HS Code 78.01 – Lead; unwrought

HS code 7801 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lead; unwrought. Heading 7801 of the Harmonized System encompasses unwrought lead, which refers to lead that has not been worked beyond the stages of smelting, casting, or alloying. This crucial classification includes primary lead, refined lead, remelted lead, and lead bullion, typically presented in forms such as ingots, blocks, pigs, or slabs. The scope is strictly limited to lead in its raw, unworked metallic state, excluding lead waste and scrap (7802) or lead that has been further processed into specific forms like plates, sheets, or powders (7804). The classification of unwrought lead is fundamental for trade compliance as it dictates the applicable tariffs, import/export regulations, and potential anti-dumping duties. Historically, lead has been a vital commodity, essential for battery manufacturing, radiation shielding, construction, and the production of various alloys. Its trade significance remains high, particularly with the global demand for lead-acid batteries. This heading serves as the entry point for lead in Chapter 78, which covers lead and articles thereof, establishing the raw material basis for subsequent, more processed lead products within the chapter. Accurate classification here prevents misdeclaration issues that could lead to penalties or delays in the supply chain.

Refined lead ingots, lead pigs, lead blocks, lead billets, lead bullion, secondary unwrought lead, pure lead ingots, antimonial lead ingots, calcium lead ingots, lead alloy ingots (unwrought), recycled unwrought lead, desilverized lead, soft lead ingots, hard lead ingots, remelted lead blocks, lead anodes (for refining), lead slabs, lead bars (unwrought), lead shot (unwrought, for alloying), lead granules (unwrought, for alloying), lead pellets (unwrought, for alloying), lead wire (unwrought, for alloying), lead shot (unwrought, for alloying), lead alloy ingots, lead-tin alloy ingots (unwrought).

A common mistake is confusing unwrought lead (7801) with lead waste and scrap (7802). While both are raw forms, 7801 implies a primary or refined state ready for processing, whereas 7802 covers discarded or broken lead materials. Traders might also misclassify lead alloys in specific forms, like sheets or foil, under 7801, when they should be under 7804. Another error involves lead alloys that are not predominantly lead by weight, which might fall under other base metal chapters if the alloying element is more significant. Careful attention to the 'unwrought' definition and the specific form of the lead is crucial.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7801 in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.2B, 15% of world exports), Australia ($733M) and South Korea ($678M). World exports came to about $8.1B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7801 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 14% of world imports), India ($816M) and Vietnam (about $623M). World imports came to about $8.6B, 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 7801 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 78 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (78) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.