⚠️ LEAD & ARTICLES THEREOF (HS Codes 7801 & 7806)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy

📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Lead"?

Lead (Pb) is a heavy, soft, malleable metal with high density and low melting point, widely used in batteries, shielding, construction, and industrial applications. In international trade, it is strictly categorized based on processing state and form:

1. Unwrought Lead (Raw Lead): Includes crude lead, refined lead, lead ingots, shots, or granules. It has undergone primary smelting but has not been shaped into finished articles.
2. Waste and Scrap of Lead: Discarded lead materials, used lead-acid battery components, or processing offcuts intended for recycling.
3. Other Articles of Lead: Finished products made from lead, such as lead sheets, pipes, tubes, bars, or shaped components, which are not classified as "unwrought."

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the material is raw, unshaped, or in waste form → Classified under 7801
- If the material is finished goods or specific manufactured articles → Classified under 7806
- Crucial Note: Most other lead articles (e.g., pipes, tanks, armor plates) fall under Chapter 78 Headings 7801-7808, but if the description specifically says "Articles of lead" without further specification beyond 7801-7805, 7806 is the residual category.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)

🔍 Important Reminder:
- 7801 covers the bulk material state. If you import raw lead or scrap for melting, use 7801.
- 7806 is a catch-all for lead articles not explicitly listed in other subheadings of Chapter 78. If the product is a specific manufactured item (like a lead weight or lead sheet not classified elsewhere), it may fall here.
- Do not confuse with lead batteries (8507) or lead-lined goods.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 7801 —— Unwrought Lead; Waste and Scrap of Lead

📌 Explanation:
- The "USITC Additional Duty 25%" stems from the "Additional Duties" under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act;
- The "IEEPA 10%" is an additional tariff against China under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act;
- Total 45% is a very high tariff, must be anticipated in advance!

🎯 2. 7806 —— Other Articles of Lead

📌 Note:
- Same as the previous item, both belong to "lead materials/articles," with identical tariff rates;
- Even if it is "finished lead components," "lead castings," or "lead sheets," as long as they are classified under 7801 or 7806, this tariff applies.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battlefield Pit-Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Preparation Material Checklist (All are Mandatory)

✅ 2. Declaration Techniques (Key Mantra)

🔥 “Raw vs. Finished, Scrap vs. New, Name Accurate, Tariff Reduced!”

✅ 3. Special Situation Handling

🌍 V. Global Main Market Customs Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- The United States imposes an additional 35% tariff on lead products from China, resulting in a total of 45%;
- China, EU, Australia, and Japan do not impose additional tariffs, making them more cost-effective for lead imports;
- Suggestion: If exporting to the US, consider supply chain adjustment or tariff engineering.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pit-Avoidance Guide (Lessons from Blood and Tears)

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Lead-Acid Batteries" as "Lead Articles"
👉 Consequence: Tariff drops from 45% to 0% (or lower), but penalty for misclassification + seizure！

❌ Error 2: Declaring "Raw Lead Ingots" as "Finished Articles"
👉 Consequence: Tariff remains 45%, but increased inspection frequency and delayed clearance！

❌ Error 3: Failing to provide MSDS or Purity Report
👉 Consequence: Customs cannot verify if it is indeed lead → Holded or Returned！

❌ Error 4: Using "Lead Product" or "Lead Material" as vague names
👉 Consequence: Customs rejects vague description → Request for Additional Information → Delay！

✅ Correct Practice:

"Refined Lead Ingots, Purity ≥99.97%, Net Weight 1000kg/Pallet, For Battery Manufacturing Only, MSDS Provided, Origin: China"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time and Money!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 “Raw Ingots 7801, Articles 7806, Both 45% in US!”
🔹 “Battery is 8507, Not Lead! Purity Report is Key!”
🔹 “Name Accurate, Tariff Predictable, Clearance Smooth!”

📌 Tips:
If your lead products originate from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, you can apply for IEEPA Exemption, with tariffs as low as 0%~5%;
Suggest Applying for Advance Ruling to avoid clearance risks.

📣 Take Action Now:

📞 Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Let your lead products Clear Customs Smoothly, Export Efficiently, Maximize Profits!

✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every cent of your cost is worth precise calculation!