Product classification
HS code for Clutch linings: 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 linings under HS 6813.89
The classification of clutch linings under HS code 6813.89 is determined by the material composition and the physical state of the product at the time of customs entry. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 68 encompasses articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar mineral materials. Heading 6813 is specifically dedicated to friction materials and articles thereof, such as sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, and pads. The subheading 6813.89 is a residual category for friction materials that do not contain asbestos and are specifically designed for clutches or similar mechanisms, rather than for brakes. A defining characteristic for this classification is that the linings must be 'not mounted.' This means they have not been attached to any metal backing, shoe, or support. Once these linings are mounted, they are no longer considered friction material in the primary sense but are instead classified as parts of vehicles or machinery under Chapter 87 or Chapter 84. The materials used in 6813.89 typically consist of mineral substances or cellulose fibers combined with synthetic resins or other binders to provide the necessary heat resistance and friction coefficient.
- Covers
- Unmounted friction discs for automotive clutches
- Clutch lining segments made of mineral substances
- Friction strips for industrial clutch systems
- Cellulose-based clutch washers
- Non-asbestos friction rolls for clutch manufacturing
- Unmounted clutch pads for heavy machinery
- 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. Clutch linings are frequently misclassified under HS code 8708.93, which covers clutches and parts thereof for motor vehicles. The distinction lies in whether the lining is mounted. If the friction material is already riveted or bonded to a metal plate, it must be classified under 8708.93. Another common error is using 6813.20, which is specifically reserved for friction materials containing asbestos. Given the global phase-out of asbestos, 6813.89 is the correct code for modern, non-asbestos mineral or cellulose-based linings. Additionally, brake linings are excluded from this code and should be classified under 6813.81.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681389 (the code used for clutch linings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681389 (the code used for clutch linings) 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 linings.
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 linings
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 linings
What is the HS code for Clutch linings?
The HS code for Clutch linings 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, non-asbestos clutch linings based on mineral substances or cellulose is 6813.89.
How do I classify Clutch linings for customs?
Clutch linings 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.
Does this code include linings already attached to a clutch plate?
No, if the lining is mounted to a metal plate or support, it is classified as a vehicle part under HS code 8708.93.
Which countries are the top exporters of clutch linings (HS 681389)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681389 (the code used for clutch linings) 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 linings (HS 681389)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681389 (the code used for clutch linings) 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 linings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681389 for Clutch 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 clutch linings in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 681389 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for clutch linings depends on the product's details: 6813.89.10 (Asbestos-free clutch friction discs), 6813.89.90 (Other asbestos-free friction material).