Product classification
HS code for Lead bullion: 7801.99
Lead, unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element.
Classification of lead bullion under HS 7801.99
Lead bullion is classified under HS code 780199. This code refers to unwrought lead that is unrefined and does not contain antimony as the principal secondary element. In the metallurgical process, lead bullion is the intermediate product obtained from smelting lead ores or concentrates. It contains various impurities such as silver, gold, copper, and bismuth, which are later removed during the refining process. Heading 7801 covers unwrought lead in all forms (pigs, blocks, or ingots). Since lead bullion is an unrefined, unwrought form of lead that doesn't meet the specific criteria for "refined lead" or "antimony-lead," it falls into the residual category of 780199.
- Covers
- Unrefined lead bullion ingots
- Smelted lead pigs (unrefined)
- Work lead (unwrought)
- Lead bullion containing precious metal impurities
- Also under 7801.99
- Crude lead from primary smelters (e.g., from Boliden, Nyrstar)
- unrefined lead from secondary recyclers before final purification
- lead bullion from mining operations
Codes often confused with 7801.99
Common mistake. Lead bullion is often misclassified under HS code 780110, which is reserved for refined lead. Refined lead must contain at least 99.9% lead by weight. Because bullion contains significant impurities, it cannot use this code. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 780191, which is for lead containing antimony as the main other element by weight. If the bullion has not been processed to a specific alloy specification and is simply the raw output of a smelter, 780199 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 780199 (the code used for lead bullion), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 780199 (the code used for lead bullion) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 22% 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 780199, not only lead bullion.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $373M 18% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $196M 9.5% of world exports
- 3 India $185M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $513M 22% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $299M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $228M 10.0% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 lead bullion
Brazil classifies lead bullion under NCM 7801.99.00: HS 7801.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead bullion
What is the HS code for Lead bullion?
The HS code for Lead bullion is 780199 (Lead; unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element). Lead bullion, as an unrefined and unwrought form of lead, is classified under HS code 780199.
How do I classify Lead bullion for customs?
Lead bullion is classified under HS code 780199 — Lead; unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does lead bullion differ from refined lead in the HS system?
Refined lead (780110) must have a purity of 99.9% or higher, whereas lead bullion (780199) is an unrefined intermediate product containing various other metallic impurities.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead bullion (HS 780199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 780199 (the code used for lead bullion) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($373M, 18% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($196M) and India ($185M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 lead bullion (HS 780199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 780199 (the code used for lead bullion) in UN Comtrade data were India ($513M, 22% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($299M) and China ($228M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Lead bullion the same in all countries?
The base HS code 780199 for Lead bullion 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 lead bullion in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead bullion (HS 780199) is classified under NCM 7801.99.00.