Product classification
HS code for Clutch friction material: 6813.89
Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted, for clutches or the like (not brake linings and pads), with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos).
Classification of clutch friction material under HS 6813.89
Clutch friction material is classified under HS code 681389 because it consists of friction-generating substances that are not yet mounted to a metal backing or support. This subheading specifically covers articles with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose, provided they do not contain asbestos. The classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically Rule 1, which directs products to the heading that most accurately describes their material composition and state. Since these materials are intended for clutches or similar torque-transmission mechanisms but are presented as unmounted sheets, rolls, or discs, they fall under Chapter 68 (Articles of stone, plaster, cement, etc.) rather than Chapter 87 (Vehicles and parts). The distinction is based on the level of assembly; once the material is bonded or riveted to a clutch plate, it is no longer classified here and instead moves to the automotive parts category. This code ensures that raw or semi-finished friction components are tracked separately from finished mechanical assemblies.
- Covers
- Unmounted friction discs for clutches
- Friction material segments for industrial machinery
- Woven or molded friction strips
- Friction washers for torque limiters
- Rolls of friction material for clutch relining
- Cellulose-based friction sheets
- Also under 6813.89
- Valeo clutch facings
- Exedy clutch components
- ZF clutch friction materials
- LUK clutch parts
- BorgWarner friction plates
Codes often confused with 6813.89
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these materials under HS code 681320, which is reserved exclusively for friction materials containing asbestos. Given global bans on asbestos, most modern clutch materials belong in 681389. Another common mistake is using HS code 681381, which is specifically for brake linings and pads. While the material may be similar, the application for clutches dictates the use of 681389. Finally, importers often attempt to use HS code 870893 for clutch parts; however, 870893 only applies to finished, mounted clutch assemblies. Unmounted friction material must remain in Chapter 68.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681389 (the code used for clutch friction material), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681389 (the code used for clutch friction material) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 11% 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 681389, not only clutch friction material.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $163M 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $88M 16% of world exports
- 3 China $70M 12% of world exports
World total: $559M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $61M 11% of world imports
- 2 China $60M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $49M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $568M 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 clutch friction material
Brazil splits HS 6813.89 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6813.89.10Asbestos-free clutch friction discs
- 6813.89.90Other asbestos-free friction material
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about clutch friction material
What is the HS code for Clutch friction material?
The HS code for Clutch friction material is 681389 (Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted; for clutches or the like (not brake linings and pads), with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos)). The HS code for unmounted clutch friction material that does not contain asbestos is 681389.
How do I classify Clutch friction material for customs?
Clutch friction material is classified under HS code 681389 — Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted; for clutches or the like (not brake linings and pads), with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I use this code for brake pads?
No, brake pads and linings are classified under HS code 681381, even if they are made of similar non-asbestos mineral materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of clutch friction material (HS 681389)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681389 (the code used for clutch friction material) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($163M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($88M) and China ($70M). World exports came to about $559M, 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 clutch friction material (HS 681389)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681389 (the code used for clutch friction material) in UN Comtrade data were India ($61M, 11% of world imports), China ($60M) and Germany ($49M). World imports came to about $568M, 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 Clutch friction material the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681389 for Clutch friction material 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 clutch friction material in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 681389 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for clutch friction material depends on the product's details: 6813.89.10 (Asbestos-free clutch friction discs), 6813.89.90 (Other asbestos-free friction material).