Product classification
HS code for Glass microspheres: 7018.20
Glass microspheres, not exceeding 1mm in diameter.
Classification of glass microspheres under HS 7018.20
Glass microspheres are classified under HS code 7018.20, provided their diameter does not exceed 1 millimeter. This code is part of Chapter 70, which covers glass and glassware. Heading 7018 includes glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones, and similar glass smallwares, as well as glass microspheres. The classification of microspheres is highly dependent on their physical dimensions. These tiny spheres are often used in industrial applications, such as retro-reflective coatings for highway signs and road markings, where they reflect light back to the source. They are also used as fillers in various materials to modify density or improve flow characteristics. The Harmonized System provides a specific subheading for these items to distinguish them from larger glass beads or balls, which may have different industrial or decorative applications and thus different tariff treatments.
- Covers
- Reflective glass beads for road marking paint
- Solid glass microspheres for shot peening
- Hollow glass microspheres for lightweight fillers
- Glass beads for laboratory boiling stones
- Precision glass spheres for check valves
- Glass microspheres for use in explosives
- Also under 7018.20
- 3M Glass Bubbles
- Potters Industries reflective beads
- Krosaki Harima microspheres
- Sovitec glass beads
Codes often confused with 7018.20
Common mistake. Glass microspheres are often misclassified under HS code 7018.10, which covers glass beads, imitation pearls, and similar smallwares. However, 7018.10 is generally intended for decorative or jewelry-related items, whereas 7018.20 is the specific technical classification for microspheres under 1mm. Another error is using HS code 3206 for pigments and preparations, especially when the beads are sold mixed with paint; however, the beads themselves remain under 7018.20. If the spheres exceed 1mm in diameter, they may fall under 7002.10 (glass balls) or 7018.10 depending on their finish and purpose.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701820 (the code used for glass microspheres), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701820 (the code used for glass microspheres) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 12% 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 701820, not only glass microspheres.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $163M 39% of world exports
- 2 France $63M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $40M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $417M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $63M 12% of world imports
- 2 China $56M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $34M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $514M 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 microspheres
Brazil classifies glass microspheres under NCM 7018.20.00: HS 7018.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about glass microspheres
What is the HS code for Glass microspheres?
The HS code for Glass microspheres is 701820 (Glass microspheres; not exceeding 1mm in diameter). The HS code for glass microspheres not exceeding 1mm in diameter is 7018.20.
How do I classify Glass microspheres for customs?
Glass microspheres is classified under HS code 701820 — Glass microspheres; not exceeding 1mm in diameter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What happens if the microspheres are larger than 1mm?
If the glass spheres exceed 1mm in diameter, they are no longer classified as microspheres under 7018.20 and may be classified as glass beads under 7018.10 or as glass balls under 7002.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of glass microspheres (HS 701820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701820 (the code used for glass microspheres) in UN Comtrade data were China ($163M, 39% of world exports), France ($63M) and the United States ($40M). World exports came to about $417M, 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 microspheres (HS 701820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701820 (the code used for glass microspheres) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($63M, 12% of world imports), China ($56M) and the United Kingdom ($34M). World imports came to about $514M, 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 microspheres the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701820 for Glass microspheres 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 microspheres in Brazil?
In Brazil, glass microspheres (HS 701820) is classified under NCM 7018.20.00.