Product classification
HS code for Tungsten filaments: 8101.99
Tungsten (wolfram), articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101.
Classification of tungsten filaments under HS 8101.99
Tungsten filaments are classified under HS code 8101.99. These components are essential in the lighting and electronics industries, primarily used in incandescent and halogen lamps. The classification logic follows the principle that while tungsten wire is classified under 8101.96, a filament is a further worked article. Filaments are typically coiled or double-coiled and cut to specific lengths, which transforms them from a raw material (wire) into a finished article of tungsten. Under the Harmonized System, when a product has been worked beyond the stage of simple wire but is not yet a complete lamp, it is categorized as an article of the base metal under the residual sub-heading 8101.99.
- Covers
- Coiled tungsten filaments for light bulbs
- Double-coiled (coiled-coil) filaments
- Tungsten cathodes for vacuum tubes
- Ion source filaments for mass spectrometers
- Heating elements made of tungsten wire for evaporation sources
- 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. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8101.96, which is specifically for tungsten wire. The distinction lies in the degree of processing; wire is generally continuous and on spools, whereas filaments are shaped and cut. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8539.90, which covers parts of lamps. While filaments are lamp parts, the Section XV notes generally prioritize classification by material for base metal articles unless they are more specifically described elsewhere.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten filaments), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten filaments) 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 filaments.
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 filaments
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 filaments
What is the HS code for Tungsten filaments?
The HS code for Tungsten filaments is 810199 (Tungsten (wolfram); articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101). The HS code for tungsten filaments is 8101.99, as they are considered finished articles of tungsten.
How do I classify Tungsten filaments for customs?
Tungsten filaments is classified under HS code 810199 — Tungsten (wolfram); articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the thickness of the filament affect the HS code?
No, the thickness does not change the heading, provided the item is a finished filament. However, the dimensions must be consistent with the definition of articles rather than raw unwrought forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of tungsten filaments (HS 810199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten filaments) 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 filaments (HS 810199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten filaments) 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 filaments the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810199 for Tungsten filaments 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 filaments in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 810199 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for tungsten filaments depends on the product's details: 8101.99.10 (Tungsten articles for electrical contacts), 8101.99.90 (Other articles of tungsten).