Product classification
HS code for Brake pads: 6813.81
Brake linings and pads, with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos).
Classification of brake pads under HS 6813.81
Brake pads are classified under HS code 681381 due to their specific material composition, a critical factor in Harmonized System classification. This code specifically encompasses brake linings and pads manufactured with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose, explicitly excluding those containing asbestos. Classification under Chapter 68, which covers articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials, and manufactured articles thereof, emphasizes the primary constituent materials rather than solely the end-use application as a vehicle part. Brake pads under 681381 are typically complex composite materials designed for friction applications. Their friction material is predominantly derived from non-metallic mineral substances or organic cellulose fibers, bound together with high-temperature resistant resins to ensure performance and durability.
- Covers
- Automotive brake pads for passenger cars, light trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles
- Motorcycle brake pads for various models and applications
- Bicycle disc brake pads for mountain bikes and road bikes
- Industrial brake linings and pads used in machinery, cranes, and wind turbines
- Brake shoes with integrated non-asbestos linings for drum brake systems
- 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. A common misclassification involves HS code 870830, which broadly covers "Brakes and servo-brakes; parts thereof" for motor vehicles. While brake pads are undeniably parts of braking systems, the specific material composition rule for brake linings and pads (Chapter 68) takes precedence over the more general parts classification in Chapter 87. This is a fundamental principle of HS classification. Another significant area of confusion is with HS code 681320, which specifically covers "Brake linings and pads; with a basis of asbestos." The distinction between 681381 and 681320 is critical and lies solely in the presence or absence of asbestos in the material composition. Products containing asbestos are classified separately under 681320 due to health and safety regulations and material properties.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681381 (the code used for brake pads), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681381 (the code used for brake pads) 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 pads.
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 pads
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 pads
What is the HS code for Brake pads?
The HS code for Brake pads is 681381 (Brake linings and pads; with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos)). The HS code for brake pads, specifically those manufactured with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose and explicitly not containing asbestos, is 681381.
How do I classify Brake pads for customs?
Brake pads 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.
Why are brake pads classified under Chapter 68?
Brake pads are classified under Chapter 68 because this chapter is designated for manufactured articles of mineral substances. Given that brake pads under 681381 are primarily composed of mineral substances or cellulose-based friction materials, this chapter provides the appropriate classification based on their fundamental material composition, aligning with the structure of the Harmonized System.
Which countries are the top exporters of brake pads (HS 681381)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681381 (the code used for brake pads) 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 pads (HS 681381)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681381 (the code used for brake pads) 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 pads the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681381 for Brake pads 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 pads in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 681381 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for brake pads depends on the product's details: 6813.81.10 (Asbestos-free brake pads), 6813.81.90 (Other asbestos-free brake linings).