Product classification
HS code for Gas mantles: 5908.00
Textile wicks, woven, plaited or knitted, for lamps, stoves, lighters, candles or the like, incandescent gas mantles and tubular knitted gas mantle fabric therefor, whether or not impregnated.
Classification of gas mantles under HS 5908.00
Gas mantles are classified under HS code 5908.00. This heading covers textile wicks, woven, plaited, or knitted, for lamps, stoves, lighters, candles, or the like, as well as incandescent gas mantles and tubular knitted gas mantle fabric. The classification is unique because, although the final product is often a fragile, ash-like structure after its first use, its primary form for trade is a knitted textile sleeve impregnated with metallic salts (such as thorium or cerium nitrates). According to the Section XI notes of the Harmonized System, which covers textiles, products specifically described in heading 5908 are classified there regardless of their chemical impregnation. The mantle functions by becoming incandescent when heated by a gas flame, but its structural origin as a textile product dictates its placement in Chapter 59.
- Covers
- Incandescent gas mantles for camping lanterns
- Thorium-impregnated textile mantles
- Non-radioactive (yttrium-based) gas mantles
- Tubular knitted fabric used to manufacture mantles
- Soft mantles and pre-formed hard mantles
- Also under 5908.00
- Atkins & Pearce Wicks
- Wedo Wicks
- CandleScience Wicks
- Coleman Gas Mantles
- Petromax Mantles
Codes often confused with 5908.00
Common mistake. Gas mantles are frequently misclassified under 7321.90 as "parts" of gas stoves or lamps. While they are used with these appliances, the specific heading for textile wicks and mantles (5908.00) takes precedence over a general parts heading according to GRI 3(a), which states that the most specific description should be used. Another error is classification under 6815 (articles of stone or other mineral substances) due to the mineral salts used in impregnation; however, the textile base remains the defining characteristic for HS purposes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 590800 (the code used for gas mantles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 590800 (the code used for gas mantles) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 590800, not only gas mantles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $17M 36% of world exports
- 2 United States $7.1M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $6.4M 13% of world exports
World total: $48M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $7.4M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $5.7M 11% of world imports
- 3 Poland $4.9M 9.7% of world imports
World total: $50M 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 gas mantles
Brazil classifies gas mantles under NCM 5908.00.00: HS 5908.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gas mantles
What is the HS code for Gas mantles?
The HS code for Gas mantles is 590800 (Textile wicks, woven, plaited or knitted; for lamps, stoves, lighters, candles or the like; incandescent gas mantles and tubular knitted gas mantle fabric therefor, whether or not impregnated). The HS code for gas mantles is 5908.00, which includes textile wicks and incandescent gas mantles.
How do I classify Gas mantles for customs?
Gas mantles is classified under HS code 590800 — Textile wicks, woven, plaited or knitted; for lamps, stoves, lighters, candles or the like; incandescent gas mantles and tubular knitted gas mantle fabric therefor, whether or not impregnated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these considered hazardous materials for shipping?
While the HS code is 5908.00, mantles containing thorium nitrate may be subject to additional transport regulations for radioactive materials, though this does not change their customs classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of gas mantles (HS 590800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 590800 (the code used for gas mantles) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($17M, 36% of world exports), the United States ($7.1M) and China ($6.4M). World exports came to about $48M, 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 gas mantles (HS 590800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 590800 (the code used for gas mantles) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.4M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($5.7M) and Poland ($4.9M). World imports came to about $50M, 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 Gas mantles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 590800 for Gas mantles 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 gas mantles in Brazil?
In Brazil, gas mantles (HS 590800) is classified under NCM 5908.00.00.