Product classification
HS code for Lead flakes: 7804.20
Lead, powders and flakes.
Classification of lead flakes under HS 7804.20
Lead flakes are classified under HS code 7804.20. This classification is determined by the physical form of the lead and the specific provisions of heading 7804. This heading is divided into two main parts: 7804.11/19 for plates, sheets, strip, and foil, and 7804.20 for powders and flakes. Lead flakes are distinct from powders in their morphology, typically having a much higher surface-area-to-thickness ratio, but they are grouped together in the Harmonized System because they are both finely divided forms of the metal. These materials are often used in the manufacture of specialized paints, anti-corrosive coatings, or as components in metallurgical processes.
- Covers
- Fine lead flakes for industrial coatings
- Lead flakes used in radiation-shielding paints
- Metallic lead flakes for chemical reactions
- Lead powders (granular)
- Atomized lead particles
- Also under 7804.20
- Lead powder used by battery manufacturers (e.g., Exide, Johnson Controls)
- lead flakes for specialized industrial coatings
- lead powder for primer manufacturers (e.g., CCI, Federal)
Codes often confused with 7804.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 3212.90, which covers pigments dispersed in non-aqueous media. If the lead flakes are already mixed into a liquid binder or solvent for use as a paint pigment, they move to Chapter 32. However, in their pure metallic form, they remain in 7804.20. Another error is confusing flakes with thin foil (7804.11). Foil is a continuous sheet, whereas flakes are discrete, small particles. It is vital to distinguish between the two based on whether the product is a continuous roll or a bulk powder-like substance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 780420 (the code used for lead flakes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 780420 (the code used for lead flakes) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 34% 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 780420, not only lead flakes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $17M 42% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $10M 25% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $2.9M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $13M 34% of world imports
- 2 Albania* ~$5.7M 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $2.8M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $38M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 flakes
Brazil classifies lead flakes under NCM 7804.20.00: HS 7804.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead flakes
What is the HS code for Lead flakes?
The HS code for Lead flakes is 780420 (Lead; powders and flakes). The HS code for lead powders and lead flakes is 7804.20.
How do I classify Lead flakes for customs?
Lead flakes is classified under HS code 780420 — Lead; powders and flakes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are lead flakes considered hazardous for shipping?
While the HS code identifies the product for duty purposes, lead flakes are often regulated as hazardous materials (Class 6.1 or 9) for transport due to toxicity, though this does not change the HS classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead flakes (HS 780420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 780420 (the code used for lead flakes) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($17M, 42% of world exports), Belgium ($10M) and Malaysia ($2.9M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 flakes (HS 780420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 780420 (the code used for lead flakes) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($13M, 34% of world imports), Albania (about $5.7M) and Belgium ($2.8M). World imports came to about $38M, 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 flakes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 780420 for Lead flakes 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 flakes in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead flakes (HS 780420) is classified under NCM 7804.20.00.