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 this code a significant indicator of economic activity.

Lead powders and flakes are typically produced through mechanical processes, such as milling, grinding, or atomization. In the milling process, lead ingots or blocks are fed into a mill, where they are crushed and ground into fine powders. Alternatively, lead can be melted and then atomized, where the molten metal is forced through small orifices, creating a spray of fine droplets that solidify into flakes or powders.

The main inputs required for the production of lead powders and flakes include lead metal, which is typically sourced from lead mines or recycled from lead-acid batteries and other lead-containing products. Additionally, specialized milling or atomization equipment, as well as energy sources (such as electricity or natural gas) to power the production processes, are essential inputs for this industry.

The lead powders and flakes produced under HS code 780420 are used in a variety of applications, including the manufacture of lead-acid batteries, radiation shielding materials, pigments, and ceramic glazes. These outputs may be further processed or incorporated into products classified under other HS codes, such as 850710 Lead-acid accumulators, 284440 Radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes, and 320611 Pigments and preparations based on titanium dioxide.