HS Code Heading

Lead; articles n.e.c. in chapter 78

78.06 Heading
Section XV — Base metals and articles of base metal

About HS Code 7806

Heading 7806 is the 'basket' or residual classification for all other articles of lead not specified elsewhere in Chapter 78. This crucial heading covers a vast array of finished or semi-finished products made predominantly of lead that are not unwrought lead (7801), waste and scrap (7802), or flat rolled products/powders/flakes (7804). Its scope includes items such as lead pipes, tubes, fittings, specific castings, lead weights, seals, and other fabricated lead components. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it captures the diverse range of lead applications not explicitly covered by more specific headings, ensuring proper tariff application and regulatory adherence. Historically, lead has been fashioned into numerous articles due to its malleability, density, and corrosion resistance, from plumbing components to specialized industrial parts. This heading completes Chapter 78 by providing a catch-all for any article where lead is the primary constituent, reflecting the broad utility of the metal in various industries.

Products Under This Code

Lead pipes, lead tubes, lead pipe fittings, lead counterweights, lead seals, finished lead anodes, lead shielding blocks (finished articles), lead ballast, lead washers, finished lead shot, lead castings (specific articles), lead components for industrial machinery, lead radiation bricks, lead soundproofing panels (finished articles), lead fishing weights, lead gaskets, unloaded lead bullets, lead anchors, lead flashing (fabricated), lead cames for stained glass, lead weights for diving, lead ingots (specifically shaped for an end-use, not unwrought), lead lining for chemical tanks (fabricated), lead wire (fabricated, not unwrought), lead sleeves for cables, lead components for automotive industry.

Real World Examples

Mexico is a significant exporter of lead counterweights, which are commonly used in washing machines and other appliances, to the United States. In Europe, the United Kingdom ships specialized lead shielding bricks and blocks to hospitals and research facilities across the Middle East for critical radiation protection. Furthermore, China globally exports a wide variety of lead fishing weights and sinkers to numerous markets, catering to the recreational fishing industry, highlighting the diverse applications captured under this 'articles n.e.c.' heading.

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification error for 7806 is incorrectly placing articles here that actually belong to more specific headings within Chapter 78, such as lead plates or sheets (7804). Conversely, complex articles containing lead might be misclassified under this heading when lead is not the predominant material by weight or value, or when the article is a specific machine or appliance. For example, a complete lead-acid battery belongs under 8507, not 7806. Careful analysis of the primary material and the specific function of the article is crucial to avoid misclassification.

Subheadings 1

Industry

This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.

Trade Overview

Major manufacturers and exporters of lead articles under 7806 include China, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, reflecting their industrial capabilities. Key importing markets are diverse, encompassing countries with significant manufacturing, construction, and specialized industrial needs, such as the USA, various EU nations, and Japan. Tariffs for finished lead articles can be higher than for raw materials or semi-manufactures. Strict environmental regulations concerning lead content, particularly for consumer goods, and disposal guidelines are prevalent globally, impacting market access and trade compliance for products under this classification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 7806?

HS code 7806 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lead; articles n.e.c. in chapter 78. Heading 7806 is the 'basket' or residual classification for all other articles of lead not specified elsewhere in Chapter 78. This crucial heading covers a vast array of finished or semi-finished products made predominantly of lead that are not unwrought lead (7801), waste and scrap (7802), or flat rolled products/powders/flakes (7804). Its scope includes items such as lead pipes, tubes, fittings, specific castings, lead weights, seals, and other fabricated lead components. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it captures the diverse range of lead applications not explicitly covered by more specific headings, ensuring proper tariff application and regulatory adherence. Historically, lead has been fashioned into numerous articles due to its malleability, density, and corrosion resistance, from plumbing components to specialized industrial parts. This heading completes Chapter 78 by providing a catch-all for any article where lead is the primary constituent, reflecting the broad utility of the metal in various industries.

What products fall under HS code 7806?

Lead pipes, lead tubes, lead pipe fittings, lead counterweights, lead seals, finished lead anodes, lead shielding blocks (finished articles), lead ballast, lead washers, finished lead shot, lead castings (specific articles), lead components for industrial machinery, lead radiation bricks, lead soundproofing panels (finished articles), lead fishing weights, lead gaskets, unloaded lead bullets, lead anchors, lead flashing (fabricated), lead cames for stained glass, lead weights for diving, lead ingots (specifically shaped for an end-use, not unwrought), lead lining for chemical tanks (fabricated), lead wire (fabricated, not unwrought), lead sleeves for cables, lead components for automotive industry.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 7806?

The most frequent misclassification error for 7806 is incorrectly placing articles here that actually belong to more specific headings within Chapter 78, such as lead plates or sheets (7804). Conversely, complex articles containing lead might be misclassified under this heading when lead is not the predominant material by weight or value, or when the article is a specific machine or appliance. For example, a complete lead-acid battery belongs under 8507, not 7806. Careful analysis of the primary material and the specific function of the article is crucial to avoid misclassification.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 7806?

Major manufacturers and exporters of lead articles under 7806 include China, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, reflecting their industrial capabilities. Key importing markets are diverse, encompassing countries with significant manufacturing, construction, and specialized industrial needs, such as the USA, various EU nations, and Japan. Tariffs for finished lead articles can be higher than for raw materials or semi-manufactures. Strict environmental regulations concerning lead content, particularly for consumer goods, and disposal guidelines are prevalent globally, impacting market access and trade compliance for products under this classification.

How is HS code 7806 structured?

HS code 7806 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 78 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (78) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.