • Asbestos brake pads (unmounted)
  • Asbestos clutch discs (unmounted)
  • Asbestos friction washers
Examples
  • Ferodo (historical asbestos brake linings)
  • Bendix (historical asbestos brake pads)
  • Raybestos (historical asbestos clutch facings)
  • Mintex (historical asbestos friction materials)

Codes often confused with 6813.20

Common mistake. Often confused with 681381 or 681389, which cover non-asbestos friction materials; the key distinction for 681320 is the explicit "basis of asbestos."

Top exporters and importers of HS code 681320, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 681320 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 23% 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. 1 United States $9.1M
  2. 2 Thailand $7.9M
  3. 3 China $7.3M

World total: $36M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Mexico $8.6M
  2. 2 Indonesia $2.2M
  3. 3 South Africa $2.1M

World total: $37M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 6813.20

Brazil does not split HS 6813.20: its NCM code is 6813.20.00.

  1. 6813.20.00 Friction material containing asbestosQue contenham amianto

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 68.13 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 6813.20

What is HS code 681320?

HS code 681320 is a 6-digit subheading 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. This code pertains to friction materials and articles, such as sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, and pads, that are unmounted and have a basis of asbestos, used for brakes, clutches, or similar applications. Similar to other asbestos-related codes, international trade in these products is severely limited due to widespread health concerns and regulatory bans. Importers and exporters are typically specialized suppliers catering to legacy machinery, vintage vehicles, or specific industrial applications in jurisdictions where asbestos use is not entirely prohibited. Trade involves navigating complex international regulations, health and safety standards, and often requires special permits. The market for these products is shrinking as industries globally adopt non-asbestos alternatives.

What products fall under HS code 681320?

Asbestos brake linings, Asbestos clutch facings, Asbestos friction sheets, Asbestos friction segments, Asbestos brake pads (unmounted), Asbestos clutch discs (unmounted), Asbestos friction washers

What are common misclassifications for HS code 681320?

Often confused with 681381 or 681389, which cover non-asbestos friction materials; the key distinction for 681320 is the explicit "basis of asbestos."

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 681320?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 681320 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.1M, 26% of world exports), Thailand ($7.9M) and China ($7.3M). World exports came to about $36M, 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 681320?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 681320 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($8.6M, 23% of world imports), Indonesia ($2.2M) and South Africa ($2.1M). World imports came to about $37M, 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 681320 structured?

HS code 681320 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (68) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (13) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 681320?

In Brazil, HS code 681320 is NCM 6813.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.