Product classification
HS code for Asbestos cement pipes: 6811.40
Asbestos-cement, articles or the like, containing asbestos.
Classification of asbestos cement pipes under HS 6811.40
Asbestos cement pipes are classified under HS code 6811.40 because they are articles made of a mixture of cement (usually Portland cement) and asbestos fibers. Chapter 68 of the Harmonized System encompasses articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials. Heading 6811 specifically addresses articles of asbestos-cement, cellulose fiber-cement, or the like. Within this heading, the 4-digit level distinguishes between articles containing asbestos and those that do not. Subheading 6811.40 is the specific designation for articles containing asbestos. These pipes are manufactured through a process where asbestos fibers provide reinforcement to the cement matrix, resulting in a durable, corrosion-resistant conduit used primarily in water mains, sewage systems, and industrial venting. The classification is based on the material composition of the finished article.
- Covers
- Asbestos-cement pressure pipes
- Asbestos-cement sewer and drainage pipes
- Asbestos-cement conduits for electric cables
- Asbestos-cement chimney flues
- Pipe fittings made of asbestos-cement
- Also under 6811.40
- Eternit (historical products)
- Johns Manville (historical products)
- various legacy building materials (no current brands actively trading)
Codes often confused with 6811.40
Common mistake. These pipes are frequently confused with pipes made of cellulose fiber-cement, which are classified under 6811.82 if they do not contain asbestos. Another common error is attempting to classify them under 6812, which covers fabricated asbestos fibers and mixtures, but 6811 is more specific for cement-based articles. Furthermore, cast iron or steel pipes (Chapter 73) are sometimes confused with these in shipping manifests, despite the obvious material difference.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681140 (the code used for asbestos cement pipes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681140 (the code used for asbestos cement pipes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 22% 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 681140, not only asbestos cement pipes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $21M 32% of world exports
- 2 Kyrgyzstan $14M 21% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$11M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $66M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kazakhstan $9.6M 22% of world imports
- 2 Laos* ~$7.0M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $4.7M 11% of world imports
World total: $44M 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 code for asbestos cement pipes
Brazil classifies asbestos cement pipes under NCM 6811.40.00: HS 6811.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about asbestos cement pipes
What is the HS code for Asbestos cement pipes?
The HS code for Asbestos cement pipes is 681140 (Asbestos-cement; articles or the like, containing asbestos). The HS code for asbestos cement pipes is 6811.40, covering articles of asbestos-cement containing asbestos.
How do I classify Asbestos cement pipes for customs?
Asbestos cement pipes is classified under HS code 681140 — Asbestos-cement; articles or the like, containing asbestos. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are non-asbestos cement pipes classified here?
No, pipes made of cement and other fibers (like cellulose) that do not contain asbestos are classified under 6811.82.
Which countries are the top exporters of asbestos cement pipes (HS 681140)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681140 (the code used for asbestos cement pipes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($21M, 32% of world exports), Kyrgyzstan ($14M) and Russia (about $11M). World exports came to about $66M, 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 cement pipes (HS 681140)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681140 (the code used for asbestos cement pipes) in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($9.6M, 22% of world imports), Laos (about $7.0M) and Malaysia ($4.7M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Asbestos cement pipes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681140 for Asbestos cement pipes 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 cement pipes in Brazil?
In Brazil, asbestos cement pipes (HS 681140) is classified under NCM 6811.40.00.