HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7801.91 – Lead; unwrought, unrefined, containing by weight antimony as the principal other element
HS code 7801.91 is the 6-digit subheading for lead, unwrought, unrefined, containing by weight antimony as the principal other element. It is used for antimonial lead ingots (unrefined), lead-antimony alloy pigs (unrefined), crude lead-antimony blocks, unrefined lead with antimony content and primary lead-antimony alloy.
What HS 7801.91 covers
This specific HS code targets unwrought, unrefined lead that contains antimony as its primary alloying element, distinguishing it from other unrefined lead types. This particular composition is often a byproduct of primary lead smelting or a specific blend for subsequent refining processes. Antimony is added to lead to increase its hardness and strength, making this type of lead valuable for specific applications where these properties are desired, even before further refining. Countries with significant lead mining and smelting operations, especially those processing complex ores, are typically the exporters. Importers might be specialized refiners or manufacturers who further process this lead into specific alloys for batteries (especially grid alloys), ammunition, or cable sheathing. The trade in this category is less about direct end-product use and more about intermediate processing within the metallurgical industry.
- Covers
- Antimonial lead ingots (unrefined)
- Lead-antimony alloy pigs (unrefined)
- Crude lead-antimony blocks
- Unrefined lead with antimony content
- Primary lead-antimony alloy
- Examples
- Recycled battery lead alloys (before full refining)
- specific lead-antimony concentrates from mining operations
- crude lead-antimony ingots from primary smelters
Codes often confused with 7801.91
Common mistake. This code is easily confused with 780199 (unrefined lead without antimony as the principal other element) and 780110 (refined lead). The critical distinction is "unrefined" and "antimony as the principal other element."
Top exporters and importers of HS code 780191, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 780191 in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 11% 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 $161M 14% of world exports
- 2 India $129M 11% of world exports
- 3 Canada $78M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $124M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $101M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 China $94M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 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 7801.91
Brazil does not split HS 7801.91: its NCM code is 7801.91.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 78.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7801.91
What is HS code 780191?
HS code 780191 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lead; unwrought, unrefined, containing by weight antimony as the principal other element. This specific HS code targets unwrought, unrefined lead that contains antimony as its primary alloying element, distinguishing it from other unrefined lead types. This particular composition is often a byproduct of primary lead smelting or a specific blend for subsequent refining processes. Antimony is added to lead to increase its hardness and strength, making this type of lead valuable for specific applications where these properties are desired, even before further refining. Countries with significant lead mining and smelting operations, especially those processing complex ores, are typically the exporters. Importers might be specialized refiners or manufacturers who further process this lead into specific alloys for batteries (especially grid alloys), ammunition, or cable sheathing. The trade in this category is less about direct end-product use and more about intermediate processing within the metallurgical industry.
What products fall under HS code 780191?
Antimonial lead ingots (unrefined), Lead-antimony alloy pigs (unrefined), Crude lead-antimony blocks, Unrefined lead with antimony content, Primary lead-antimony alloy
What are common misclassifications for HS code 780191?
This code is easily confused with 780199 (unrefined lead without antimony as the principal other element) and 780110 (refined lead). The critical distinction is "unrefined" and "antimony as the principal other element."
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 780191?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 780191 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($161M, 14% of world exports), India ($129M) and Canada ($78M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 780191?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 780191 in UN Comtrade data were India ($124M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($101M) and China ($94M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 780191 structured?
HS code 780191 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (78) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 780191?
In Brazil, HS code 780191 is NCM 7801.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.