Product classification

HS code for Asbestos protective gear: 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 protective gear under HS 6812.91

Protective gear made of asbestos, such as suits, aprons, and hoods, is classified under HS code 6812.91. This classification is governed by the material composition rather than the function of the garment. Heading 6812 covers fabricated asbestos fibers and mixtures with a basis of asbestos or magnesium carbonate. Subheading 6812.91 specifically identifies clothing and clothing accessories. These items are designed for extreme thermal environments where standard textile fibers would fail. The classification remains consistent whether the gear is reinforced with metal or other materials, provided the asbestos component remains the defining characteristic. This heading is part of Chapter 68, which takes precedence over the textile chapters (61 and 62) for articles made of asbestos fibers.

Covers
  • Asbestos protective suits
  • Asbestos aprons for industrial use
  • Asbestos hoods and headgear
  • Asbestos leggings and gaiters
  • Asbestos fire-resistant overcoats
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. This gear is often misclassified under 6813, which is reserved for friction materials like brake linings. It is also confused with 6811.40, which covers asbestos-cement articles. Furthermore, modern fire-fighting suits made of synthetic fibers like Nomex are classified in Chapter 62, but if the suit contains asbestos as the primary protective element, it must stay in 6812.91. Respirators and gas masks used with this gear are classified separately under 9020.00.

68.13Friction 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, other mineral substances, or cellulose6811.40Asbestos-cement; articles or the like, containing asbestos9020.00Breathing appliances and gas masks; excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filters and excluding apparatus of item no. 9019.20

Top exporters and importers of HS 681291 (the code used for asbestos protective gear), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681291 (the code used for asbestos protective gear) 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 protective gear.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Italy $40M
  2. 2 China $13M
  3. 3 United States $12M

World total: $91M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $24M
  2. 2 Denmark $11M
  3. 3 Saudi Arabia $6.9M

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 protective gear

Brazil classifies asbestos protective gear 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 protective gear

What is the HS code for Asbestos protective gear?

The HS code for Asbestos protective gear 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 protective gear is 6812.91, covering clothing, clothing accessories, footwear, and headgear made of asbestos.

How do I classify Asbestos protective gear for customs?

Asbestos protective gear 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.

Does this code include asbestos safety shoes?

Yes, footwear made of asbestos or mixtures with a basis of asbestos is included under the same subheading 6812.91.

Which countries are the top exporters of asbestos protective gear (HS 681291)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681291 (the code used for asbestos protective gear) 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 protective gear (HS 681291)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 681291 (the code used for asbestos protective gear) 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 protective gear the same in all countries?

The base HS code 681291 for Asbestos protective gear 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 protective gear in Brazil?

In Brazil, asbestos protective gear (HS 681291) is classified under NCM 6812.91.00.