Product classification

HS code for Red lead: 2824.90

Lead oxides, n.e.c. in heading no. 2824.

Classification of red lead under HS 2824.90

Red lead, chemically known as lead tetroxide (Pb3O4), is classified under HS code 2824.90. This classification falls under Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, and radioactive elements. Heading 2824 is specifically designated for lead oxides, including red lead and orange lead. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, red lead is a bright orange-red powder obtained by the oxidation of lead or litharge. It is primarily used in the manufacture of lead-acid batteries, glass, ceramics, and as an anti-corrosive pigment in paints. The classification 2824.90 is a residual category for lead oxides other than lead monoxide (litharge), which is specifically classified under 2824.10. To remain in Chapter 28, the red lead must be a separate chemically defined compound. If the red lead is mixed with binders, solvents, or other pigments to form a prepared paint or primer, it would instead be classified in Chapter 32.

Covers
  • Red lead (lead tetroxide)
  • Orange lead
  • Lead tetroxide in powder form
  • Inorganic lead oxide pigments (unmixed)
Also under 2824.90
  • Red lead for anti-corrosion paints
  • Lead dioxide for electrodes
  • Minium for specialized glass

Codes often confused with 2824.90

Common mistake. Red lead is often misclassified under HS code 2824.10, which is specifically for lead monoxide (litharge or massicot). While both are lead oxides, they have different chemical structures and industrial applications. Additionally, red lead is sometimes incorrectly classified under 3206.49 as "other coloring matter." However, because red lead is a distinct inorganic chemical compound, Chapter 28 takes precedence over Chapter 32 unless the product has been prepared as a pigment or paint with added substances.

2824.10Lead; lead monoxide (litharge, massicot)3206.49Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4

Top exporters and importers of HS 282490 (the code used for red lead), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282490 (the code used for red lead) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 18% of world imports. Italy reports $601M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 282490, not only red lead.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $34M
  2. 2 South Africa $10M
  3. 3 Spain $10M

Italy reports $601M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $109M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Poland $15M
  2. 2 Czechia $11M
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$10M

World total: $87M 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 red lead

Brazil splits HS 2824.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about red lead

What is the HS code for Red lead?

The HS code for Red lead is 282490 (Lead oxides; n.e.c. in heading no. 2824). The HS code for red lead (lead tetroxide) is 2824.90, which covers lead oxides other than lead monoxide.

How do I classify Red lead for customs?

Red lead is classified under HS code 282490 — Lead oxides; n.e.c. in heading no. 2824. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is red lead classified differently if used in paint?

Yes, if red lead is mixed with a medium or binder to create a finished anti-corrosive primer, it is classified under heading 3208 or 3212 depending on the composition.

Which countries are the top exporters of red lead (HS 282490)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282490 (the code used for red lead) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($34M, 31% of world exports), South Africa ($10M) and Spain ($10M). World exports came to about $109M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Italy reports $601M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of red lead (HS 282490)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 282490 (the code used for red lead) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($15M, 18% of world imports), Czechia ($11M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $10M). World imports came to about $87M, 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 Red lead the same in all countries?

The base HS code 282490 for Red lead 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 red lead in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 282490 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for red lead depends on the product's details: 2824.90.10 (Red lead and orange lead), 2824.90.90 (Other lead oxides).