Product classification
HS code for Blue asbestos products: 6812.80
Fabricated crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibres, mixtures with a basis of crocidolite (blue asbestos), articles of crocidolite (blue asbestos), whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813.
Classification of blue asbestos products under HS 6812.80
Classification under HS code 681280 is determined by the specific mineralogical composition of the material, specifically crocidolite, commonly known as blue asbestos. This code falls under Chapter 68, which encompasses articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials. Heading 6812 is dedicated to fabricated asbestos fibres, mixtures with a basis of asbestos, or articles of asbestos. Subheading 681280 is a specific carve-out for crocidolite to facilitate international monitoring and regulation of this hazardous substance under the Rotterdam Convention. The classification applies to fibres that have been processed beyond simple extraction, such as being carded, spun, or woven, as well as finished articles made from these fibres. It is essential to distinguish these from raw asbestos fibres, which are classified in Chapter 25. The inclusion in 681280 signifies that the product is either a semi-manufactured material or a finished good where the blue asbestos provides the essential character of the item, excluding products specifically mentioned in headings 6811 or 6813. This code is critical for customs authorities to enforce environmental and safety bans.
- Covers
- Fabricated crocidolite fibres
- Mixtures of crocidolite with other materials (e.g., magnesium carbonate)
- Crocidolite yarn and thread
- Woven fabrics made of blue asbestos
- Clothing and headgear made of crocidolite
- Cords, strings, and braided blue asbestos
- Jointing and gaskets containing blue asbestos
- Also under 6812.80
No current brands actively trade these; historical industrial applications where blue asbestos was once used (e.g., specific types of insulation or seals)
Codes often confused with 6812.80
Common mistake. Common misclassifications occur with HS code 252410, which is reserved for raw crocidolite (blue asbestos) that has not been fabricated. If the asbestos is merely crushed or washed, it remains in Chapter 25. Another frequent error involves HS code 6811, which covers asbestos-cement products like corrugated sheets or pipes. While these may contain asbestos, they are classified by their cement base. Additionally, HS code 6813 is used for friction materials (like brake linings) based on asbestos; these are excluded from 6812 even if they contain crocidolite. Finally, other types of asbestos like chrysotile (white asbestos) are classified under 681291 through 681299, not 681280.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681280 (the code used for blue asbestos products), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681280 (the code used for blue asbestos products) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 27% 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 681280, not only blue asbestos products.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.4M 33% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $1.4M 33% of world exports
- 3 United States $548K 12% of world exports
World total: $4.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $1.5M 27% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $775K 14% of world imports
- 3 Venezuela* ~$518K 9.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $5.5M 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 blue asbestos products
Brazil classifies blue asbestos products under NCM 6812.80.00: HS 6812.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about blue asbestos products
What is the HS code for Blue asbestos products?
The HS code for Blue asbestos products is 681280 (Fabricated crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibres, mixtures with a basis of crocidolite (blue asbestos), articles of crocidolite (blue asbestos), whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813). The HS code for fabricated blue asbestos (crocidolite) products and mixtures is 681280.
How do I classify Blue asbestos products for customs?
Blue asbestos products is classified under HS code 681280 — Fabricated crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibres, mixtures with a basis of crocidolite (blue asbestos), articles of crocidolite (blue asbestos), whether or not reinforced, not goods of heading 6811 or 6813. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are raw blue asbestos fibres classified here?
No, raw crocidolite fibres that have not been fabricated or mixed for specific use are classified under HS code 252410.
Which countries are the top exporters of blue asbestos products (HS 681280)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681280 (the code used for blue asbestos products) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4M, 33% of world exports), Malaysia ($1.4M) and the United States ($548K). World exports came to about $4.4M, 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 blue asbestos products (HS 681280)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681280 (the code used for blue asbestos products) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($1.5M, 27% of world imports), Thailand ($775K) and Venezuela (about $518K). World imports came to about $5.5M, 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 Blue asbestos products the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681280 for Blue asbestos products 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 blue asbestos products in Brazil?
In Brazil, blue asbestos products (HS 681280) is classified under NCM 6812.80.00.