HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7016.90 – Multicellular or foam glass; in blocks, panels, plates, shells or similar forms; paving blocks, slabs, bricks and other articles of pressed or moulded glass
HS code 7016.90 is the 6-digit subheading for multicellular or foam glass, in blocks, panels, plates, shells or similar forms, paving blocks, slabs, bricks and other articles of pressed or moulded glass. It is used for foam glass insulation blocks, multicellular glass panels, cryogenic insulation shells, foam glass roof insulation and industrial pipe insulation.
What HS 7016.90 covers
This HS code covers multicellular or foam glass, a unique material known for its excellent thermal insulation, fire resistance, and compressive strength. It's produced by heating powdered glass mixed with a foaming agent, creating a closed-cell structure. In international trade, these products are primarily imported by construction companies, industrial insulation contractors, and specialized building material suppliers for applications requiring high-performance insulation, particularly in demanding environments like cryogenic facilities, flat roofs, and industrial pipelines. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of foam glass, often with proprietary production technologies. Key things to know include the material's R-value (thermal resistance), its resistance to moisture and chemicals, and its non-combustible properties, which make it a preferred choice over other insulation materials in specific scenarios. Its durability and environmental benefits (made from recycled glass) also contribute to its market appeal.
- Covers
- Foam glass insulation blocks
- Multicellular glass panels
- Cryogenic insulation shells
- Foam glass roof insulation
- Industrial pipe insulation
- Foam glass paving blocks
- Sound-absorbing foam glass
- Examples
- Pittsburgh Corning FOAMGLAS
- GLAPOR Foam Glass
- Misapor Foam Glass
- Poraver Foam Glass Granules
- Geocell Foam Glass
Codes often confused with 7016.90
Common mistake. Can be confused with other insulation materials like mineral wool (6806) or plastic foam (3921) if the "glass" composition isn't clearly identified, or with other pressed/moulded glass articles (7013, 7020) if its primary function as insulation is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 701690, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 701690 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, 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 China $315M 42% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $94M 12% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $94M 12% of world exports
World total: $757M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $127M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $65M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $56M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $762M 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 7016.90
Brazil does not split HS 7016.90: its NCM code is 7016.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 70.16 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7016.90
What is HS code 701690?
HS code 701690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Multicellular or foam glass; in blocks, panels, plates, shells or similar forms; paving blocks, slabs, bricks and other articles of pressed or moulded glass. This HS code covers multicellular or foam glass, a unique material known for its excellent thermal insulation, fire resistance, and compressive strength. It's produced by heating powdered glass mixed with a foaming agent, creating a closed-cell structure. In international trade, these products are primarily imported by construction companies, industrial insulation contractors, and specialized building material suppliers for applications requiring high-performance insulation, particularly in demanding environments like cryogenic facilities, flat roofs, and industrial pipelines. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of foam glass, often with proprietary production technologies. Key things to know include the material's R-value (thermal resistance), its resistance to moisture and chemicals, and its non-combustible properties, which make it a preferred choice over other insulation materials in specific scenarios. Its durability and environmental benefits (made from recycled glass) also contribute to its market appeal.
What products fall under HS code 701690?
Foam glass insulation blocks, Multicellular glass panels, Cryogenic insulation shells, Foam glass roof insulation, Industrial pipe insulation, Foam glass paving blocks, Sound-absorbing foam glass
What are common misclassifications for HS code 701690?
Can be confused with other insulation materials like mineral wool (6806) or plastic foam (3921) if the "glass" composition isn't clearly identified, or with other pressed/moulded glass articles (7013, 7020) if its primary function as insulation is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 701690?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 701690 in UN Comtrade data were China ($315M, 42% of world exports), Czechia ($94M) and Belgium ($94M). World exports came to about $757M, 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 701690?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 701690 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($127M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($65M) and Germany ($56M). World imports came to about $762M, 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 701690 structured?
HS code 701690 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (70) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 701690?
In Brazil, HS code 701690 is NCM 7016.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.