HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 6813.81 – Brake linings and pads; with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos)
HS code 6813.81 is the 6-digit subheading for brake linings and pads, with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos). It is used for ceramic brake pads, semi-metallic brake pads, organic brake linings, sintered brake pads and heavy-duty truck brake linings.
What HS 6813.81 covers
This HS code covers modern brake linings and pads that are based on mineral substances or cellulose, explicitly excluding asbestos. These products are critical components in the automotive, railway, and industrial machinery sectors, ensuring safety and performance in braking systems. International trade is robust, driven by global vehicle production, aftermarket demand for replacement parts, and advancements in material science. Major importers and exporters include automotive manufacturing hubs, large-scale distributors of vehicle components, and industrial equipment suppliers. Key trade considerations involve material composition (e.g., ceramic, semi-metallic, organic), performance specifications, safety certifications (like ECE R90), and environmental compliance. The market is highly competitive, with continuous innovation in noise reduction, dust control, and wear resistance.
- Covers
- Ceramic brake pads
- Semi-metallic brake pads
- Organic brake linings
- Sintered brake pads
- Heavy-duty truck brake linings
- Railway brake pads
- Industrial machinery brake pads
- Examples
- Brembo brake pads
- Akebono brake pads
- Bosch brake pads
- TRW brake pads
- EBC Brakes
Codes often confused with 6813.81
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 681320 (asbestos-based) and 681389 (non-brake friction materials); the specific application for "brakes" and "non-asbestos" basis is critical for classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 681381, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 681381 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 Japan $189M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $95M 11% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $78M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $855M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $142M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $70M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Poland $48M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $843M 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 codes for 6813.81 2
Brazil splits HS 6813.81 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
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 6813.81
What is HS code 681381?
HS code 681381 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Brake linings and pads; with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos). This HS code covers modern brake linings and pads that are based on mineral substances or cellulose, explicitly excluding asbestos. These products are critical components in the automotive, railway, and industrial machinery sectors, ensuring safety and performance in braking systems. International trade is robust, driven by global vehicle production, aftermarket demand for replacement parts, and advancements in material science. Major importers and exporters include automotive manufacturing hubs, large-scale distributors of vehicle components, and industrial equipment suppliers. Key trade considerations involve material composition (e.g., ceramic, semi-metallic, organic), performance specifications, safety certifications (like ECE R90), and environmental compliance. The market is highly competitive, with continuous innovation in noise reduction, dust control, and wear resistance.
What products fall under HS code 681381?
Ceramic brake pads, Semi-metallic brake pads, Organic brake linings, Sintered brake pads, Heavy-duty truck brake linings, Railway brake pads, Industrial machinery brake pads
What are common misclassifications for HS code 681381?
This code is distinct from 681320 (asbestos-based) and 681389 (non-brake friction materials); the specific application for "brakes" and "non-asbestos" basis is critical for classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 681381?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 681381 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($189M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($95M) and Brazil ($78M). World exports came to about $855M, 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 681381?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 681381 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($142M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($70M) and Poland ($48M). World imports came to about $843M, 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 681381 structured?
HS code 681381 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 (81) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 681381?
Brazil splits HS code 681381 into 2 NCM codes: 6813.81.10 (Asbestos-free brake pads), 6813.81.90 (Other asbestos-free brake linings). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.