Product classification
HS code for Brake linings: 6813.81
Brake linings and pads, with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos).
Classification of brake linings under HS 6813.81
Brake linings and pads are classified under HS code 6813.81 when they are based on mineral substances or cellulose and do not contain asbestos. This classification follows GIR 1 and the specific notes of Chapter 68, which covers articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials. Heading 6813 is reserved for friction material and articles thereof (for example, sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads), not mounted, for brakes, for clutches or the like, with a basis of asbestos, of other mineral substances or of cellulose, whether or not combined with textile or other materials. Subheading 6813.81 specifically excludes asbestos-containing materials. It is important to note that these items are classified here when they are friction materials not yet mounted on a metal backing plate, although the subheading specifically mentions pads which are often imported as finished friction components.
- Covers
- Non-asbestos brake pads
- Friction linings for drum brakes
- Clutch linings and discs
- Friction segments for industrial machinery
- Brake strips and rolls
- Also under 6813.81
- Brembo brake pads
- Akebono brake pads
- Bosch brake pads
- TRW brake pads
- EBC Brakes
Codes often confused with 6813.81
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 8708.30, which covers mounted brake parts for vehicles. If the friction material is already bonded or riveted to a metal plate, it is often classified as a vehicle part. Another error is using 6812.99, which is the code for articles containing asbestos. Importers must verify the material composition to distinguish between 6813.20 (asbestos-based) and 6813.81 (non-asbestos).
Top exporters and importers of HS 681381 (the code used for brake linings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681381 (the code used for brake linings) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 681381, not only brake linings.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $189M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $95M 11% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $78M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $855M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $142M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $70M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Poland $48M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $843M 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 codes for brake linings
Brazil splits HS 6813.81 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6813.81.10Asbestos-free brake pads
- 6813.81.90Other asbestos-free brake linings
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about brake linings
What is the HS code for Brake linings?
The HS code for Brake linings is 681381 (Brake linings and pads; with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos)). The HS code for non-asbestos brake linings and pads is 6813.81.
How do I classify Brake linings for customs?
Brake linings is classified under HS code 681381 — Brake linings and pads; with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the brake linings contain asbestos?
If the brake linings or friction materials contain asbestos, they must be classified under HS code 6813.20, which is specifically for asbestos-based friction materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of brake linings (HS 681381)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681381 (the code used for brake linings) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($189M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($95M) and Brazil ($78M). World exports came to about $855M, 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 brake linings (HS 681381)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681381 (the code used for brake linings) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($142M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($70M) and Poland ($48M). World imports came to about $843M, 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 Brake linings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681381 for Brake linings 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 brake linings in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 681381 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for brake linings depends on the product's details: 6813.81.10 (Asbestos-free brake pads), 6813.81.90 (Other asbestos-free brake linings).