Product classification

HS code for Refined lead: 7801.10

Lead, unwrought, refined.

Classification of refined lead under HS 7801.10

Refined lead is classified under HS code 7801.10. Chapter 78 of the Harmonized System covers lead and articles made from it. Heading 7801 is dedicated to unwrought lead, which refers to lead in primary forms such as ingots, blocks, or pigs that have not yet been worked into semi-finished or finished products. The subheading 7801.10 is specific to "refined lead." According to the Chapter 78 Note 1(a), refined lead is defined as metal containing at least 99.9% by weight of lead, or metal containing at least 99% by weight of lead provided that the content by weight of any other element does not exceed specific limits (e.g., silver less than 0.02%, arsenic less than 0.005%, and copper less than 0.08%). This classification is essential for distinguishing high-purity lead from lead alloys or secondary lead that contains significant impurities. The refining process usually involves electrolytic refining or pyrometallurgical methods to achieve the required purity levels for industrial applications like battery manufacturing or radiation shielding.

Covers
  • Refined lead ingots
  • Refined lead blocks
  • Refined lead pigs
  • Refined lead slabs
  • Refined lead wire-bars (unwrought)
  • High-purity lead (99.9%+)
Also under 7801.10
  • Doe Run lead ingots
  • Teck Resources refined lead
  • Glencore lead ingots
  • recycled lead from battery manufacturers

Codes often confused with 7801.10

Common mistake. Refined lead is often misclassified with lead alloys, which fall under 7801.91 (containing antimony) or 7801.99 (other unwrought lead). The primary difference is the purity level; if the lead content is below 99.9% and contains alloying elements above the permitted thresholds, it cannot be classified under 7801.10. Additionally, lead waste and scrap should be classified under 7802.00, and semi-manufactured lead products like plates, sheets, or strips fall under 7804.

7801.91Lead; unwrought, unrefined, containing by weight antimony as the principal other element7801.99Lead; unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element7802.00Lead; waste and scrap78.04Lead; plates, sheets, strip and foil, lead powders and flakes

Top exporters and importers of HS 780110 (the code used for refined lead), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 780110 (the code used for refined lead) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 780110, not only refined lead.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 India $906M
  2. 2 South Korea $499M
  3. 3 Australia $306M

World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $941M
  2. 2 Singapore $608M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$529M

World total: $5.2B 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 refined lead

Brazil splits HS 7801.10 into 3 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 refined lead

What is the HS code for Refined lead?

The HS code for Refined lead is 780110 (Lead; unwrought, refined). The HS code for refined lead is 7801.10, which specifically covers unwrought refined lead in primary forms.

How do I classify Refined lead for customs?

Refined lead is classified under HS code 780110 — Lead; unwrought, refined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What defines lead as "refined" for HS classification?

For HS purposes, refined lead must contain at least 99.9% lead by weight, or meet specific low-impurity thresholds for other elements as defined in the Chapter 78 legal notes.

Which countries are the top exporters of refined lead (HS 780110)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 780110 (the code used for refined lead) in UN Comtrade data were India ($906M, 19% of world exports), South Korea ($499M) and Australia ($306M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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 refined lead (HS 780110)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 780110 (the code used for refined lead) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($941M, 18% of world imports), Singapore ($608M) and Vietnam (about $529M). World imports came to about $5.2B, 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 Refined lead the same in all countries?

The base HS code 780110 for Refined 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 refined lead in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 780110 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for refined lead depends on the product's details: 7801.10.11 (Electrolytic refined lead ingots), 7801.10.19 (Other unwrought electrolytic lead), 7801.10.90 (Other unwrought refined lead).