HS Code 80 – Tin; articles thereof

HS code 80 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Tin; articles thereof. Chapter 80 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to "Tin; articles thereof," providing a comprehensive framework for classifying tin in its various forms and manufactured products primarily composed of tin. This chapter encompasses unwrought tin (raw ingots, blocks), tin waste and scrap, tin powders and flakes, and semi-manufactured forms like bars, rods, profiles, wire, plates, sheets, strip, and foil. It also covers tubes, pipes, and fittings, as well as other miscellaneous articles made predominantly of tin. The scope is strictly limited to tin and articles where tin is the predominant metal by weight, or where the article is made solely of tin. Key sub-categories within this chapter include unwrought tin (8001), tin waste and scrap (8002), tin bars, rods, profiles, and wire (8003), tin plates, sheets, strip, and foil (8004), tin powders and flakes (8005), tin tubes, pipes, and tube or pipe fittings (8006), and other articles of tin (8007). This classification is crucial for trade compliance as it dictates applicable tariffs, taxes, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Accurate classification prevents costly delays, penalties, and ensures adherence to specific regulations, such as those concerning conflict minerals or environmental standards for certain tin applications (e.g., lead-free solder). Historically, tin has been a vital commodity, particularly in the Bronze Age (as an alloy with copper) and later for food preservation (tinplate packaging) and electronics (solder). Today, tin remains indispensable, especially in the electronics industry due to its excellent solderability and low toxicity, as well as in specialized alloys and chemical applications. Understanding the precise boundaries of Chapter 80 is essential to distinguish pure tin products from tin alloys where another metal predominates, or from tin-plated articles where the base metal dictates classification.

Unwrought tin ingots, tin bars, tin rods, tin wire, tin profiles, tin foil, tin sheets, tin plates, tin strip, tin powder, tin flakes, tin tubes, tin pipes, tin pipe fittings, pure tin solder, tin anodes for plating, tin castings, tin decorative figurines, tin labels, tin seals, tin-based chemical compounds (if specifically classified here), tin alloy components (where tin is the primary metal by weight), tin pellets, tin granules, tin slugs, tin spools, tin solder paste (predominantly tin), tin-plated copper wire (if tin is the primary metal by weight).

Common misclassifications for Chapter 80 often arise from confusing articles of pure tin with tin-plated items or tin alloys. A frequent error is classifying tin-plated steel products, such as tin cans or tinplate sheets, under Chapter 80. These products are correctly classified under Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel) or Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel) because the base metal (steel) is the predominant material, not the tin coating. Similarly, tin alloys where another metal predominates (e.g., certain bronzes, which are copper-tin alloys) should be classified under the chapter of the predominant metal, such as Chapter 74 for copper. Another mistake is confusing elemental tin powder (8005.00) with tin chemical compounds (e.g., tin oxides), which fall under Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals), leading to incorrect duty rates and regulatory compliance.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 80 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($1.8B, 21% of world exports), Peru (about $1.2B) and China ($882M). World exports came to about $8.6B, 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 80 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 13% of world imports), China ($855M) and Japan ($744M). World imports came to about $8.6B, 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 80 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.