Product classification
HS code for Tungsten contacts: 8101.99
Tungsten (wolfram), articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101.
Classification of tungsten contacts under HS 8101.99
Tungsten contacts are classified under HS code 8101.99, which covers articles of tungsten not elsewhere specified or included. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6. Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a refractory metal valued for its high melting point and electrical conductivity. When tungsten is manufactured into specific shapes like electrical contacts, it is considered a finished article of the base metal. Since these contacts are not specifically named in other headings of the HS nomenclature, they fall into the residual category of 8101.99. The classification remains here as long as the contacts are primarily composed of tungsten and have not been integrated into a complex electrical assembly that would shift the classification to Chapter 85.
- Covers
- Pure tungsten electrical contact points
- Tungsten-copper alloy contacts (where tungsten predominates by weight)
- Sintered tungsten discs for power semiconductors
- Heavy-duty ignition contacts made of tungsten
- Tungsten rivets for electrical switching
- Also under 8101.99
- Plansee tungsten crucibles
- GE Healthcare tungsten shielding
- Boeing tungsten counterweights
- Philips X-ray tube components
- Siemens medical device parts
Codes often confused with 8101.99
Common mistake. Tungsten contacts are frequently misclassified under HS code 8536.90, which pertains to electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits. While the contacts are used within these devices, as individual components sold separately, they are classified by their constituent material under Chapter 81. Another common error is using 8101.96, which is reserved for tungsten wire; however, once the wire is processed into a specific contact shape, it must be moved to 8101.99.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten contacts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten contacts) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% of world imports. France reports $330M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 810199, not only tungsten contacts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $83M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $60M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $45M 12% of world exports
France reports $330M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $392M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $54M 11% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $43M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Japan $41M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $498M 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 codes for tungsten contacts
Brazil splits HS 8101.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8101.99.10Tungsten articles for electrical contacts
- 8101.99.90Other articles of tungsten
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tungsten contacts
What is the HS code for Tungsten contacts?
The HS code for Tungsten contacts is 810199 (Tungsten (wolfram); articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101). The primary HS code for tungsten contacts is 8101.99, representing finished articles of tungsten.
How do I classify Tungsten contacts for customs?
Tungsten contacts is classified under HS code 810199 — Tungsten (wolfram); articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are tungsten-silver contacts classified here?
If the tungsten content exceeds the silver content by weight and the item is not considered a precious metal alloy under Chapter 71, it remains under 8101.99. However, if silver is the predominant metal, it may be classified under Chapter 71.
Which countries are the top exporters of tungsten contacts (HS 810199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten contacts) in UN Comtrade data were China ($83M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($60M) and Germany ($45M). World exports came to about $392M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). France reports $330M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of tungsten contacts (HS 810199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten contacts) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($54M, 11% of world imports), Mexico ($43M) and Japan ($41M). World imports came to about $498M, 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 Tungsten contacts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810199 for Tungsten contacts 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 tungsten contacts in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 810199 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for tungsten contacts depends on the product's details: 8101.99.10 (Tungsten articles for electrical contacts), 8101.99.90 (Other articles of tungsten).