Glass beads Hs Code

Glass beads harmonized system code

Product Overview Glass beads classified under HS Code 701810 are small, spherical particles manufactured from high-purity silica-based glass, characterized by uniform size distribution typically ranging from 0.1 mm to 5 mm in diameter. These beads undergo precision processing including melting, molding, and controlled cooling to ensure consistent shape, clarity, and mechanical strength. The product is subdivided within HS 701810 into categories based on bead type—such as clear, colored, and reflective—and surface treatments including coated or uncoated variants. Glass beads serve critical roles across multiple industries: in food service for decorative and functional uses, in retail packaging as fillers, and in processing applications including abrasive blasting, filtration media, and reflective traffic paints. Their inertness, chemical stability, and optical properties provide competitive advantages over alternative materials, positioning them as a reliable commodity for diverse industrial and commercial applications. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The full 6-digit HS Code 701810 is structured as follows: Chapter 70 (Glass and glassware), Heading 18 (Glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious stones and similar glass smallwares), and Subheading 701810 (Glass beads). This classification is assigned based on the product’s composition, shape, and application, conforming to the Harmonized System nomenclature as adopted by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Trade considerations for glass beads include packaging in moisture-resistant, sealed polyethylene bags or bulk containers to prevent contamination and degradation during transit. Standard preservation involves controlled humidity and temperature conditions to maintain bead integrity. Compliance with international quality standards such as ISO 3242 (Glass beads for reflective materials) and adherence to WTO trade facilitation agreements ensure smooth customs clearance and consistent product quality. Documentation typically requires precise declaration of bead size distribution, weight, and surface treatment details to satisfy import/export regulatory requirements.

Glass beads Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Goods of heading 32.07 (for example, vitrifiable enamels and glazes, glass frit, other glass in the form of powder, granules or flakes); (b) Articles of Chapter 71 (for example, imitation jewellery); (c) Optical fibre cables of heading 85.44, electrical insulators (heading 85.46) or fittings of insulating material of heading 85.47; (d) Front windscreens (windshields), rear windows and other windows, framed, for vehicles of Chapters 86 to 88; (e) Front windscreens (windshields), rear windows and other windows, whether or not framed, incorporating heating devices or other electrical or electronic devices, for vehicles of Chapters 86 to 88; (f) Optical fibres, optically worked optical elements, hypodermic syringes, artificial eyes, thermometers, barometers, hydrometers or other articles of Chapter 90; (g) Luminaires and lighting fittings, illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates or the like, having a permanently fixed light source, or parts thereof of heading 94.05; (h) Toys, games, sports requisites, Christmas tree ornaments or other articles of Chapter 95 (excluding glass eyes without mechanisms for dolls or for other articles of Chapter 95); or (ij) Buttons, fitted vacuum flasks, scent or similar sprays or other articles of Chapter 96. 2.- For the purposes of headings 70.03, 70.04 and 70.05 : (a) glass is not regarded as “worked” by reason of any process it has undergone before annealing; (b) cutting to shape does not affect the classification of glass in sheets; (c) the expression “absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer” means a microscopically thin coating of metal or of a chemical compound (for example, metal oxide) which absorbs, for example, infrared light or improves the reflecting qualities of the glass while still allowing it to retain a degree of transparency or translucency; or which prevents light from being reflected on the surface of the glass. 3.- The products referred to in heading 70.06 remain classified in that heading whether or not they have the character of articles. 4.- For the purposes of heading 70.19, the expression “glass wool” means : (a) Mineral wools with a silica (SiO2) content not less than 60 % by weight; (b) Mineral wools with a silica (SiO2) content less than 60 % but with an alkaline oxide (K2O or Na2O) content exceeding 5 % by weight or a boric oxide (B2O3) content exceeding 2 % by weight. Mineral wools which do not comply with the above specifications fall in heading 68.06. 5.- Throughout the Nomenclature, the expression “glass” includes fused quartz and other fused silica.