HS Code for Lead ingots

Lead ingots are classified under HS code 7801.10 because they represent the primary, unwrought form of refined lead. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 78 notes of the Harmonized System, unwrought lead is lead that has not been worked beyond simple casting into shapes such as ingots, blocks, billets, or slabs. The subheading 7801.10 specifically designates refined lead, which is defined as metal containing at least 99.9% lead by weight, or lead where the content of other elements like silver, tin, or arsenic does not exceed specific thresholds defined in the legal notes. This classification ensures that the raw material is distinguished from lead alloys or lead waste and scrap. The process of refining involves removing impurities from lead bullion to reach these high purity levels, making 7801.10 the correct designation for high-purity industrial ingots used in further manufacturing processes such as battery production or chemical piping.

Products Included

• Refined lead ingots
• High-purity lead blocks
• Lead billets for extrusion
• Lead slabs for rolling
• 99.9% pure lead pigs

Common Misclassification

Lead ingots are frequently confused with HS code 7801.91, which covers lead containing antimony as the main other element by weight (lead alloys). Another common error is using 7802.00, which is strictly for lead waste and scrap. If the ingot is not refined to 99.9% purity and contains significant alloying elements, it must be moved to the 7801.9x subheadings. Additionally, if the lead has been rolled into a shape, it is no longer unwrought and moves to 7804.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Lead ingots?

The HS code for refined lead ingots is 7801.10. If the ingots are made of lead alloys, the code is 7801.91 or 7801.99.

What defines refined lead for this classification?

Refined lead must contain at least 99.9% lead by weight, or meet specific low-impurity thresholds for elements like bismuth, copper, and iron as per Chapter 78 Note 1.