Lead Glass Microspheres for Radiation Shielding
High-density lead glass microspheres with a lead monoxide content of at least 24%, ranging from 20 to 200 microns, used in medical radiation shielding compounds. These microspheres are under 1 mm in diameter and are not prosthetic articles, so they fall under tariff item 7018.20.00.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the microspheres are used in glassware and meet the lead crystal definition
If the microspheres are used in decorative glassware and have a lead monoxide content of 24% or more, they could be classified under lead crystal glassware, but as industrial microspheres they remain in 7018.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify that the lead monoxide content is accurately documented, as this may affect other regulatory requirements
• Confirm that the microspheres are not considered 'lead crystal' under subheading note 1, as that applies to specific subheadings, not 7018
• Provide safety data sheets for the lead content to facilitate customs clearance
Related Products under Tariff item 7018.20.00
Aluminosilicate Glass Microspheres for Shot Peening
Precision-graded aluminosilicate glass microspheres ranging from 45 to 90 microns in diameter, used for shot peening aerospace turbine blades. These microspheres are under 1 mm in diameter and are not worked beyond the annealing stage, making them classifiable under tariff item 7018.20.00.
Borosilicate Hollow Glass Microspheres Type A
Hollow borosilicate glass microspheres averaging 30 to 120 microns in diameter, used as lightweight fillers in syntactic foams for aerospace composites. These microspheres are under 1 mm and are not further worked, qualifying for tariff item 7018.20.00.
Conductive Silver-Coated Glass Microspheres
Glass microspheres with a vacuum-deposited silver coating, ranging from 40 to 80 microns, used in conductive adhesives and electronics. The silver coating does not change the primary glass microsphere classification, and the diameter is under 1 mm, so they fall under tariff item 7018.20.00.
Expandable Glass Microspheres K15/250
Pre-expanded borosilicate glass microspheres ranging from 10 to 250 microns in their delivered state, used as fillers in thermoplastics. These microspheres are under 1 mm in diameter and are not further worked, making them classifiable under tariff item 7018.20.00.
Fluorescent Glass Microspheres for Tracers
Polystyrene-core glass microspheres with fluorescent doping, ranging from 10 to 50 microns, used for flow visualization in scientific research. Despite the polystyrene core, the outer glass layer and the under-1-mm diameter place them under tariff item 7018.20.00.
High-Index Glass Microspheres for Reflective Paint
Spherical glass microspheres with a refractive index greater than 1.9, ranging from 100 to 300 microns, used for retroreflective highway markings. These microspheres are under 1 mm in diameter and are not coated with a reflecting layer as defined in chapter note 2, so they fall under tariff item 7018.20.00.