Product classification
HS code for Asbestos gloves: 6812.91
Asbestos or mixtures with a basis of asbestos (other than crocidolite), clothing, clothing accessories, footwear and headgear, whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813.
Classification of asbestos gloves under HS 6812.91
Asbestos gloves are classified under HS code 6812.91, which falls under the heading for fabricated asbestos fibers and mixtures with a basis of asbestos. While most clothing items are classified in Chapters 61 or 62, those made primarily of asbestos are specifically directed to Chapter 68 by Note 1(b) to Section XI. Heading 6812 covers a wide range of asbestos products, including yarn, thread, cords, and woven fabrics. Subheading 6812.91 is dedicated to clothing, clothing accessories, footwear, and headgear. This classification is appropriate because the essential character of the glove is derived from its heat-resistant asbestos content, which is used for specialized industrial protection rather than general-purpose wear. The code excludes items made of crocidolite, which are classified elsewhere within the same heading.
- Covers
- Asbestos heat-resistant gloves
- Asbestos industrial mittens
- Asbestos gauntlets for foundry work
- Protective asbestos sleeves
- Reinforced asbestos gloves for high-heat handling
- Also under 6812.91
Historical fire-fighting gear, industrial protective wear from the mid-20th century (no current brands actively trading)
Codes often confused with 6812.91
Common mistake. Asbestos gloves are often misclassified under 6116 or 6216, which are the general headings for textile gloves. However, because they are made of asbestos, they must be classified in 6812.91. They are also sometimes confused with 6812.80, which is reserved specifically for articles made of crocidolite (blue asbestos). Additionally, gloves made of glass fiber (6815.99) or aramid fibers (6216.00) are often confused with asbestos gloves due to similar heat-resistant applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681291 (the code used for asbestos gloves), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681291 (the code used for asbestos gloves) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 33% 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 681291, not only asbestos gloves.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $40M 44% of world exports
- 2 China $13M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $12M 14% of world exports
World total: $91M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $24M 33% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $11M 14% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $6.9M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $74M 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 gloves
Brazil classifies asbestos gloves under NCM 6812.91.00: HS 6812.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about asbestos gloves
What is the HS code for Asbestos gloves?
The HS code for Asbestos gloves is 681291 (Asbestos or mixtures with a basis of asbestos (other than crocidolite); clothing, clothing accessories, footwear and headgear, whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813). The HS code for asbestos gloves is 6812.91, which covers clothing and clothing accessories made of asbestos or mixtures with a basis of asbestos.
How do I classify Asbestos gloves for customs?
Asbestos gloves is classified under HS code 681291 — Asbestos or mixtures with a basis of asbestos (other than crocidolite); clothing, clothing accessories, footwear and headgear, whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the gloves contain crocidolite?
If the gloves are made of or contain crocidolite, they must be classified under HS code 6812.80 instead of 6812.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of asbestos gloves (HS 681291)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681291 (the code used for asbestos gloves) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($40M, 44% of world exports), China ($13M) and the United States ($12M). World exports came to about $91M, 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 gloves (HS 681291)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681291 (the code used for asbestos gloves) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($24M, 33% of world imports), Denmark ($11M) and Saudi Arabia ($6.9M). World imports came to about $74M, 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 gloves the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681291 for Asbestos gloves 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 gloves in Brazil?
In Brazil, asbestos gloves (HS 681291) is classified under NCM 6812.91.00.