Product classification
HS code for Lead pipes: 7806.00
Lead, articles n.e.c. in chapter 78.
Classification of lead pipes under HS 7806.00
Lead pipes and their associated fittings are classified under HS code 7806.00. This classification follows the restructuring of Chapter 78 in the Harmonized System, where several specific headings for lead articles were consolidated. Previously, pipes and tubes had their own heading (7805), but these are now included in the residual heading 7806.00, which covers "Other articles of lead." This classification applies to pipes, tubes, and pipe fittings (such as joints, elbows, and sleeves) that are made of lead or lead alloys. These products are typically manufactured through extrusion or casting and are valued for their corrosion resistance and malleability in specialized plumbing and chemical industrial applications.
- Covers
- Lead pipes and tubes
- Lead hollow bars
- Lead pipe fittings (couplings and elbows)
- Lead sleeves for cable protection
- Lead siphons and traps
- Also under 7806.00
- Fishing weights from various tackle brands
- lead counterweights for industrial machinery
- lead seals for meters
- lead bricks for laboratory shielding
- lead anodes for electroplating
- boat keels from yacht manufacturers
Codes often confused with 7806.00
Common mistake. Lead pipes are often misclassified under HS code 7804.11 or 7804.19, which cover lead plates, sheets, strip, and foil. While these are all semi-manufactured lead products, the distinction is based on the cross-sectional shape; pipes and tubes must have a uniform hollow periphery. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 8481, which covers valves and similar appliances for pipes. If a lead pipe includes a mechanical valve, the entire assembly may be classified under 8481 depending on the essential character of the shipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 780600 (the code used for lead pipes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 780600 (the code used for lead pipes) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 7.3% 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 780600, not only lead pipes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $41M 13% of world exports
- 2 Angola $40M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $26M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $323M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $23M 7.3% of world imports
- 2 United States $20M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $19M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $308M 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 codes for lead pipes
Brazil splits HS 7806.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7806.00.10Lead bars, rods, profiles and wire
- 7806.00.20Lead tubes, pipes and fittings
- 7806.00.90Other lead articles, not listed elsewhere
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead pipes
What is the HS code for Lead pipes?
The HS code for Lead pipes is 780600 (Lead; articles n.e.c. in chapter 78). Lead pipes, tubes, and their fittings are classified under HS code 7806.00.
How do I classify Lead pipes for customs?
Lead pipes is classified under HS code 780600 — Lead; articles n.e.c. in chapter 78. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are lead-lined steel pipes classified here?
No, lead-lined steel pipes are generally classified according to the constituent material that provides the structural strength, typically Chapter 73 for steel articles.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead pipes (HS 780600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 780600 (the code used for lead pipes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($41M, 13% of world exports), Angola ($40M) and the United States ($26M). World exports came to about $323M, 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 pipes (HS 780600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 780600 (the code used for lead pipes) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($23M, 7.3% of world imports), the United States ($20M) and the Netherlands ($19M). World imports came to about $308M, 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 pipes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 780600 for Lead pipes 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 pipes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 780600 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for lead pipes depends on the product's details: 7806.00.10 (Lead bars, rods, profiles and wire), 7806.00.20 (Lead tubes, pipes and fittings), 7806.00.90 (Other lead articles, not listed elsewhere).