Product classification
HS code for Thin lead sheets: 7804.11
Lead, sheets, strip and foil, of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2mm.
Classification of thin lead sheets under HS 7804.11
Thin lead sheets are classified under HS code 7804.11, which specifically covers lead plates, sheets, strip, and foil with a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2 mm. This classification is part of Chapter 78, which encompasses lead and articles thereof. The determination for 7804.11 is strictly based on the physical dimensions of the lead material. Lead is a dense, malleable, and corrosion-resistant metal often used for radiation shielding, roofing, and soundproofing. When lead is rolled into very thin sheets or foils, it falls under this specific subheading. The "excluding any backing" provision is crucial; if a lead foil is mounted on paper, plastic, or cloth, only the thickness of the lead itself is measured to determine if it meets the 0.2 mm threshold. This ensures that the classification remains focused on the metallic content rather than the composite structure of the finished product.
- Covers
- Lead foil
- Thin lead strip for industrial use
- Lead tape with adhesive backing (lead thickness < 0.2mm)
- Thin lead sheets for X-ray protection
- Lead lining for chemical tanks (thin gauge)
- Also under 7804.11
- Radiation shielding lead foil from MarShield
- lead strip for stained glass from Cascade Metals
- thin lead sheets used in soundproofing panels
- lead foil for medical X-ray rooms
Codes often confused with 7804.11
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7804.19, which is used for lead plates, sheets, and strip with a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm. Importers also occasionally confuse these items with 7806.00, which is a general category for other articles of lead. If the lead is alloyed with significant amounts of tin, it might be incorrectly classified under Chapter 80 (Tin).
Top exporters and importers of HS 780411 (the code used for thin lead sheets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 780411 (the code used for thin lead sheets) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 19% 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 780411, not only thin lead sheets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $14M 45% of world exports
- 2 United States $4.7M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $2.5M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $32M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $6.3M 19% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $4.4M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $4.1M 12% of world imports
World total: $34M 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 thin lead sheets
Brazil classifies thin lead sheets under NCM 7804.11.00: HS 7804.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about thin lead sheets
What is the HS code for Thin lead sheets?
The HS code for Thin lead sheets is 780411 (Lead; sheets, strip and foil, of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2mm). Thin lead sheets and foils with a thickness not exceeding 0.2 mm are classified under HS code 7804.11.
How do I classify Thin lead sheets for customs?
Thin lead sheets is classified under HS code 780411 — Lead; sheets, strip and foil, of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the thickness of the adhesive or paper backing count?
No, the HS code 7804.11 specifically states that the thickness must be measured excluding any backing material.
Which countries are the top exporters of thin lead sheets (HS 780411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 780411 (the code used for thin lead sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($14M, 45% of world exports), the United States ($4.7M) and China ($2.5M). World exports came to about $32M, 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 thin lead sheets (HS 780411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 780411 (the code used for thin lead sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($6.3M, 19% of world imports), Belgium ($4.4M) and the United States ($4.1M). World imports came to about $34M, 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 Thin lead sheets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 780411 for Thin lead sheets 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 thin lead sheets in Brazil?
In Brazil, thin lead sheets (HS 780411) is classified under NCM 7804.11.00.