Product classification
HS code for Aluminum flakes: 7603.20
Aluminium, powders of lamellar structure, flakes.
Classification of aluminum flakes under HS 7603.20
Aluminum flakes are classified under HS code 760320, which specifically designates "Aluminium; powders of lamellar structure, flakes." This classification is precise, focusing on the physical form of the aluminum. The term "lamellar structure" refers to the flattened, plate-like shape characteristic of flakes, distinguishing them from other forms of aluminum powder. This specific heading ensures that aluminum processed into this particular physical state, often used in pigments, coatings, or pyrotechnics, is correctly identified for international trade and customs purposes.
- Covers
- Aluminum flakes
- Aluminum powder with lamellar structure
- Flake aluminum pigment base
- Metallic aluminum flakes for industrial applications
- Also under 7603.20
- Eckart STAPA MET
- Silberline Silvet
- Toyal Aluminium Flakes
- Altana ECKART pigments
Codes often confused with 7603.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves HS code 760310, which covers "Aluminium; powders of non-lamellar structure." The key differentiator between 760320 and 760310 is the physical structure of the powder. 760320 is reserved for lamellar (flake-like) structures, while 760310 applies to powders with a non-lamellar, more granular or spherical form. Another potential area of confusion could be with HS code 7601, which covers "Unwrought aluminium." This heading is for primary forms of aluminum, such as ingots, billets, or slabs, before they are processed into powders or flakes. The distinction is between raw, unwrought metal and processed forms like powders or flakes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 760320 (the code used for aluminum flakes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 760320 (the code used for aluminum flakes) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 27% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 760320, not only aluminum flakes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $71M 28% of world exports
- 2 United States $45M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $29M 12% of world exports
World total: $250M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $47M 27% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $13M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $11M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $171M 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 aluminum flakes
Brazil classifies aluminum flakes under NCM 7603.20.00: HS 7603.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about aluminum flakes
What is the HS code for Aluminum flakes?
The HS code for Aluminum flakes is 760320 (Aluminium; powders of lamellar structure, flakes). The HS code for aluminum flakes is 760320, specifically for aluminum powders of lamellar structure or in flake form.
How do I classify Aluminum flakes for customs?
Aluminum flakes is classified under HS code 760320 — Aluminium; powders of lamellar structure, flakes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between lamellar and non-lamellar aluminum powder for classification?
The difference lies in their physical structure. Lamellar aluminum powder (flakes) has a flattened, plate-like shape, leading to classification under 760320. Non-lamellar aluminum powder, which is more granular or spherical, is classified under 760310.
Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum flakes (HS 760320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 760320 (the code used for aluminum flakes) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($71M, 28% of world exports), the United States ($45M) and Germany ($29M). World exports came to about $250M, 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 aluminum flakes (HS 760320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 760320 (the code used for aluminum flakes) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($47M, 27% of world imports), Türkiye ($13M) and Germany ($11M). World imports came to about $171M, 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.
Is the HS code for Aluminum flakes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 760320 for Aluminum flakes is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for aluminum flakes in Brazil?
In Brazil, aluminum flakes (HS 760320) is classified under NCM 7603.20.00.