Chapter 68 covers articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials, mainly including articles of mineral wool, refractory materials, friction materials, agglomerated mica articles, etc. These products are usually made from non-metallic minerals through molding, curing and other processes, and are used in construction, machinery, automobiles and other fields. This chapter does not include ceramic articles (Chapter 69) and glass articles (Chapter 70). Heading 6813 covers friction materials and articles thereof, such as brake pads, clutch discs, brake linings, etc., usually made of asbestos, other mineral fibers or resin binders, used in braking or transmission systems of vehicles and machinery. It also includes unmounted friction material linings, but does not include mounted brake assemblies (classified in Chapter 87). The first 2 digits 68 represent Chapter 68 (articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials). The 3rd-4th digits 13 represent heading 6813 (friction materials and articles thereof). The 5th-6th digits 10 represent subheading 681310, specifically 'friction material and articles thereof', usually referring to friction materials based on asbestos, but according to HS notes, 6813 also includes other mineral or resin-based friction materials. Note: 681310 is a basic subheading covering all friction materials and articles, unless there is a more specific subheading (such as 681320 friction material containing asbestos). In actual coding, the distinction between 681310 and 681320 lies in whether asbestos is contained. This commodity is friction material and articles thereof, mainly functioning for braking or transmission, mostly made of asbestos, mineral fibers or resin binders, conforming to the description of heading 6813. It is not classified in 6812 (articles of processed asbestos fibers) because 6812 is primary products of asbestos fibers, while 6813 is finished friction materials; nor in 8708 (parts of motor vehicles) because 8708 is mounted brake assemblies, while 6813 is unmounted friction material linings.
Chapter
Chapter 68 covers articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials, mainly including articles of mineral wool, refractory materials, friction materials, agglomerated mica articles, etc. These products are usually made from non-metallic minerals through molding, curing and other processes, and are used in construction, machinery, automobiles and other fields. This chapter does not include ceramic articles (Chapter 69) and glass articles (Chapter 70).
Heading
Heading 6813 covers friction materials and articles thereof, such as brake pads, clutch discs, brake linings, etc., usually made of asbestos, other mineral fibers or resin binders, used in braking or transmission systems of vehicles and machinery. It also includes unmounted friction material linings, but does not include mounted brake assemblies (classified in Chapter 87).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 68 represent Chapter 68 (articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials). The 3rd-4th digits 13 represent heading 6813 (friction materials and articles thereof). The 5th-6th digits 10 represent subheading 681310, specifically 'friction material and articles thereof', usually referring to friction materials based on asbestos, but according to HS notes, 6813 also includes other mineral or resin-based friction materials. Note: 681310 is a basic subheading covering all friction materials and articles, unless there is a more specific subheading (such as 681320 friction material containing asbestos). In actual coding, the distinction between 681310 and 681320 lies in whether asbestos is contained.
Classification Basis
This commodity is friction material and articles thereof, mainly functioning for braking or transmission, mostly made of asbestos, mineral fibers or resin binders, conforming to the description of heading 6813. It is not classified in 6812 (articles of processed asbestos fibers) because 6812 is primary products of asbestos fibers, while 6813 is finished friction materials; nor in 8708 (parts of motor vehicles) because 8708 is mounted brake assemblies, while 6813 is unmounted friction material linings.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as brake pads, clutch discs, etc., should accurately reflect the use and material of the commodity. Material: Explain the main components of the friction material, such as asbestos, semi-metallic, ceramic, organic resin, etc., as well as the type of reinforcing fibers. Use: Indicate the applicable object, such as automobile braking, industrial machinery clutches, etc., and whether it is mounted. Brand: Declare the brand of the commodity; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Specification and Model: Fill in dimensions, model, etc., such as length, width, thickness, applicable vehicle models, etc. Whether Contains Asbestos: Clearly declare whether it contains asbestos components, which is crucial for classification into 681310 or 681320. Manufacturer: Fill in the manufacturer's name for traceability. Product Name: Automobile brake pads; Material: Semi-metallic (steel fiber, graphite, resin); Use: For Toyota Corolla braking system; Brand: Bosch; Specification and Model: Length 120mm × Width 80mm × Thickness 15mm; Whether Contains Asbestos: No; Manufacturer: Bosch Automotive Parts (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. Not distinguishing whether asbestos is contained, leading to incorrect classification between subheadings 681310 and 681320. Declaring mounted brake assemblies under 681310, when they should actually be classified under 8708. Vague material description, such as only writing 'composite material', making it impossible to determine classification.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as brake pads, clutch discs, etc., should accurately reflect the use and material of the commodity.
⚠️ Writing only 'friction material' is too general and does not specify the specific type.
Material
Explain the main components of the friction material, such as asbestos, semi-metallic, ceramic, organic resin, etc., as well as the type of reinforcing fibers.
⚠️ Confusing asbestos and non-asbestos materials, leading to classification errors.
Use
Indicate the applicable object, such as automobile braking, industrial machinery clutches, etc., and whether it is mounted.
⚠️ Not distinguishing whether it is used for automobiles or other machinery, affecting classification.
Brand
Declare the brand of the commodity; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting the brand.
Specification and Model
Fill in dimensions, model, etc., such as length, width, thickness, applicable vehicle models, etc.
⚠️ Incomplete specifications and models, unable to correspond to the actual item.
Whether Contains Asbestos
Clearly declare whether it contains asbestos components, which is crucial for classification into 681310 or 681320.
⚠️ Concealing the fact of containing asbestos, leading to customs penalties.
Manufacturer
Fill in the manufacturer's name for traceability.
⚠️ Filling in the trader instead of the manufacturer.
Not distinguishing whether asbestos is contained, leading to incorrect classification between subheadings 681310 and 681320.
Declaring mounted brake assemblies under 681310, when they should actually be classified under 8708.
Vague material description, such as only writing 'composite material', making it impossible to determine classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the function, material and degree of processing of the commodity. Friction materials and articles thereof must be used for braking or transmission and must be unmounted. If they contain asbestos, classify under 681320; if they do not contain asbestos, classify under 681310. If they are mounted on brake or clutch assemblies, classify under Chapter 87. In addition, attention should be paid to the difference from 6812 (processed asbestos fibers): 6812 is primary products of asbestos fibers, such as asbestos cloth, asbestos rope, while 6813 is finished friction materials. 681320 Friction materials and articles thereof containing asbestos: 681320 specifically refers to friction materials containing asbestos, while 681310 covers friction materials not containing asbestos. If the commodity contains asbestos, it must be classified under 681320. 6812 Processed asbestos fibers and articles thereof: 6812 is primary products of asbestos fibers, such as asbestos yarn, asbestos cloth, while 6813 is finished friction materials, such as brake pads. 8708 Parts and accessories of motor vehicles: 8708 includes mounted brake and clutch assemblies, while 6813 is unmounted friction material linings. 8483 Transmission shafts and clutches: 8483 includes mechanical transmission devices such as clutch assemblies, while 6813 only refers to the friction material components therein. Is the commodity used for braking or transmission? Does it contain asbestos components? Is it already mounted on an assembly? Is the material mineral fiber or resin bonded? Does it belong to primary products of 6812?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the function, material and degree of processing of the commodity. Friction materials and articles thereof must be used for braking or transmission and must be unmounted. If they contain asbestos, classify under 681320; if they do not contain asbestos, classify under 681310. If they are mounted on brake or clutch assemblies, classify under Chapter 87. In addition, attention should be paid to the difference from 6812 (processed asbestos fibers): 6812 is primary products of asbestos fibers, such as asbestos cloth, asbestos rope, while 6813 is finished friction materials.
Confused Codes：
681320 - Friction materials and articles thereof containing asbestos
681320 specifically refers to friction materials containing asbestos, while 681310 covers friction materials not containing asbestos. If the commodity contains asbestos, it must be classified under 681320.
6812 - Processed asbestos fibers and articles thereof
6812 is primary products of asbestos fibers, such as asbestos yarn, asbestos cloth, while 6813 is finished friction materials, such as brake pads.
8708 - Parts and accessories of motor vehicles
8708 includes mounted brake and clutch assemblies, while 6813 is unmounted friction material linings.
8483 - Transmission shafts and clutches
8483 includes mechanical transmission devices such as clutch assemblies, while 6813 only refers to the friction material components therein.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the commodity used for braking or transmission?
✓ Does it contain asbestos components?
✓ Is it already mounted on an assembly?
✓ Is the material mineral fiber or resin bonded?
✓ Does it belong to primary products of 6812?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the import tax rate for 681310? The latest tax rate can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tax rates vary according to trade agreements, origin of goods, etc., and it is recommended to rely on official real-time data. Which code should asbestos-containing brake pads be classified under? Asbestos-containing brake pads should be classified under 681320, not 681310. 681310 applies to friction materials not containing asbestos. When declaring, the asbestos content must be truthfully stated to avoid classification errors. How to classify brake pads already mounted on brakes? Mounted brake assemblies should be classified under Chapter 87 (such as 8708), not 6813. 6813 only applies to unmounted friction material linings. What is the main difference between 681310 and 681320? The main difference lies in whether asbestos is contained. 681320 specifically refers to friction materials containing asbestos, while 681310 covers friction materials not containing asbestos. The asbestos content must be clarified when classifying. What elements are required when declaring friction material articles? Product name, material, use, brand, specification and model, whether contains asbestos, manufacturer, etc. are required. Material and whether asbestos is contained are key and directly affect classification. How to determine whether a friction material belongs to 6813? If the commodity is made of mineral fibers or resin binders, used for braking or transmission, and unmounted, it belongs to 6813. If it is a primary asbestos product, it is classified under 6812. Can imported used brake pads be classified under 681310? If used brake pads are still used as friction materials, they can be classified under 681310, but attention should be paid to whether they meet environmental protection requirements. If they are scrapped, they may be classified under other codes. What is the export tax rebate situation for 681310? Export tax rebate rates are adjusted with policies. It is recommended to query the latest tax rebate rate library of the State Administration of Taxation. Generally, friction material articles enjoy a certain tax rebate rate, but the actual policy shall prevail.
Q: How to inquire about the import tax rate for 681310?
A: The latest tax rate can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tax rates vary according to trade agreements, origin of goods, etc., and it is recommended to rely on official real-time data.
Q: Which code should asbestos-containing brake pads be classified under?
A: Asbestos-containing brake pads should be classified under 681320, not 681310. 681310 applies to friction materials not containing asbestos. When declaring, the asbestos content must be truthfully stated to avoid classification errors.
Q: How to classify brake pads already mounted on brakes?
A: Mounted brake assemblies should be classified under Chapter 87 (such as 8708), not 6813. 6813 only applies to unmounted friction material linings.
Q: What is the main difference between 681310 and 681320?
A: The main difference lies in whether asbestos is contained. 681320 specifically refers to friction materials containing asbestos, while 681310 covers friction materials not containing asbestos. The asbestos content must be clarified when classifying.
Q: What elements are required when declaring friction material articles?
A: Product name, material, use, brand, specification and model, whether contains asbestos, manufacturer, etc. are required. Material and whether asbestos is contained are key and directly affect classification.
Q: How to determine whether a friction material belongs to 6813?
A: If the commodity is made of mineral fibers or resin binders, used for braking or transmission, and unmounted, it belongs to 6813. If it is a primary asbestos product, it is classified under 6812.
Q: Can imported used brake pads be classified under 681310?
A: If used brake pads are still used as friction materials, they can be classified under 681310, but attention should be paid to whether they meet environmental protection requirements. If they are scrapped, they may be classified under other codes.
Q: What is the export tax rebate situation for 681310?
A: Export tax rebate rates are adjusted with policies. It is recommended to query the latest tax rebate rate library of the State Administration of Taxation. Generally, friction material articles enjoy a certain tax rebate rate, but the actual policy shall prevail.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.