HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7801.99 – Lead; unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element
HS code 7801.99 is the 6-digit subheading for lead, unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element. It is used for unrefined lead ingots, crude lead pigs, raw lead blocks, unrefined lead bullion and primary lead concentrate (after initial smelting).
What HS 7801.99 covers
This HS code covers unwrought, unrefined lead where antimony is not the principal other alloying element. This category encompasses a broader range of crude lead forms, often containing various impurities or other minor alloying elements, but without the specific antimony concentration that defines 780191. It represents an intermediate stage in the lead production cycle, typically destined for further refining to achieve higher purity levels or to be alloyed with specific metals for particular applications. Exporters are generally countries with primary lead mining and smelting industries, or those engaged in significant lead recycling operations where the initial output is unrefined. Importers are usually refiners or manufacturers who require this raw material for their own processing into refined lead or specialized lead alloys. The trade dynamics are tied to global lead demand and the capacity of refining industries worldwide.
- Covers
- Unrefined lead ingots
- Crude lead pigs
- Raw lead blocks
- Unrefined lead bullion
- Primary lead concentrate (after initial smelting)
- Lead dross (for further processing)
- Examples
- Crude lead from primary smelters (e.g., from Boliden, Nyrstar)
- unrefined lead from secondary recyclers before final purification
- lead bullion from mining operations
Codes often confused with 7801.99
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 780191 due to the absence of antimony as the principal other element, and from 780110 because it is "unrefined." Careful analysis of the lead's composition and purity is essential for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 780199, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 780199 in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 22% 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 Australia $373M 18% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $196M 9.5% of world exports
- 3 India $185M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $513M 22% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $299M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $228M 10.0% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 7801.99
Brazil does not split HS 7801.99: its NCM code is 7801.99.00.
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 7801.99
What is HS code 780199?
HS code 780199 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lead; unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element. This HS code covers unwrought, unrefined lead where antimony is not the principal other alloying element. This category encompasses a broader range of crude lead forms, often containing various impurities or other minor alloying elements, but without the specific antimony concentration that defines 780191. It represents an intermediate stage in the lead production cycle, typically destined for further refining to achieve higher purity levels or to be alloyed with specific metals for particular applications. Exporters are generally countries with primary lead mining and smelting industries, or those engaged in significant lead recycling operations where the initial output is unrefined. Importers are usually refiners or manufacturers who require this raw material for their own processing into refined lead or specialized lead alloys. The trade dynamics are tied to global lead demand and the capacity of refining industries worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 780199?
Unrefined lead ingots, Crude lead pigs, Raw lead blocks, Unrefined lead bullion, Primary lead concentrate (after initial smelting), Lead dross (for further processing)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 780199?
This code is distinct from 780191 due to the absence of antimony as the principal other element, and from 780110 because it is "unrefined." Careful analysis of the lead's composition and purity is essential for correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 780199?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 780199 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($373M, 18% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($196M) and India ($185M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 780199?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 780199 in UN Comtrade data were India ($513M, 22% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($299M) and China ($228M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 780199 structured?
HS code 780199 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 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 780199?
In Brazil, HS code 780199 is NCM 7801.99.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.