Product classification
HS code for Asbestos friction material: 6813.20
Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted, for brakes, clutches or the like, with a basis of asbestos.
Classification of asbestos friction material under HS 6813.20
HS 681320 specifically identifies friction materials and articles derived from them, such as sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, and pads, that are not mounted. The critical element for this classification is that these materials are intended for use in brakes, clutches, or similar applications and have a basis of asbestos. This distinguishes them from other asbestos products, non-asbestos friction materials, or mounted brake components. The code ensures that unmounted friction elements, where asbestos is the foundational component for its frictional properties, are precisely categorized for international trade.
- Covers
- Asbestos brake linings (unmounted)
- Asbestos clutch facings (unmounted)
- Asbestos friction pads (unmounted)
- Asbestos brake segments
- Asbestos friction discs
- Asbestos washers for clutches
- Also under 6813.20
- Ferodo (historical asbestos brake linings)
- Bendix (historical asbestos brake pads)
- Raybestos (historical asbestos clutch facings)
- Mintex (historical asbestos friction materials)
Codes often confused with 6813.20
Common mistake. Common misclassification occurs with HS 681381, which covers friction material and articles thereof, not mounted, but with a basis of mineral substances other than asbestos. This distinction is crucial, as the presence or absence of asbestos dictates the specific subheading. Another potential area of confusion is with HS 681299, "other articles of asbestos," which is a general category and less specific than 681320 for friction materials. Furthermore, HS 870830, which covers "brakes and servo-brakes; parts thereof," might be confused, but 681320 specifically applies to unmounted friction material, whereas 870830 would typically cover mounted brake components.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681320 (the code used for asbestos friction material), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681320 (the code used for asbestos friction material) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 23% 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 681320, not only asbestos friction material.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $9.1M 26% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $7.9M 22% of world exports
- 3 China $7.3M 21% of world exports
World total: $36M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $8.6M 23% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $2.2M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 South Africa $2.1M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $37M 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 asbestos friction material
Brazil classifies asbestos friction material under NCM 6813.20.00: HS 6813.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about asbestos friction material
What is the HS code for Asbestos friction material?
The HS code for Asbestos friction material is 681320 (Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted; for brakes, clutches or the like, with a basis of asbestos). The HS code for asbestos friction material is 681320. This code specifically covers unmounted friction materials and articles, such as sheets, rolls, or pads, that are designed for brakes, clutches, or similar applications and have a basis of asbestos.
How do I classify Asbestos friction material for customs?
Asbestos friction material is classified under HS code 681320 — Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted; for brakes, clutches or the like, with a basis of asbestos. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS 681320 include mounted brake pads?
No, HS 681320 specifically covers friction material and articles thereof that are "not mounted." Mounted brake pads, which are complete assemblies, would typically fall under headings for vehicle parts, such as HS 870830, depending on the specific application.
Which countries are the top exporters of asbestos friction material (HS 681320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681320 (the code used for asbestos friction material) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.1M, 26% of world exports), Thailand ($7.9M) and China ($7.3M). World exports came to about $36M, 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 friction material (HS 681320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681320 (the code used for asbestos friction material) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($8.6M, 23% of world imports), Indonesia ($2.2M) and South Africa ($2.1M). World imports came to about $37M, 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 friction material the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681320 for Asbestos friction material 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 friction material in Brazil?
In Brazil, asbestos friction material (HS 681320) is classified under NCM 6813.20.00.