HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7018.20 – Glass microspheres; not exceeding 1mm in diameter
HS code 7018.20 is the 6-digit subheading for glass microspheres, not exceeding 1mm in diameter. It is used for reflective road marking beads, hollow glass microspheres, solid glass beads for grinding, medical diagnostic beads and filler for composites.
What HS 7018.20 covers
This highly specialized category covers minute glass spheres, each with a diameter not exceeding 1 millimeter. These microspheres possess unique properties such as high reflectivity, low density, chemical inertness, and excellent compressive strength, making them invaluable across a diverse range of industrial applications. They are critical components in sectors requiring precision, durability, and specific optical or physical characteristics. Key importers include manufacturers in the automotive (e.g., road markings), aerospace, medical (e.g., diagnostics), construction (e.g., lightweight fillers), and coatings industries. Exporters are typically specialized chemical or glass processing companies with advanced manufacturing capabilities. Critical aspects for trade include precise size distribution, surface treatment, refractive index, and material composition, which dictate their suitability for specific high-performance uses.
- Covers
- Reflective road marking beads
- Hollow glass microspheres
- Solid glass beads for grinding
- Medical diagnostic beads
- Filler for composites
- Retroreflective paint additives
- Blasting media
- Examples
- 3M Glass Bubbles
- Potters Industries reflective beads
- Krosaki Harima microspheres
- Sovitec glass beads
Codes often confused with 7018.20
Common mistake. Could be confused with 701810 if their decorative aspect is emphasized, though their primary use is industrial. Also, 392690 (other articles of plastics) if they are coated or embedded in plastic for specific applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 701820, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 701820 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 12% 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 $163M 39% of world exports
- 2 France $63M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $40M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $417M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $63M 12% of world imports
- 2 China $56M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $34M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $514M 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 7018.20
Brazil does not split HS 7018.20: its NCM code is 7018.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 70.18 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7018.20
What is HS code 701820?
HS code 701820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Glass microspheres; not exceeding 1mm in diameter. This highly specialized category covers minute glass spheres, each with a diameter not exceeding 1 millimeter. These microspheres possess unique properties such as high reflectivity, low density, chemical inertness, and excellent compressive strength, making them invaluable across a diverse range of industrial applications. They are critical components in sectors requiring precision, durability, and specific optical or physical characteristics. Key importers include manufacturers in the automotive (e.g., road markings), aerospace, medical (e.g., diagnostics), construction (e.g., lightweight fillers), and coatings industries. Exporters are typically specialized chemical or glass processing companies with advanced manufacturing capabilities. Critical aspects for trade include precise size distribution, surface treatment, refractive index, and material composition, which dictate their suitability for specific high-performance uses.
What products fall under HS code 701820?
Reflective road marking beads, hollow glass microspheres, solid glass beads for grinding, medical diagnostic beads, filler for composites, retroreflective paint additives, blasting media
What are common misclassifications for HS code 701820?
Could be confused with 701810 if their decorative aspect is emphasized, though their primary use is industrial. Also, 392690 (other articles of plastics) if they are coated or embedded in plastic for specific applications.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 701820?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 701820 in UN Comtrade data were China ($163M, 39% of world exports), France ($63M) and the United States ($40M). World exports came to about $417M, 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 701820?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 701820 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($63M, 12% of world imports), China ($56M) and the United Kingdom ($34M). World imports came to about $514M, 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 701820 structured?
HS code 701820 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (70) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) 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 701820?
In Brazil, HS code 701820 is NCM 7018.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.