About HS Code 7804
Heading 7804 encompasses lead in specific semi-manufactured forms, specifically plates, sheets, strip, foil, and lead powders and flakes. This classification covers lead that has undergone initial working processes beyond the unwrought stage (7801) but has not yet been transformed into complex finished articles (7806). The scope includes flat-rolled products of various thicknesses, used extensively for radiation shielding, roofing, soundproofing, and moisture barriers. Lead powders and flakes, often used in specialized coatings, ammunition primers, and battery paste, are also included. This heading is crucial for trade compliance as it differentiates these semi-finished products from raw lead and fully manufactured lead articles, impacting tariff rates and specific product regulations. Historically, lead in these forms has been indispensable for applications requiring high density, corrosion resistance, and malleability. It forms an intermediate stage within Chapter 78, bridging the gap between raw lead and final lead products, enabling a wide range of industrial and construction applications.
Products Under This Code
Lead sheets for radiation shielding, lead plates for X-ray protection, lead strip for sound insulation, lead foil for packaging, lead powder for industrial applications, lead flakes for specialized coatings, rolled lead sheets for roofing, cast lead plates, lead-lined plasterboard (where lead is primary), lead foil for moisture barriers, lead powder for ammunition primers, lead sheets for waterproofing, lead strip for stained glass, lead powder for anti-corrosion paints, lead flakes for battery paste, lead sheets for laboratory use, lead foil for electrical shielding, lead plates for chemical tanks, lead strip for vibration damping, lead powder for ceramics, lead flakes for counterweights, lead sheets for nuclear facilities, lead foil for art restoration, lead powder for metallurgical additives, lead strips for battery grids.
Real World Examples
Canada is a significant exporter of lead sheets to the United States, where these are primarily used in medical facilities for radiation shielding in X-ray and MRI rooms. Germany frequently ships specialized lead powder to France for the manufacture of industrial pigments and high-performance coatings, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors. In Asia, China exports large quantities of lead foil to Vietnam, where it is utilized in the construction industry as a durable moisture barrier and for soundproofing applications in commercial buildings.
Common Misclassification
A common mistake is classifying lead articles that have been further worked into specific shapes or forms (e.g., lead pipes or specific castings) under 7804 when they should fall under the 'articles n.e.c.' heading 7806. Conversely, unwrought lead (7801) might be incorrectly identified as plates or sheets if it has a flat, cast appearance but hasn't undergone rolling or similar working. Additionally, lead alloys in these forms could be misclassified here if the lead content is not predominant, potentially belonging to other base metal headings. The distinction relies on whether the product is a general semi-manufacture or a specific, identifiable article.
Subheadings 3
Industry
This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.
Trade Overview
Major global producers and exporters of lead plates, sheets, strip, foil, powders, and flakes include China, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, reflecting their advanced manufacturing capabilities. Key importing nations typically include those with robust construction, medical, and industrial sectors, such as the USA, Germany, Japan, and Canada. Tariffs vary but are generally moderate, often higher than raw materials but lower than highly finished articles. Compliance with material safety data sheets (MSDS) and environmental regulations, particularly regarding lead content and usage restrictions (e.g., REACH in the EU), is critically important for trade in these forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 7804?
HS code 7804 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lead; plates, sheets, strip and foil, lead powders and flakes. Heading 7804 encompasses lead in specific semi-manufactured forms, specifically plates, sheets, strip, foil, and lead powders and flakes. This classification covers lead that has undergone initial working processes beyond the unwrought stage (7801) but has not yet been transformed into complex finished articles (7806). The scope includes flat-rolled products of various thicknesses, used extensively for radiation shielding, roofing, soundproofing, and moisture barriers. Lead powders and flakes, often used in specialized coatings, ammunition primers, and battery paste, are also included. This heading is crucial for trade compliance as it differentiates these semi-finished products from raw lead and fully manufactured lead articles, impacting tariff rates and specific product regulations. Historically, lead in these forms has been indispensable for applications requiring high density, corrosion resistance, and malleability. It forms an intermediate stage within Chapter 78, bridging the gap between raw lead and final lead products, enabling a wide range of industrial and construction applications.
What products fall under HS code 7804?
Lead sheets for radiation shielding, lead plates for X-ray protection, lead strip for sound insulation, lead foil for packaging, lead powder for industrial applications, lead flakes for specialized coatings, rolled lead sheets for roofing, cast lead plates, lead-lined plasterboard (where lead is primary), lead foil for moisture barriers, lead powder for ammunition primers, lead sheets for waterproofing, lead strip for stained glass, lead powder for anti-corrosion paints, lead flakes for battery paste, lead sheets for laboratory use, lead foil for electrical shielding, lead plates for chemical tanks, lead strip for vibration damping, lead powder for ceramics, lead flakes for counterweights, lead sheets for nuclear facilities, lead foil for art restoration, lead powder for metallurgical additives, lead strips for battery grids.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 7804?
A common mistake is classifying lead articles that have been further worked into specific shapes or forms (e.g., lead pipes or specific castings) under 7804 when they should fall under the 'articles n.e.c.' heading 7806. Conversely, unwrought lead (7801) might be incorrectly identified as plates or sheets if it has a flat, cast appearance but hasn't undergone rolling or similar working. Additionally, lead alloys in these forms could be misclassified here if the lead content is not predominant, potentially belonging to other base metal headings. The distinction relies on whether the product is a general semi-manufacture or a specific, identifiable article.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 7804?
Major global producers and exporters of lead plates, sheets, strip, foil, powders, and flakes include China, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, reflecting their advanced manufacturing capabilities. Key importing nations typically include those with robust construction, medical, and industrial sectors, such as the USA, Germany, Japan, and Canada. Tariffs vary but are generally moderate, often higher than raw materials but lower than highly finished articles. Compliance with material safety data sheets (MSDS) and environmental regulations, particularly regarding lead content and usage restrictions (e.g., REACH in the EU), is critically important for trade in these forms.
How is HS code 7804 structured?
HS code 7804 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 78 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (78) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.