Section XV · Base Metals · Chapter 78
Lead and articles thereof
About chapter 78
Chapter 78 covers lead and articles thereof: refined lead, lead alloys and lead products, most commonly traded as battery-grade lead and lead sheet.
Classification tip: Used lead-acid batteries and lead scrap fall under the Basel Convention's hazardous-waste rules in many jurisdictions, requiring transboundary movement documentation beyond the standard HS code.
8 six-digit codes
Lead; unwrought
3 codes7801.10Lead; unwrought, refined7801.91Lead; unwrought, unrefined, containing by weight antimony as the principal other element7801.99Lead; unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element
Lead; waste and scrap
1 code7802.00Lead; waste and scrap
Lead; plates, sheets, strip and foil, lead powders and flakes
3 codes7804.11Lead; sheets, strip and foil, of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2mm7804.19Lead; plates, sheets, strip and foil, of a thickness (excluding any backing) exceeding 0.2mm7804.20Lead; powders and flakes
Lead; articles n.e.c. in chapter 78
1 code7806.00Lead; articles n.e.c. in chapter 78
More chapters in section XV: Base Metals
Codes and descriptions follow the WCO six-digit Harmonized System nomenclature. National tariff schedules extend these to 8–13 digits and set the actual duty rate, so confirm the full code for your destination country with your customs broker before filing. To copy a code, hover a row and use the copy button; every code has 7801-style dot notation ready for your commercial invoice.
Chapter 78 FAQ
What does HS code chapter 78 cover?
Chapter 78 of the Harmonized System covers: lead and articles thereof. It belongs to section XV (Base Metals) and contains 4 four-digit headings, 7801–7806.
How many HS codes are in chapter 78?
Chapter 78 contains 4 four-digit headings and 8 six-digit subheadings. Countries subdivide these further (8–13 digits) in their national tariff schedules, so the full national count is larger.
Is HS code 7801 the same in every country?
Yes. The six-digit level of every code in this chapter is harmonised by the World Customs Organization and identical in all member countries. Digits beyond the sixth (for example the US 10-digit HTS or the EU 8-digit CN) are national and set the actual duty rate.
How do I choose the right code within chapter 78?
Work from the four-digit heading down: pick the heading that best matches your product, then the six-digit subheading that matches its material, form or processing. If two codes seem to fit, customs rules (the General Rules of Interpretation) decide, and when in doubt, confirm with your customs broker before filing.