HS Code 81.06 – Bismuth; articles thereof, including waste and scrap

HS code 8106 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Bismuth; articles thereof, including waste and scrap. Heading 8106 covers Bismuth and articles thereof, including waste and scrap, placing it within Section XV of the Harmonized System, which covers Base Metals and Articles of Base Metals. Bismuth is a brittle, crystalline, silvery-white metal with a distinct pinkish tinge, known for its low melting point, high density, and non-toxicity. This classification encompasses bismuth in its unwrought forms (ingots, billets), powders, and semi-finished products such as rods, bars, sheets, and wire. It also includes articles made predominantly of bismuth, used in various niche applications, and importantly, bismuth waste and scrap for recycling. The scope is specific to bismuth, ensuring that its unique properties and specialized uses are accurately identified for trade purposes. Accurate classification under 8106 is important for trade compliance, impacting duty assessment, adherence to health and safety regulations (especially for pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade bismuth), and managing its role as a minor metal. Historically, bismuth has gained prominence as a non-toxic replacement for lead in many applications. Its inclusion in Section XV as a base metal highlights its fundamental material status, yet its dedicated heading emphasizes its distinct properties and niche applications that require specific attention to its various forms and end-uses, particularly where non-toxicity is critical.

Unwrought bismuth ingots, bismuth powder, bismuth bars, bismuth rods, bismuth wire, bismuth sheets, bismuth plates, bismuth foil, bismuth shot, bismuth low-melting-point alloys, bismuth solder, bismuth fuses, bismuth catalysts, bismuth subsalicylate (raw material), bismuth oxychloride (raw material for cosmetics), bismuth pellets for shotgun shells (lead replacement), bismuth thermal paste, bismuth thermocouple wires, bismuth-based pigments, bismuth medical compounds, bismuth waste from alloy manufacturing, bismuth scrap from electronics, bismuth sputtering targets, bismuth crystals for scientific research

Bismuth is often confused with other non-ferrous metals, particularly lead (HS 7801-7806) or tin (HS 8001-8007), especially in alloy forms where it acts as a lead replacement. The key is to determine the predominant metal by weight. Bismuth compounds used in pharmaceuticals or cosmetics (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, bismuth oxychloride) can be incorrectly classified under Chapters 28, 29, or 30, rather than as raw material forms of the metal itself, leading to incorrect regulatory and tariff treatment, and potentially health compliance issues.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8106 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($32M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($23M) and China ($13M). World exports came to about $124M, 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 8106 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($32M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($18M) and Italy ($8.4M). World imports came to about $125M, 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 8106 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.