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HS 78 Chapter · Base Metals & Articles

Lead and articles thereof

Chapter 78 of the Harmonised System covers Lead and articles thereof — 4 four-digit headings that customs authorities worldwide use to classify these goods and set duty.

India exports 2024
$889.5M

Source: UN Comtrade — India's reported merchandise exports to the world, 2024.

Sourcing this category from India

Chapter 78 covers lead and articles of lead. India's trade here centres on refined lead, much of it from recycled battery scrap, alongside lead sheet, plate and articles. The chapter classifies the metal by form — unwrought lead, plates, sheet, foil, powders and finished articles — with primary and recycled material treated together.

How to read this code

78 is the two-digit HS chapter for lead and articles thereof. To clear customs your destination country extends it to a full 8–10 digit code and assigns the duty rate. India's preferential trade agreements (UAE CEPA, Australia ECTA, and others) can reduce or zero out that duty on many base metals & articles lines — check our import guides for your market.

Headings under HS 78

The Harmonised System breaks Lead and articles thereof into these 4 headings. Drill down to the exact classification for your goods.

Turn this code into a sourcing plan

HS 78 maps to live sourcing categories — jump straight to the sector and products we ship under it.

Top destinations for Chapter 78 exports

India's largest buyers of goods in this HS chapter in 2024, ranked by export value.

#1 Singapore $291.4M
#2 Rep. of Korea $251.7M
#3 Bangladesh $64.3M
#4 Viet Nam $62.3M
#5 United Arab Emirates $58.6M

Chapter-level destination mix — your specific HS line may skew differently. Source: UN Comtrade, 2024.

Working out import duty for HS 78 into your market? See full duty context and India-vs-rivals comparisons in our India comparison guides and export resource hub.

Last updated 28 Jun 2026 Figures are indicative sourcing benchmarks compiled from exporter quotes, India trade-scheme notifications and public customs tariffs. Confirm live pricing and HS classification before contracting.
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