HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 28.05 – Alkali or alkaline-earth metals; rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed; mercury
What HS 28.05 covers
HS Code 2805 is dedicated to elemental alkali metals (Group 1: lithium, sodium, potassium), alkaline-earth metals (Group 2: magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium), rare-earth metals, scandium, and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed, and mercury. This heading is comprehensive, covering these specific metallic elements in their uncombined, elemental state. It's crucial for distinguishing these metals from their vast array of compounds (e.g., lithium carbonate under 2836, magnesium oxide under 2816) and from alloys where these metals are not the predominant or defining component (which fall under Chapters 72-81 for base metals). The scope includes these metals in various unwrought forms such as ingots, rods, granules, or powders. Magnesium, lithium, and rare-earth metals are of particular trade significance due to their critical roles in lightweight alloys, batteries, high-tech electronics, permanent magnets, and catalysts. Mercury, though its trade is increasingly restricted due to environmental concerns, also falls here. Accurate classification under 2805 is vital for trade compliance, impacting tariff rates, adherence to hazardous materials regulations (many alkali metals are highly reactive), and compliance with strategic material controls (e.g., rare earths). Historically, the demand for these metals has surged with technological advancements, making them key commodities in global supply chains. This heading clearly defines the elemental forms of these specific metals, serving as a fundamental classification within Chapter 28 for inorganic chemicals.
- Covers
- Lithium metal
- Sodium metal
- Potassium metal
- Magnesium metal unwrought
- Calcium metal
- Strontium metal
- Barium metal
- Mercury (elemental)
- Mischmetal
- Cerium metal
- Lanthanum metal
- Neodymium metal
- Praseodymium metal
- Samarium metal
- Europium metal
- Gadolinium metal
- Terbium metal
- Dysprosium metal
- Holmium metal
- Erbium metal
- Thulium metal
- Ytterbium metal
- Lutetium metal
- Scandium metal
- Yttrium metal
- Lithium ingots
- Magnesium granules
- Sodium rods
- Mercury liquid
- Rare-earth metal alloys (of 2805 metals only)
- High-purity lithium
- Industrial grade magnesium
- Examples
A battery manufacturer in South Korea imports high-purity lithium metal from Chile in specialized containers for electric vehicle battery production, transported via ocean freight. Simultaneously, an aerospace company in Germany procures unwrought magnesium metal from China for lightweight alloy manufacturing, typically shipped in bulk or containers. In another instance, a Japanese electronics firm imports neodymium metal from China for high-strength permanent magnets, often requiring secure air cargo. Furthermore, an Indian chemical plant imports elemental mercury from Peru for specific industrial processes, navigating strict international regulations for hazardous materials. Finally, a US-based research institution imports small quantities of scandium metal from Russia for advanced material science research, often via air freight.
Subheadings under 28.05 5
Codes often confused with 28.05
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification is confusing elemental metals (2805) with their compounds or alloys. For example, lithium carbonate, a lithium compound, falls under 2836, not 2805. Magnesium alloys containing other base metals in significant proportions would typically fall under Chapter 76 (for aluminum and magnesium) or other base metal chapters, not 2805, which specifically covers intermixtures/interalloys *only* of the metals listed within this heading. Similarly, semi-manufactures of magnesium (e.g., sheets, bars) are classified under 7604-7607, not 2805. The crucial distinction is whether it's the pure elemental metal or an alloy consisting *only* of metals from this heading, in an unwrought form, rather than a compound or a more complex alloy with other base metals.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2805, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2805 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $297M 38% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$157M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Thailand $84M 11% of world exports
World total: $781M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $312M 25% of world imports
- 2 Japan $272M 22% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $102M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 28.05
What is HS code 2805?
HS code 2805 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alkali or alkaline-earth metals; rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed; mercury. HS Code 2805 is dedicated to elemental alkali metals (Group 1: lithium, sodium, potassium), alkaline-earth metals (Group 2: magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium), rare-earth metals, scandium, and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed, and mercury. This heading is comprehensive, covering these specific metallic elements in their uncombined, elemental state. It's crucial for distinguishing these metals from their vast array of compounds (e.g., lithium carbonate under 2836, magnesium oxide under 2816) and from alloys where these metals are not the predominant or defining component (which fall under Chapters 72-81 for base metals). The scope includes these metals in various unwrought forms such as ingots, rods, granules, or powders. Magnesium, lithium, and rare-earth metals are of particular trade significance due to their critical roles in lightweight alloys, batteries, high-tech electronics, permanent magnets, and catalysts. Mercury, though its trade is increasingly restricted due to environmental concerns, also falls here. Accurate classification under 2805 is vital for trade compliance, impacting tariff rates, adherence to hazardous materials regulations (many alkali metals are highly reactive), and compliance with strategic material controls (e.g., rare earths). Historically, the demand for these metals has surged with technological advancements, making them key commodities in global supply chains. This heading clearly defines the elemental forms of these specific metals, serving as a fundamental classification within Chapter 28 for inorganic chemicals.
What products fall under HS code 2805?
Lithium metal, sodium metal, potassium metal, magnesium metal unwrought, calcium metal, strontium metal, barium metal, mercury (elemental), mischmetal, cerium metal, lanthanum metal, neodymium metal, praseodymium metal, samarium metal, europium metal, gadolinium metal, terbium metal, dysprosium metal, holmium metal, erbium metal, thulium metal, ytterbium metal, lutetium metal, scandium metal, yttrium metal, lithium ingots, magnesium granules, sodium rods, mercury liquid, rare-earth metal alloys (of 2805 metals only), high-purity lithium, industrial grade magnesium
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2805?
A frequent misclassification is confusing elemental metals (2805) with their compounds or alloys. For example, lithium carbonate, a lithium compound, falls under 2836, not 2805. Magnesium alloys containing other base metals in significant proportions would typically fall under Chapter 76 (for aluminum and magnesium) or other base metal chapters, not 2805, which specifically covers intermixtures/interalloys *only* of the metals listed within this heading. Similarly, semi-manufactures of magnesium (e.g., sheets, bars) are classified under 7604-7607, not 2805. The crucial distinction is whether it's the pure elemental metal or an alloy consisting *only* of metals from this heading, in an unwrought form, rather than a compound or a more complex alloy with other base metals.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2805?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2805 in UN Comtrade data were China ($297M, 38% of world exports), Vietnam (about $157M) and Thailand ($84M). World exports came to about $781M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 2805?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2805 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($312M, 25% of world imports), Japan ($272M) and Malaysia ($102M). World imports came to about $1.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 2805 structured?
HS code 2805 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.