HS Code:
The category 'Fabricated asbestos fibers; mixtures with a basis of asbestos or with a basis of asbestos and magnesium carbonate; articles of such mixtures or of asbestos (for example, thread, woven fabric, clothing, headgear, footwear, gaskets), whether or not reinforced, other than goods of heading 6811 or 6813' (HS Code: 6812) includes a range of products made from asbestos or asbestos-based mixtures. These products are used in various industrial applications due to their heat resistance and durability, though their use has significantly declined due to health concerns related to asbestos exposure. This category covers items such as asbestos threads, woven fabrics, clothing, headgear, footwear, and gaskets, excluding certain construction materials and friction materials classified under other headings.
Total Trade Volume
USD 120 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under specific free trade agreements)
Declining global demand for asbestos products
Due to health concerns and regulatory bans, many countries are phasing out asbestos use, leading to reduced trade volumes.
2020-2022
Shift to alternative materials
Increased adoption of synthetic fibers and non-asbestos materials in industrial applications, further reducing market share of asbestos products.
2018-2022
Continued use in specific industries
Certain developing countries still use asbestos in niche industrial applications, sustaining limited trade in specific regions.
2021-2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on the handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials, further limiting imports of HS 6812 products.
January 2023
Expected to reduce trade volume in European markets by 15% over the next two years.
India, a major market for asbestos products, implemented new safety guidelines for importing and using asbestos-based materials.
March 2022
Likely to cause a short-term decline in imports while increasing compliance costs for exporters.
International organizations like the WHO and ILO continue to push for a global ban on asbestos, influencing national policies.
October 2022
Increased pressure on exporting countries to diversify into alternative materials, potentially accelerating the decline in trade.