Lead; powders and flakes

HS code 780420 covers the trade of lead powders and flakes, which are essential materials in various industries. Lead is a dense, malleable, and corrosion-resistant metal that has a wide range of applications, from batteries and radiation shielding to pigments and ceramic glazes. The global lead market is closely tied to the performance of the automotive, construction, and electronics sectors, making it a crucial component of the broader economy.

Lead powders and flakes are typically produced through mechanical processing of lead ingots or sheets. The main production techniques involve grinding, milling, and atomization. Grinding and milling processes break down larger lead pieces into fine powders, while atomization involves melting lead and forcing it through small orifices to create flakes or small spherical particles.

The primary inputs for the production of lead powders and flakes are lead ingots or sheets, which are sourced from lead mining and smelting operations. Additionally, specialized machinery, such as grinders, mills, and atomizers, are required to transform the raw lead into the desired powder or flake form. Energy, in the form of electricity or fuel, is also a significant input for the manufacturing process.

The lead powders and flakes produced under HS code 780420 are used as raw materials in a variety of industries. They are commonly used in the production of lead-acid batteries, which are essential for the automotive industry 870600 Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. Lead powders and flakes also find applications in radiation shielding, pigments, and ceramic glazes. Other industries that may consume the outputs of this code include 854389 Electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, 681181 Corrugated sheets of asbestos-cement, cellulose fiber-cement or the like, and 282000 Chromium oxides and hydroxides, among others.