Product classification
HS code for Foam glass insulation: 7016.90
Multicellular or foam glass, in blocks, panels, plates, shells or similar forms, paving blocks, slabs, bricks and other articles of pressed or moulded glass.
Classification of foam glass insulation under HS 7016.90
Foam glass insulation is classified under HS code 701690, which specifically covers multicellular or foam glass in various forms such as blocks, panels, plates, or shells. This classification is determined by the material's unique composition—glass that has been expanded through a thermal process to create a rigid, cellular structure. Chapter 70 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to glass and glassware. Within this chapter, heading 7016 includes glass paving blocks, bricks, and other articles of pressed or molded glass, as well as multicellular or foam glass. The classification is based on the physical state of the glass rather than its end-use as insulation. Foam glass is valued in industrial applications for its high compressive strength, impermeability to moisture, and excellent thermal resistance. The manufacturing process involves mixing crushed glass with a carbonaceous foaming agent and heating it in a kiln, which causes the glass to expand into millions of hermetically sealed cells. This process is central to its classification in 7016, as it creates the \"multicellular\" structure described in the HS explanatory notes. The material is often used in cryogenic applications or high-temperature industrial settings due to its unique physical stability and chemical inertness.
- Covers
- Rigid foam glass insulation blocks
- Foam glass pipe insulation shells
- Multicellular glass panels for building facades
- Foam glass boards for flat roof insulation
- Molded foam glass shapes for industrial equipment
- Also under 7016.90
- Pittsburgh Corning FOAMGLAS
- GLAPOR Foam Glass
- Misapor Foam Glass
- Poraver Foam Glass Granules
- Geocell Foam Glass
Codes often confused with 7016.90
Common mistake. Foam glass is often misclassified under HS code 6806. This heading covers mineral wools and expanded mineral materials like perlite or vermiculite. While foam glass serves a similar insulating purpose, its glass-based origin requires classification in Chapter 70. Another common mistake is using HS code 7019, which covers glass fibers and articles made from them (such as fiberglass insulation). Foam glass is distinct from glass fiber because it is a cellular solid rather than a fibrous material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701690 (the code used for foam glass insulation), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701690 (the code used for foam glass insulation) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, 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 701690, not only foam glass insulation.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $315M 42% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $94M 12% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $94M 12% of world exports
World total: $757M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $127M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $65M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $56M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $762M 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 code for foam glass insulation
Brazil classifies foam glass insulation under NCM 7016.90.00: HS 7016.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about foam glass insulation
What is the HS code for Foam glass insulation?
The HS code for Foam glass insulation is 701690 (Multicellular or foam glass; in blocks, panels, plates, shells or similar forms; paving blocks, slabs, bricks and other articles of pressed or moulded glass). The primary HS code for foam glass in blocks, panels, or similar forms is 701690.
How do I classify Foam glass insulation for customs?
Foam glass insulation is classified under HS code 701690 — Multicellular or foam glass; in blocks, panels, plates, shells or similar forms; paving blocks, slabs, bricks and other articles of pressed or moulded glass. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is foam glass classified differently if used for road construction?
If the foam glass is in the form of gravel or aggregate for road beds, it may still fall under 701690 or potentially 7001 (cullet and other waste glass), but molded articles always remain in 701690.
Which countries are the top exporters of foam glass insulation (HS 701690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701690 (the code used for foam glass insulation) in UN Comtrade data were China ($315M, 42% of world exports), Czechia ($94M) and Belgium ($94M). World exports came to about $757M, 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 foam glass insulation (HS 701690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701690 (the code used for foam glass insulation) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($127M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($65M) and Germany ($56M). World imports came to about $762M, 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 Foam glass insulation the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701690 for Foam glass insulation 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 foam glass insulation in Brazil?
In Brazil, foam glass insulation (HS 701690) is classified under NCM 7016.90.00.