HS Code 75.04 – Nickel; powders and flakes

HS code 7504 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nickel; powders and flakes. HS Heading 7504 covers "Nickel; powders and flakes." This classification is dedicated to nickel in its finely divided forms, which possess distinct physical properties and industrial applications compared to bulk unwrought nickel. Powders consist of discrete, minute particles of nickel, typically produced through processes like atomization, carbonyl decomposition, or electrolytic deposition. Flakes are characterized by their flat, thin, and often irregularly shaped particles, frequently produced by milling or specialized mechanical processes. The scope is precise, focusing exclusively on these particulate forms, and it explicitly excludes bulk forms of unwrought nickel (7502) and chemical compounds of nickel (Chapter 28). This heading is crucial for trade compliance because the unique properties of nickel powders and flakes lead to their use in high-tech applications, often attracting different tariffs or regulatory scrutiny than other nickel forms. These applications include powder metallurgy for high-strength components, catalysts, conductive pastes for electronics, battery electrodes, and additive manufacturing. Historically, the development of specialized nickel powders has been integral to advancements in materials science and engineering. Its placement within Chapter 75, directly after unwrought nickel, signifies its status as a primary, but processed, metallic form, ready for advanced industrial uses.

Nickel powder for powder metallurgy, spherical nickel powder, carbonyl nickel powder, electrolytic nickel powder, nickel flakes for conductive pastes, ultra-fine nickel powder, nano nickel powder, nickel powder for additive manufacturing, nickel powder for battery electrodes, nickel powder for catalysts, nickel flakes for EMI shielding, nickel powder for thermal spray coatings, nickel powder for brazing alloys, nickel flakes for pigments, nickel powder for magnetic applications, high-purity nickel powder, atomized nickel powder, dendritic nickel powder, reduced nickel powder, nickel powder for fuel cells, nickel flakes for anticorrosive coatings, nickel powder for diamond tools, nickel powder for hardfacing, nickel powder for cermets.

Common misclassification errors for nickel powders and flakes include confusing them with other forms of unwrought nickel (7502) or with nickel chemical compounds (Chapter 28). While nickel powder is metallic, it is distinct from forms like pellets or ingots of unwrought nickel. Traders might incorrectly classify fine nickel shot or granules as powder, but powder has a specific particle size and morphology. Conversely, if the product is a nickel salt or oxide (e.g., nickel carbonate, nickel oxide), it belongs to Chapter 28, not 7504, even if in powder form. The key distinction is whether it is elemental metallic nickel or a chemical compound. Also, very fine nickel filings or dust from machining operations, if primarily waste for recovery, might fall under 7503 rather than 7504.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7504 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($352M, 23% of world exports), Australia ($186M) and Japan ($163M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7504 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($451M, 32% of world imports), Japan ($152M) and the United States ($103M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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.

HS code 7504 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 75 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (75) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.