Product classification
HS code for Asbestos: 6812.99
Asbestos or mixtures with a basis of asbestos (other than crocidolite), fibres, mixtures or articles n.e.c. in heading no. 6812, whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813.
Classification of asbestos under HS 6812.99
Asbestos, in its raw or semi-processed forms not specifically covered elsewhere, is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 681299. This code is designated for "Asbestos or mixtures with a basis of asbestos (other than crocidolite); fibres, mixtures or articles n.e.c. in heading no. 6812, whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813". This classification serves as a residual category within heading 6812 for various forms of asbestos, excluding crocidolite, that are not specifically enumerated in other subheadings. It covers asbestos in forms such as fibers, powders, or mixtures where asbestos is the primary component, provided they are not finished articles covered by other specific headings.
- Covers
- Raw asbestos fibers (excluding crocidolite)
- Asbestos waste and scrap
- Asbestos powder
- Mixtures with a basis of asbestos (e.g., for insulation, not yet formed into articles)
- Asbestos textiles (not elsewhere specified in 6812)
- Asbestos paper or felt (not elsewhere specified in 6812)
- Also under 6812.99
- Klinger (historical asbestos gaskets)
- Garlock (historical asbestos products)
- Johns Manville (historical asbestos insulation)
- Eternit (historical asbestos-cement products)
Codes often confused with 6812.99
Common mistake. Asbestos can be subject to misclassification due to the various forms it takes. HS code 2524 covers "Asbestos, crude; whether or not purified, but not including asbestos broken or ground". This code is for unworked, natural asbestos. In contrast, 681299 applies to asbestos that has undergone some processing, such as being separated into fibers or mixed, but not yet formed into specific articles. Other subheadings within 6812, such as 681291 (clothing, accessories, footwear, etc., of asbestos) or 681293 (compressed asbestos fiber jointing), cover specific manufactured articles of asbestos. The key to 681299 is the "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified) clause, indicating its application to forms not explicitly detailed in other, more specific asbestos-related codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681299 (the code used for asbestos), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681299 (the code used for asbestos) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 11% 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 681299, not only asbestos.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $22M 51% of world exports
- 2 India $9.7M 22% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$5.4M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $44M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $5.8M 11% of world imports
- 2 Kazakhstan $5.3M 10% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $4.9M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $51M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 codes for asbestos
Brazil splits HS 6812.99 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6812.99.10Asbestos gaskets and similar sealing elements
- 6812.99.20Fabricated asbestos fibres
- 6812.99.30Asbestos or asbestos-magnesium carbonate mixtures
- 6812.99.90Other asbestos articles
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about asbestos
What is the HS code for Asbestos?
The HS code for Asbestos is 681299 (Asbestos or mixtures with a basis of asbestos (other than crocidolite); fibres, mixtures or articles n.e.c. in heading no. 6812, whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813).
How do I classify Asbestos for customs?
Asbestos is classified under HS code 681299 — Asbestos or mixtures with a basis of asbestos (other than crocidolite); fibres, mixtures or articles n.e.c. in heading no. 6812, whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for raw asbestos fibers?
Raw asbestos fibers, when not crocidolite and not specifically covered by other subheadings within 6812, are classified under HS code 681299. If it is crude, unpurified asbestos, it may fall under 2524.
What is the difference between HS 681299 and HS 2524 for asbestos?
HS 2524 specifically covers "Asbestos, crude; whether or not purified, but not including asbestos broken or ground," referring to unworked, natural asbestos. HS 681299, on the other hand, covers processed asbestos in forms like fibers, mixtures, or articles not elsewhere specified within heading 6812, implying some level of processing beyond its crude state.
Which countries are the top exporters of asbestos (HS 681299)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681299 (the code used for asbestos) in UN Comtrade data were China ($22M, 51% of world exports), India ($9.7M) and Russia (about $5.4M). World exports came to about $44M, 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 asbestos (HS 681299)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681299 (the code used for asbestos) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($5.8M, 11% of world imports), Kazakhstan ($5.3M) and Thailand ($4.9M). World imports came to about $51M, 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 Asbestos the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681299 for Asbestos 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 asbestos in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 681299 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for asbestos depends on the product's details: 6812.99.10 (Asbestos gaskets and similar sealing elements), 6812.99.20 (Fabricated asbestos fibres), 6812.99.30 (Asbestos or asbestos-magnesium carbonate mixtures), 6812.99.90 (Other asbestos articles).