Lead and articles thereof

HS code 78 covers lead and articles made from lead. Lead is a dense, soft, and malleable metal that has been used for centuries in a wide range of applications. It is a key material in the production of batteries, radiation shielding, and various industrial and construction products. The lead industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, supporting industries such as automotive, electronics, and infrastructure development.

The production of lead and lead-based products typically involves several key steps. Primary lead is extracted from lead ore through a smelting process, which involves roasting, sintering, and reduction. Secondary lead is recovered from recycled materials, such as used batteries. Lead is then cast into various shapes and forms, including sheets, bars, and pipes, depending on the intended application.

The lead industry relies on several key inputs, including lead ore, scrap metal, and various alloying elements such as antimony and tin. Specialized equipment, such as smelters, casting molds, and rolling mills, are also essential for the production of lead-based products. Additionally, the industry requires a skilled workforce to operate the production equipment and ensure quality control.

The lead industry produces a wide range of outputs, including lead ingots, sheets, pipes, and other articles. These products are used in a variety of industries, such as 85 Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles, 87 Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof, and 84 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof. Lead-based products are also used in the construction industry for roofing, plumbing, and radiation shielding applications.