Product classification
HS code for Litharge: 2824.10
Lead, lead monoxide (litharge, massicot).
Classification of litharge under HS 2824.10
Litharge, chemically known as lead monoxide (PbO), is classified under HS code 2824.10. This classification is found within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2824 is dedicated to lead oxides, including red lead and orange lead. The subheading 2824.10 is reserved exclusively for lead monoxide, which exists in two polymorphs: litharge (red, tetragonal) and massicot (yellow, orthorhombic). The classification is based on the chemical purity and composition of the substance. Litharge is a critical industrial chemical used in the manufacture of lead-acid batteries, lead glass, ceramic glazes, and as a stabilizer in plastics. To qualify for this code, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound, as per the Note 1 to Chapter 28. If the litharge is mixed with other substances to form a prepared pigment or a chemical preparation, it may be moved to a different chapter, but in its pure oxide form, it remains strictly within 2824.10.
- Covers
- Lead monoxide (PbO)
- Litharge (tetragonal lead oxide)
- Massicot (orthorhombic lead oxide)
- Yellow lead oxide
- Calcined litharge
- Battery-grade lead monoxide
- Also under 2824.10
- Hammond Group litharge
- Doe Run lead oxides
- RSR Corporation lead products
Codes often confused with 2824.10
Common mistake. Litharge is often misclassified under HS code 2824.90, which is the "other" category for lead oxides, including red lead (minium) and orange lead. While they are all lead oxides, 2824.10 is specific to the monoxide form. Another error involves HS code 3206.49, which covers other coloring matter; if the litharge is specifically prepared as a pigment with binders or additives, it might be classified there, but the pure chemical must stay in 2824.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282410 (the code used for litharge), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282410 (the code used for litharge) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 16% 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 282410, not only litharge.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$9.4M 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 India $6.3M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $5.0M 12% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $8.2M 16% of world imports
- 2 Japan $3.3M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Pakistan $3.0M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $50M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 litharge
Brazil classifies litharge under NCM 2824.10.00: HS 2824.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about litharge
What is the HS code for Litharge?
The HS code for Litharge is 282410 (Lead; lead monoxide (litharge, massicot)). The HS code for litharge (lead monoxide) is 2824.10.
How do I classify Litharge for customs?
Litharge is classified under HS code 282410 — Lead; lead monoxide (litharge, massicot). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is massicot classified under the same code as litharge?
Yes, both litharge and massicot are chemical forms of lead monoxide and are both classified under HS code 2824.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of litharge (HS 282410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282410 (the code used for litharge) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $9.4M, 23% of world exports), India ($6.3M) and Germany ($5.0M). 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 litharge (HS 282410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282410 (the code used for litharge) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($8.2M, 16% of world imports), Japan ($3.3M) and Pakistan ($3.0M). World imports came to about $50M, 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 Litharge the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282410 for Litharge 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 litharge in Brazil?
In Brazil, litharge (HS 282410) is classified under NCM 2824.10.00.