HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7603.20 – Aluminium; powders of lamellar structure, flakes
HS code 7603.20 is the 6-digit subheading for aluminium, powders of lamellar structure, flakes. It is used for aluminium pigment paste, aluminium flake powder for coatings, metallic effect pigments, aluminium powder for solar paste and aluminium powder for printing inks.
What HS 7603.20 covers
This code covers aluminium in a specific powdered or flaked form, characterized by its lamellar (layered) structure. These specialized forms of aluminium are crucial in various industrial applications, particularly where surface area, reflectivity, or specific chemical properties are paramount. Major importers include countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, such as Germany, Japan, and the United States, which utilize these materials in paints, coatings, and specialized pigments. Exporters often come from regions with significant primary aluminium production and processing capabilities, like China, Russia, and Canada. Key things to know include the importance of particle size and morphology for end-use performance, as well as safety considerations due to the flammability of fine metal powders. The global trade in these materials is driven by demand from the automotive, aerospace, and decorative industries, where they contribute to lightweighting, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic finishes. The purity and consistency of the flakes are critical for high-performance applications, making quality control a significant factor in international transactions.
- Covers
- Aluminium pigment paste
- Aluminium flake powder for coatings
- Metallic effect pigments
- Aluminium powder for solar paste
- Aluminium powder for printing inks
- Aluminium powder for reflective materials
- Aluminium powder for automotive finishes
- Examples
- Eckart STAPA MET
- Silberline Silvet
- Toyal Aluminium Flakes
- Altana ECKART pigments
Codes often confused with 7603.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 760310 (non-lamellar aluminium powders) if the specific lamellar structure is not clearly identified. It might also be mistaken for other aluminium waste or scrap codes if not properly processed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 760320, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 760320 in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 27% 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 Malaysia $71M 28% of world exports
- 2 United States $45M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $29M 12% of world exports
World total: $250M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $47M 27% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $13M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $11M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $171M 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 7603.20
Brazil does not split HS 7603.20: its NCM code is 7603.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 76.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 7603.20
What is HS code 760320?
HS code 760320 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aluminium; powders of lamellar structure, flakes. This code covers aluminium in a specific powdered or flaked form, characterized by its lamellar (layered) structure. These specialized forms of aluminium are crucial in various industrial applications, particularly where surface area, reflectivity, or specific chemical properties are paramount. Major importers include countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, such as Germany, Japan, and the United States, which utilize these materials in paints, coatings, and specialized pigments. Exporters often come from regions with significant primary aluminium production and processing capabilities, like China, Russia, and Canada. Key things to know include the importance of particle size and morphology for end-use performance, as well as safety considerations due to the flammability of fine metal powders. The global trade in these materials is driven by demand from the automotive, aerospace, and decorative industries, where they contribute to lightweighting, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic finishes. The purity and consistency of the flakes are critical for high-performance applications, making quality control a significant factor in international transactions.
What products fall under HS code 760320?
Aluminium pigment paste, Aluminium flake powder for coatings, Metallic effect pigments, Aluminium powder for solar paste, Aluminium powder for printing inks, Aluminium powder for reflective materials, Aluminium powder for automotive finishes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 760320?
This code can be confused with 760310 (non-lamellar aluminium powders) if the specific lamellar structure is not clearly identified. It might also be mistaken for other aluminium waste or scrap codes if not properly processed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 760320?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 760320 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($71M, 28% of world exports), the United States ($45M) and Germany ($29M). World exports came to about $250M, 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 760320?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 760320 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($47M, 27% of world imports), Türkiye ($13M) and Germany ($11M). World imports came to about $171M, 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 760320 structured?
HS code 760320 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (76) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) 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 760320?
In Brazil, HS code 760320 is NCM 7603.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.