Product classification
HS code for Glass blocks: 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 glass blocks under HS 7016.90
Glass blocks, also known as glass bricks, are classified under HS code 7016.90. This heading covers paving blocks, slabs, bricks, squares, tiles, and other articles of pressed or moulded glass, whether or not wired, of a kind used for building or construction purposes. Chapter 70 encompasses glass and glassware, and heading 7016 specifically addresses structural glass elements. Subheading 7016.90 is the residual category for these items, excluding glass smallwares for mosaics (which fall under 7016.10). Glass blocks are characterized by their manufacturing process—pressing two halves of hot glass together to create a hollow, insulating unit, or moulding a solid unit. These articles are designed to be used in walls, floors, or ceilings to provide light transmission while maintaining structural integrity. The classification is based on the fact that these are finished articles of pressed glass intended for construction, rather than flat glass sheets.
- Covers
- Hollow glass blocks for wall partitions
- Solid glass bricks for architectural features
- Glass paving slabs for flooring
- Moulded glass tiles for construction
- Wired glass blocks for fire-rated applications
- 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. Glass blocks are often misclassified under HS code 7005, which covers float glass and surface ground or polished glass. However, 7005 is for glass in sheets, whereas 7016 is for three-dimensional pressed or moulded articles. Another error is classification under HS code 6810, which covers articles of cement or artificial stone. While glass blocks are used like masonry bricks, their material composition (glass) dictates that they must remain in Chapter 70.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701690 (the code used for glass blocks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701690 (the code used for glass blocks) 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 glass blocks.
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 glass blocks
Brazil classifies glass blocks 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 glass blocks
What is the HS code for Glass blocks?
The HS code for Glass blocks 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 HS code for glass blocks used in construction is 7016.90.
How do I classify Glass blocks for customs?
Glass blocks 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.
Are glass blocks classified as safety glass?
No, safety glass (toughened or laminated) is classified under HS code 7007. Glass blocks are classified under 7016.90 because they are moulded or pressed structural units, even if they have certain safety or fire-resistant properties.
Which countries are the top exporters of glass blocks (HS 701690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701690 (the code used for glass blocks) 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 glass blocks (HS 701690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701690 (the code used for glass blocks) 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 Glass blocks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701690 for Glass blocks 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 glass blocks in Brazil?
In Brazil, glass blocks (HS 701690) is classified under NCM 7016.90.00.