HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 78 – Lead and articles thereof
What HS 78 covers
HS Chapter 78, titled 'Lead and articles thereof,' encompasses lead in its various forms, from raw materials to semi-finished and specific finished articles. This chapter is situated within Section XV of the Harmonized System, which covers base metals and articles of base metals. The scope of Chapter 78 includes unwrought lead (pure and alloys), lead waste and scrap, and a range of manufactured articles such as plates, sheets, strip, foil, powders, flakes, tubes, pipes, and fittings, as well as other miscellaneous articles made predominantly of lead. It specifically excludes lead-acid batteries (classified under 8507) and lead components that form an integral part of machinery or other articles classified elsewhere (e.g., lead parts in X-ray apparatus, which fall under Chapter 90). Accurate classification under Chapter 78 is paramount for trade compliance due to several factors. Lead's historical widespread use, coupled with its toxicity, has led to stringent environmental regulations, import/export controls, and specific tariff treatments globally. Misclassification can result in incorrect duty assessments, non-compliance with environmental or health regulations, delays in customs clearance, and potential penalties. Historically, lead has been crucial for plumbing, pigments, ammunition, and batteries, though its applications have evolved due to health concerns. Today, it remains vital for radiation shielding, specialized construction, and, most significantly, in lead-acid batteries, with the raw lead and scrap often falling under this chapter. Major headings within this chapter include 7801 (unwrought lead), 7802 (lead waste and scrap), 7804 (lead plates, sheets, strip, foil, powders, and flakes), and 7806 (other articles of lead).
- Covers
- Unwrought lead ingots
- Lead alloy ingots
- Lead battery scrap
- Lead dross
- Rolled lead sheets
- Lead foil for packaging
- Lead plates for radiation shielding
- Lead powders for industrial use
- Lead flakes
- Lead wire for soldering
- Lead pipes for industrial plumbing
- Lead tube fittings
- Lead diving weights
- Lead ballast for ships
- Lead anodes for electroplating
- Lead castings for specialized parts
- Lead shot for ballasting
- Lead seals for meters
- Lead-based solder wire
- Lead counterweights
- Lead sheet for sound insulation
- Lead flashing for construction
- Lead sinkers for fishing
- Lead cames for stained glass.
- Examples
A major battery manufacturer in South Korea imports large quantities of unwrought lead ingots (7801) from Australia, a significant global producer, via bulk cargo ships across the Pacific. This trade often benefits from preferential tariff rates under the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement. An architectural restoration company in the United Kingdom sources specialized lead sheets and strips (7804) from producers in Germany for use in historical building roofing and flashing. As intra-EU trade, these movements typically involve simplified customs procedures but require adherence to VAT regulations. A hospital equipment supplier in the United States imports custom-fabricated lead plates for X-ray room shielding (7804) from a manufacturer in Mexico. This trade might qualify for duty-free treatment under the USMCA, provided all rules of origin requirements are met and documented. A lead recycling facility in India imports various forms of lead waste and scrap (7802), primarily spent lead-acid batteries, from countries across Southeast Asia like Thailand and Vietnam. This trade is subject to strict environmental regulations and licensing requirements in both exporting and importing countries, reflecting global efforts to manage hazardous waste.
Headings in chapter 78 4
Codes often confused with 78
Common mistake. Traders frequently misclassify products involving lead. A common mistake is confusing lead-acid batteries (HS 8507.10) with the lead components or raw materials found in Chapter 78. While batteries contain lead, they are classified as finished electrical apparatus. Another pitfall involves distinguishing between metallic lead powders or flakes (7804) and lead compounds used as pigments (e.g., HS 3206) or other chemicals (Chapters 28 or 29). If the lead is chemically combined or prepared as a pigment, it shifts to the chemicals section. Lastly, articles 'made of' lead (Chapter 78) are often confused with composite articles 'containing' lead, such as leaded brass (Chapter 74) or articles where lead is a minor component of a product primarily classified elsewhere.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 78, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 78 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 India $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 2 Australia $794M 8.2% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $690M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $9.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 13% of world imports
- 2 India $1.2B 12% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$633M 6.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $10.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.
Questions about HS 78
What is HS code 78?
HS code 78 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Lead and articles thereof. HS Chapter 78, titled 'Lead and articles thereof,' encompasses lead in its various forms, from raw materials to semi-finished and specific finished articles. This chapter is situated within Section XV of the Harmonized System, which covers base metals and articles of base metals. The scope of Chapter 78 includes unwrought lead (pure and alloys), lead waste and scrap, and a range of manufactured articles such as plates, sheets, strip, foil, powders, flakes, tubes, pipes, and fittings, as well as other miscellaneous articles made predominantly of lead. It specifically excludes lead-acid batteries (classified under 8507) and lead components that form an integral part of machinery or other articles classified elsewhere (e.g., lead parts in X-ray apparatus, which fall under Chapter 90). Accurate classification under Chapter 78 is paramount for trade compliance due to several factors. Lead's historical widespread use, coupled with its toxicity, has led to stringent environmental regulations, import/export controls, and specific tariff treatments globally. Misclassification can result in incorrect duty assessments, non-compliance with environmental or health regulations, delays in customs clearance, and potential penalties. Historically, lead has been crucial for plumbing, pigments, ammunition, and batteries, though its applications have evolved due to health concerns. Today, it remains vital for radiation shielding, specialized construction, and, most significantly, in lead-acid batteries, with the raw lead and scrap often falling under this chapter. Major headings within this chapter include 7801 (unwrought lead), 7802 (lead waste and scrap), 7804 (lead plates, sheets, strip, foil, powders, and flakes), and 7806 (other articles of lead).
What products fall under HS code 78?
Unwrought lead ingots, lead alloy ingots, lead battery scrap, lead dross, rolled lead sheets, lead foil for packaging, lead plates for radiation shielding, lead powders for industrial use, lead flakes, lead wire for soldering, lead pipes for industrial plumbing, lead tube fittings, lead diving weights, lead ballast for ships, lead anodes for electroplating, lead castings for specialized parts, lead shot for ballasting, lead seals for meters, lead-based solder wire, lead counterweights, lead sheet for sound insulation, lead flashing for construction, lead sinkers for fishing, lead cames for stained glass.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 78?
Traders frequently misclassify products involving lead. A common mistake is confusing lead-acid batteries (HS 8507.10) with the lead components or raw materials found in Chapter 78. While batteries contain lead, they are classified as finished electrical apparatus. Another pitfall involves distinguishing between metallic lead powders or flakes (7804) and lead compounds used as pigments (e.g., HS 3206) or other chemicals (Chapters 28 or 29). If the lead is chemically combined or prepared as a pigment, it shifts to the chemicals section. Lastly, articles 'made of' lead (Chapter 78) are often confused with composite articles 'containing' lead, such as leaded brass (Chapter 74) or articles where lead is a minor component of a product primarily classified elsewhere.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 78?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 78 in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.2B, 13% of world exports), Australia ($794M) and South Korea ($690M). World exports came to about $9.7B, 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 78?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 78 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 13% of world imports), India ($1.2B) and Vietnam (about $633M). World imports came to about $10.1B, 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 78 structured?
HS code 78 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.