Product classification
HS code for Lead plates: 7804.19
Lead, plates, sheets, strip and foil, of a thickness (excluding any backing) exceeding 0.2mm.
Classification of lead plates under HS 7804.19
Lead plates are classified under HS code 7804.19. This code falls under heading 78.04, which covers lead plates, sheets, strip, and foil. The classification is determined by the physical dimensions and the manufacturing process. Specifically, 7804.19 is reserved for products that have a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm, excluding any backing material. These items are typically produced by rolling or hammering unwrought lead into flat, rectangular shapes. Unlike unwrought lead in 7801, these products have undergone a specific working process (rolling) that changes their form into semi-finished goods. The distinction between plates and sheets is often based on thickness in commercial terms, but for HS purposes, they are grouped together under this subheading as long as they meet the minimum thickness threshold and are not further worked into finished articles. This code is vital for the construction and medical industries where lead plates are used for radiation shielding and soundproofing.
- Covers
- Lead plates for radiation shielding
- Industrial lead sheets
- Roofing lead plates
- Thick lead foil (over 0.2mm)
- Lead plates for chemical tank linings
- Also under 7804.19
- Lead sheets for X-ray room walls
- lead plates for nuclear reactor shielding
- heavy lead sheets for soundproofing in recording studios
- lead flashing for commercial roofs
- lead ballast weights for marine applications
Codes often confused with 7804.19
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7804.11, which is specifically for lead sheets, strip, and foil that do not exceed 0.2 mm in thickness. Importers often fail to measure the thickness accurately, leading to incorrect filings. Another confusion arises with 7806.00, which is for finished articles of lead. If the plate has been cut into a specific non-rectangular shape or fitted with attachments, it may be considered an article rather than a plate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 780419 (the code used for lead plates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 780419 (the code used for lead plates) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% 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 780419, not only lead plates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $70M 21% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $70M 21% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $43M 13% of world exports
World total: $335M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $71M 23% of world imports
- 2 France $47M 15% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $33M 11% 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 code for lead plates
Brazil classifies lead plates under NCM 7804.19.00: HS 7804.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead plates
What is the HS code for Lead plates?
The HS code for Lead plates is 780419 (Lead; plates, sheets, strip and foil, of a thickness (excluding any backing) exceeding 0.2mm). The HS code for lead plates with a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm is 7804.19.
How do I classify Lead plates for customs?
Lead plates is classified under HS code 780419 — Lead; plates, sheets, strip and foil, of a thickness (excluding any backing) exceeding 0.2mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include lead used for X-ray room shielding?
Yes, provided the lead is in the form of plates or sheets exceeding 0.2 mm and has not been further manufactured into a specific finished product.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead plates (HS 780419)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 780419 (the code used for lead plates) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($70M, 21% of world exports), Czechia ($70M) and the United Kingdom ($43M). World exports came to about $335M, 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 plates (HS 780419)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 780419 (the code used for lead plates) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($71M, 23% of world imports), France ($47M) and Malaysia ($33M). 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 plates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 780419 for Lead plates 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 plates in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead plates (HS 780419) is classified under NCM 7804.19.00.