HS Code for Glass rods

Glass rods are classified under HS code 7002.20, which covers unworked glass in the form of rods. These are solid, usually cylindrical, lengths of glass. The classification is part of heading 7002, which also includes glass in balls and tubes. To fall under 7002.20, the rods must be "unworked," meaning they have not been ground, polished, or shaped into a specific finished article. They are essentially raw materials for further manufacturing. The manufacturing process usually involves drawing the molten glass through a die. These rods are used in various industries, including the production of laboratory glassware, lighting components, and artistic glasswork (lampworking). The material composition can vary, including soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, or lead glass, but as long as they remain in the form of unworked rods, they stay within this subheading. The rods must be solid throughout; any hollow center would reclassify the item as a tube. The length of the rod does not typically affect the classification, provided it retains its uniform cross-section.

Products Included

• Solid borosilicate glass rods for laboratory use
• Soda-lime glass rods for industrial manufacturing
• Colored glass rods for artistic lampworking
• Clear glass rods for lighting fixtures
• Lead glass rods for electronic components

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification occurs between glass rods (7002.20) and glass tubes (7002.31, 7002.32, or 7002.39). The defining difference is that rods are solid, while tubes are hollow. Another frequent error is classifying worked glass rods—those that have been cut to precise lengths with finished ends or polished surfaces—under heading 7017 (laboratory glassware) or 7020 (other glass articles). Additionally, glass fibers in the form of rovings or yarns are classified under heading 7019 and should not be confused with solid glass rods.

FAQ

What is the HS code for glass rods?

The HS code for unworked glass in the form of rods is 7002.20.

What is the difference between a glass rod and a glass tube in HS classification?

A glass rod (7002.20) is a solid cylindrical piece of glass, whereas a glass tube (7002.31-39) is hollow. This physical distinction is the primary factor in their classification.