Product classification
HS code for Bismuth metal: 8106.10
Bismuth, articles thereof, including waste and scrap, containing more than 99.99% of bismuth, by weight.
Classification of bismuth metal under HS 8106.10
HS code 810610 is specifically designated for bismuth metal of high purity. The classification criteria stipulate that the bismuth must contain more than 99.99% of bismuth by weight. This precise purity threshold is critical for distinguishing primary bismuth metal from lower-grade forms, alloys, or waste and scrap. Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System covers other base metals; cermets; articles thereof, and bismuth is included due to its distinct metallic properties and diverse industrial applications, particularly in metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, and electronics where high purity is often essential for performance and safety. The classification ensures that only unadulterated, primary forms of bismuth metal meeting stringent purity standards are categorized under this specific subheading, reflecting its value as a raw material.
- Covers
- Bismuth ingots with >99.99% purity
- Bismuth billets with >99.99% purity
- Bismuth powders with >99.99% purity
- Bismuth granules with >99.99% purity
- Bismuth flakes with >99.99% purity
- Bismuth rods, wires, sheets, and plates with >99.99% purity
- Other primary forms of bismuth metal exceeding 99.99% bismuth content by weight, intended for high-specification industrial uses.
- Also under 8106.10
- Pepto-Bismol raw material
- Low-melting point solder bismuth
- Thermoelectric module bismuth
- High-purity bismuth for semiconductor doping
- Bismuth crystal for research
Codes often confused with 8106.10
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 810690, which covers bismuth, including articles not elsewhere specified in heading 8106, and waste and scrap, containing less than or equal to 99.99% of bismuth by weight. The critical distinction is the purity level; products falling under 810610 must exceed 99.99% bismuth content, whereas 810690 applies to bismuth with 99.99% or less purity, or to waste and scrap. Confusion may also arise with general non-ferrous metal codes if the specific heading for bismuth is overlooked, or with bismuth alloys which would typically fall under 810690 due to their reduced bismuth concentration.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810610 (the code used for bismuth metal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810610 (the code used for bismuth metal) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 810610, not only bismuth metal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $32M 40% of world exports
- 2 China $11M 14% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $9.8M 12% of world exports
World total: $80M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $11M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $11M 18% of world imports
- 3 Italy $7.5M 12% of world imports
World total: $64M 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 bismuth metal
Brazil classifies bismuth metal under NCM 8106.10.00: HS 8106.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bismuth metal
What is the HS code for Bismuth metal?
The HS code for Bismuth metal is 810610 (Bismuth; articles thereof, including waste and scrap, containing more than 99.99% of bismuth, by weight). The HS code for bismuth metal, specifically those containing more than 99.99% of bismuth by weight, is 810610. This classification is reserved for high-purity primary forms of the metal.
How do I classify Bismuth metal for customs?
Bismuth metal is classified under HS code 810610 — Bismuth; articles thereof, including waste and scrap, containing more than 99.99% of bismuth, by weight. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is the purity level important for bismuth classification?
The purity level is paramount for bismuth classification because it dictates whether the product falls under HS code 810610 (high-purity primary metal) or 810690 (lower-purity forms, waste, and scrap). This distinction is not merely administrative; it significantly impacts customs duties, regulatory compliance, and trade statistics, reflecting the different industrial values and specific applications of varying bismuth purities. High-purity bismuth is often required for specialized applications, justifying its distinct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of bismuth metal (HS 810610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810610 (the code used for bismuth metal) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($32M, 40% of world exports), China ($11M) and Belgium ($9.8M). World exports came to about $80M, 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 bismuth metal (HS 810610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810610 (the code used for bismuth metal) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($11M) and Italy ($7.5M). World imports came to about $64M, 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 Bismuth metal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810610 for Bismuth metal 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 bismuth metal in Brazil?
In Brazil, bismuth metal (HS 810610) is classified under NCM 8106.10.00.