Product classification
HS code for Metal pickling agent: 3810.10
Pickling preparations for metal surfaces, soldering, brazing or welding powders and pastes consisting of metal and other materials.
Classification of metal pickling agent under HS 3810.10
The classification of metal pickling agents under HS code 3810.10 is based on their chemical composition and industrial application. Chapter 38 covers miscellaneous chemical products, and heading 3810 specifically addresses preparations for pickling metal surfaces, as well as fluxes and other auxiliary preparations for soldering, brazing, or welding. Pickling agents are chemical treatments used to remove impurities, such as stains, inorganic contaminants, rust, or scale from ferrous metals, copper, precious metals, and aluminum alloys. These preparations are typically acidic or alkaline solutions. The classification 3810.10 is used when the product is a "preparation"—a mixture of chemicals—rather than a single chemically defined element or compound. If the product were a pure acid, such as hydrochloric acid, it would be classified in Chapter 28. The inclusion of 3810.10 is vital for products that are formulated specifically for the surface treatment of metals prior to further processing like plating or painting. These agents are essential in the steel and metal finishing industries to ensure proper adhesion of coatings.
- Covers
- Acid-based pickling pastes
- Stainless steel pickling solutions
- Rust removal chemical baths
- Surface treatment preparations for welding
- De-scaling chemical mixtures
- Also under 3810.10
- Kester Solder Paste
- Indium Corporation Solder Paste
- Alpha Assembly Solutions
- Henkel Loctite
- Chemetall Ardrox
Codes often confused with 3810.10
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these under 2806.10 (Hydrochloric acid) or 2807.00 (Sulphuric acid) when the product is a pure chemical. Another misclassification occurs under 3402, which covers surface-active agents and general cleaning preparations that do not have the specific chemical etching or pickling properties required for 3810.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381010 (the code used for metal pickling agent), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381010 (the code used for metal pickling agent) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 12% 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 381010, not only metal pickling agent.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $222M 15% of world exports
- 2 Japan $215M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $171M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $209M 12% of world imports
- 2 China $173M 10% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$162M 9.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.7B 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 codes for metal pickling agent
Brazil splits HS 3810.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3810.10.10Metal pickling preparations
- 3810.10.20Soldering and welding pastes and powders
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal pickling agent
What is the HS code for Metal pickling agent?
The HS code for Metal pickling agent is 381010 (Pickling preparations for metal surfaces; soldering, brazing or welding powders and pastes consisting of metal and other materials). The correct HS code for formulated metal pickling preparations is 3810.10.
How do I classify Metal pickling agent for customs?
Metal pickling agent is classified under HS code 381010 — Pickling preparations for metal surfaces; soldering, brazing or welding powders and pastes consisting of metal and other materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are pure acids used for pickling classified here?
No, pure chemically defined acids are classified in Chapter 28. Only preparations (mixtures) intended for pickling fall under 3810.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal pickling agent (HS 381010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381010 (the code used for metal pickling agent) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($222M, 15% of world exports), Japan ($215M) and China ($171M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 metal pickling agent (HS 381010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381010 (the code used for metal pickling agent) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($209M, 12% of world imports), China ($173M) and Vietnam (about $162M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Metal pickling agent the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381010 for Metal pickling agent 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 metal pickling agent in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381010 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for metal pickling agent depends on the product's details: 3810.10.10 (Metal pickling preparations), 3810.10.20 (Soldering and welding pastes and powders).