HS Code 70.02 – Glass in balls (other than microspheres of heading no. 7018), rods or tubes, unworked

HS code 7002 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Glass in balls (other than microspheres of heading no. 7018), rods or tubes, unworked. Heading 7002 covers 'Glass in balls (other than microspheres of heading no. 7018), rods or tubes, unworked.' This classification is critical for semi-finished glass products that serve as intermediate materials for various industries. The defining characteristics are the specific forms (balls, rods, tubes) and their 'unworked' state, meaning they have not undergone further processing like cutting, bending, grinding, polishing, or surface treatment beyond what's necessary for their basic shape. This excludes finished articles made from these forms. A crucial exclusion is 'microspheres of heading no. 7018,' which are tiny glass beads used in reflective paints, medical applications, or as fillers. The scope encompasses various types of glass, such as borosilicate, soda-lime, or quartz, provided they are in these primary unworked shapes. Key sub-categories are determined by the specific form and glass composition. Classification under this heading is vital for trade compliance as it dictates tariff rates for raw materials and intermediate goods, affecting the cost structure for manufacturers. It also helps differentiate these basic forms from finished glass products, which fall under other specific headings in Chapter 70. This heading represents the next stage in the glass manufacturing process after raw material preparation, providing essential building blocks for diverse applications from laboratory equipment to lighting and fiber optics.

Unworked borosilicate glass rods, unworked soda-lime glass tubes, quartz glass rods (unworked), lead glass tubes (unworked), glass cane (unworked), glass tubing for laboratory use (unworked, bulk), raw glass capillary tubes, unworked glass bead preforms, solid glass rods (unworked), hollow glass rods (unworked), glass fiber optic preforms (unworked, before drawing), bulk unworked glass stir rods, unworked glass dropper tubes (bulk), glass lampworking rods (unworked), unworked glass electrode tubes, glass thermometer tubing (unworked), glass sealing rods, glass ballasts (unworked), glass cullet for remelting into rods/tubes, colored glass rods (unworked) for artisans, glass ingots (small, rod-like, unworked), precision glass tubes (unworked), glass light guide rods (unworked).

Misclassification under Heading 7002 often occurs when traders confuse 'unworked' glass forms with more processed or specialized glass products. A common mistake is classifying finished laboratory glassware (e.g., pre-formed beakers, test tubes) here instead of 7017 ('Laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware'). Another error is including glass microspheres, which are explicitly excluded and belong to 7018 ('Glass beads, microspheres, artificial eyes, etc.'). Furthermore, flat glass in sheets (7003, 7004, 7005) or glass envelopes for electric lamps (7011) are sometimes incorrectly grouped with these basic forms. The key is to strictly adhere to the 'unworked' condition and the specific shapes (balls, rods, tubes), ensuring the product has not undergone significant shaping or finishing beyond its primary form. This distinction is crucial for accurate tariff assessment and regulatory compliance.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7002 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($295M, 25% of world exports), China ($245M) and Germany ($161M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 7002 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($199M, 14% of world imports), China ($188M) and India ($163M). 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 7002 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 70 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (70) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.