Lead and articles thereof (chapter 78): which countries import it
Chapter 78 covers lead and lead articles: unwrought metal, waste, bars, plates, tubes and finished goods. The US, India and Singapore are the largest…
Published on 27 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 78 covers lead and lead articles: unwrought metal, waste, bars, plates, tubes and finished goods. The US, India and Singapore are the largest importers worldwide. Export requirements vary by destination and product form; check tariffs and certifications for each market before quoting.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 78
- Sector
- Industry and Machinery
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 1,267,909,190 |
| India | 1,226,358,021 |
| Singapore | 617,606,127 |
| Germany | 602,091,059 |
| China | 469,023,165 |
| South Korea | 388,717,605 |
| United Kingdom | 370,104,439 |
| Czechia | 344,194,174 |
| Malaysia | 335,900,043 |
| Türkiye | 308,270,185 |
| Italy | 276,677,679 |
| Spain | 239,234,769 |
| Poland | 198,388,861 |
| Thailand | 183,072,391 |
| Brazil | 178,215,241 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Lead; unwroughtHeading 7801
- Lead; waste and scrapHeading 7802
- Lead bars, rods, profiles and wire.Heading 7803
- Lead; plates, sheets, strip and foil, lead powders and flakesHeading 7804
- Lead tubes, pipes and tube or pipe fittings (for example, couplings, elbows, sleeves).Heading 7805
- Lead; articles n.e.c. in chapter 78Heading 7806
Trade fairs in this sector
- Advanced Factories
- bauma
- BIEMH – Bienal Internacional de Máquina‑Herramienta
- EMO (Exposition Mondiale de la Machine Outil)
- Hannover Messe
- interpack – PROCESSING & PACKAGING
What you need to know before exporting lead
Lead exports depend on what form you ship and where you ship it. Chapter 78 splits into six headings: unwrought lead, scrap, bars and rods, plates and sheets, tubes and fittings, and other articles. Each heading faces different tariffs and import rules.
Tariffs are not the same for all destinations. The US, India and Singapore each import over 600 million USD yearly from the world, but the duties they apply to Spanish lead vary by product subheading and by trade agreement. You check the exact rate in Access2Markets, where you enter your HS code, destination country and the date: the tool shows the tariff line, the rate and which preference scheme applies.
Lead is subject to export control in many countries due to environmental and health regulations. Before you quote, confirm whether your destination requires health and safety documentation, material safety data sheets (MSDS), or certificates of analysis. These are market-specific and sometimes buyer-specific.
Payment terms and logistics are harder to standardize than tariffs. Lead is heavy and bulky; shipping costs eat into margins fast. Talk to freight forwarders early about whether your buyer expects CIF, FOB or another Incoterm, and what buffer you need for ocean transit time and customs clearance.
The trade fairs listed help you find buyers in machinery and industry sectors where lead is used: advanced manufacturing, metalworking, machinery. These events are where you meet importers and distributors face-to-face; booth presence or even attendance as a visitor teaches you what certifications and minimums each region demands.
Questions about exporting lead
Where do I check the tariff my buyer pays when importing Spanish lead?
The tariff depends on the HS subheading of your product (which of the six headings in chapter 78), the buyer's country and any trade agreement in force. Log into Access2Markets, select your destination, enter the subheading and it shows you the applied rate, any preferential agreements and the legal basis. This is the source of truth; do not quote without checking it.
What paperwork do I need to send with a lead shipment?
A commercial invoice, a packing list, and proof of origin are standard. Many destinations also require a certificate of analysis to confirm lead content and purity, and an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for health and safety compliance. Some countries impose additional environmental or health documentation. Ask your buyer upfront what they need; if they do not know, contact the customs authority or an importer's association in their country.
Can I export lead scrap to any country?
No. Some countries restrict or ban lead scrap imports for environmental reasons. The Basel Convention and national regulations control waste movement. Before you offer scrap (heading 7802), confirm the buyer's country allows its import. Your freight forwarder and the buyer's customs broker should verify this, but the compliance risk is yours.
What is the difference between heading 7801 and heading 7803 in terms of what I can sell?
Heading 7801 is unwrought lead: molten, cast or refined, in bulk form. Heading 7803 is lead bars, rods, profiles and wire: semi-finished products you have shaped. If you refine and cast lead, you are in 7801. If you then draw or extrude it into bars or wire, you move into 7803. The tariff differs, so the HS code matters for both your quote and your buyer's duties.
Bring this analysis to your product
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