Lead and articles thereof

HS code 78 covers lead and articles made from lead. Lead is a dense, malleable, and corrosion-resistant metal that has been used for centuries in a wide range of applications. The lead industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, providing essential materials for construction, transportation, electronics, and various other sectors. As a versatile and recyclable material, lead continues to be in high demand worldwide.

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 sources, such as lead-acid batteries, through a similar smelting process. Once the raw lead is produced, it can be further refined, alloyed, or fabricated into a variety of products, including sheets, pipes, cables, and specialized components.

The lead industry relies on several key inputs, including lead ore, scrap metal, and various alloying elements. Mining and processing lead ore are essential for primary lead production, while the recycling of lead-containing products, such as batteries, is crucial for secondary lead production. Additionally, the industry requires specialized equipment and machinery for smelting, refining, and fabricating lead-based products.

The lead industry produces a wide range of outputs, including pure lead, lead alloys, and a variety of lead-based products. These outputs are used in numerous applications, such as 8703 Motor vehicles, 8501 Electric motors and generators, 8507 (Electric accumulators, incl. separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (incl. square)) and 8708 Parts and accessories for tractors, motor vehicles for the transport of ten or more persons, motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, motor vehicles for the transport of goods and special purpose motor vehicles of heading 8701 to 8705.