Product classification
HS code for Glass spheres: 7002.10
Glass, unworked, in balls (other than microspheres of heading no. 7018).
Classification of glass spheres under HS 7002.10
Glass spheres are classified under HS code 7002.10 because they represent glass in its primary, unworked form as balls. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 7002 covers glass in balls, rods, or tubes that have not been further worked. The subheading 7002.10 specifically targets glass balls that are unworked, meaning they have not been polished, ground, or otherwise processed for a specific final application like precision bearings or decorative jewelry. These spheres are typically used as raw materials for further manufacturing or as industrial grinding media in their rough state. The classification depends heavily on the state of the glass; if the spheres were worked after initial shaping, they would likely move to a different heading. The essential character of the product is its spherical shape and its status as a semi-finished material.
- Covers
- Solid glass balls in unworked state
- Industrial glass spheres for grinding media
- Rough glass spheres for further processing
- Unpolished glass marbles for industrial use
- Also under 7002.10
- Potters Industries (some larger balls)
- specific industrial glass suppliers
- scientific glass manufacturers
- specialized abrasive manufacturers
Codes often confused with 7002.10
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing 7002.10 with 7018.10. While 7002.10 covers unworked glass balls, 7018.10 is intended for glass beads, imitation pearls, and similar small glass items, often used for decoration or as microspheres. Furthermore, if the glass spheres are precision-ground and polished for use in ball bearings, they might be argued under 8482.91, though that code is primarily for steel balls. Another confusion arises with 3207.40 (glass frit), but frit is typically crushed or powdered, not in spherical ball form.
Top exporters and importers of HS 700210 (the code used for glass spheres), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 700210 (the code used for glass spheres) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 700210, not only glass spheres.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $16M 34% of world exports
- 2 United States $11M 24% of world exports
- 3 China $10M 22% of world exports
World total: $48M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.2M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $4.0M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Japan $3.1M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $44M 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 spheres
Brazil classifies glass spheres under NCM 7002.10.00: HS 7002.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about glass spheres
What is the HS code for Glass spheres?
The HS code for Glass spheres is 700210 (Glass; unworked, in balls (other than microspheres of heading no. 7018)). The HS code for unworked glass spheres is 7002.10.
How do I classify Glass spheres for customs?
Glass spheres is classified under HS code 700210 — Glass; unworked, in balls (other than microspheres of heading no. 7018). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include decorative glass marbles?
No, decorative glass marbles or toy marbles are generally classified under heading 9503 as toys, or 7018 if they are considered glass beads or ornaments.
Which countries are the top exporters of glass spheres (HS 700210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 700210 (the code used for glass spheres) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($16M, 34% of world exports), the United States ($11M) and China ($10M). 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 glass spheres (HS 700210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 700210 (the code used for glass spheres) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.2M, 19% of world imports), France ($4.0M) and Japan ($3.1M). World imports came to about $44M, 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 spheres the same in all countries?
The base HS code 700210 for Glass spheres 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 spheres in Brazil?
In Brazil, glass spheres (HS 700210) is classified under NCM 7002.10.00.