HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 81 – Metals; n.e.c., cermets and articles thereof
What HS 81 covers
Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System (HS) is a critical classification for 'Other base metals; cermets and articles thereof,' encompassing a diverse range of strategic and high-value metals not specifically covered in earlier chapters of Section XV (e.g., iron, copper, aluminum). This chapter serves as a vital classification for metals like tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, magnesium, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, titanium, zirconium, antimony, manganese, beryllium, chromium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, hafnium, indium, niobium, rhenium, and thallium, as well as cermets. Its scope is defined by exclusion, covering those base metals that don't have their own dedicated chapter and are not radioactive elements (Chapter 28) or precious metals (Chapter 71). Each major heading within Chapter 81 typically addresses the unwrought metal, waste and scrap, and articles made from that specific metal. For importers, exporters, and customs professionals, precise classification under Chapter 81 is paramount due to the strategic nature and often high value of these materials. Many metals here are critical for advanced technologies in aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and renewable energy, making their trade flows economically and geopolitically significant. Furthermore, some, like tantalum, tungsten, and cobalt, are classified as 'conflict minerals' or critical raw materials, subjecting them to stringent due diligence and reporting requirements in major markets like the EU and the US. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duties, penalties, and non-compliance with export controls or specialized import regulations related to ethical sourcing or dual-use applications. Historically, the increasing demand for high-performance materials in the 20th and 21st centuries has elevated the importance of these 'other' metals in global trade.
- Covers
- Tungsten filaments for light bulbs
- Molybdenum electrodes
- Tantalum capacitors
- Magnesium anodes
- Cobalt-based superalloys
- Bismuth alloys for low-melting solders
- Cadmium electrodes
- Titanium aerospace components
- Zirconium fuel rods for nuclear reactors
- Antimony trioxide flame retardants
- Manganese alloys
- Beryllium copper alloys
- Chromium plating chemicals
- Germanium wafers for semiconductors
- Vanadium flow battery components
- Gallium arsenide wafers
- Niobium superconducting wires
- Rhenium turbine blades
- Thallium bromide crystals
- Cermet cutting tools
- Magnesium sheets
- Cobalt powder
- Titanium medical implants
- Tungsten carbide inserts
- Tantalum sputtering targets
- Examples
A US-based electronics manufacturer imports Tantalum capacitors (8103.90) from a supplier in Malaysia for use in high-performance computing devices. The shipment typically travels via ocean freight from Port Klang to Long Beach, California. Due diligence regarding the origin of the tantalum is crucial due to conflict mineral regulations. Another scenario involves a German aerospace company exporting high-strength Titanium alloy bars (8108.90) to a Japanese manufacturer for aircraft landing gear components. This high-value cargo is usually air-freighted from Frankfurt to Tokyo, requiring strict adherence to dual-use goods regulations and material certifications. Furthermore, a Chinese chemical producer might export Antimony trioxide (8110.00), used as a flame retardant, to textile factories in Vietnam via sea freight from Shanghai to Haiphong, necessitating compliance with local environmental and safety standards. Lastly, a Canadian mining firm could export unwrought Cobalt (8105.20) in briquette form to a South Korean battery producer for electric vehicle applications, with the bulk material shipped from Vancouver to Busan, under scrutiny for ethical sourcing and supply chain resilience.
Headings in chapter 81 12
Codes often confused with 81
Common mistake. Traders often misclassify products under Chapter 81 by confusing these 'other' base metals with more common base metals or their chemical compounds. A common error is classifying an alloy under Chapter 81 when a more predominant base metal, such as iron or copper, gives the article its essential character, leading it to Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel) or 74 (Copper), respectively. For example, a tungsten steel alloy should be classified under Chapter 72 if iron predominates by weight. Another mistake is confusing unworked metals or metal powders with their chemical compounds, which typically fall under Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals); for instance, Antimony metal (8110) versus Antimony oxides (2825). Lastly, due to their high value, some might mistakenly associate Chapter 81 metals with Chapter 71 (Precious Metals), which specifically covers gold, silver, and platinum group metals, not the strategic metals of Chapter 81.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 81, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 81 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 $4.8B 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $4.1B 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $2.2B 8.2% of world exports
World total: $26.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.9B 14% of world imports
- 2 China $3.6B 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $2.8B 10% of world imports
World total: $27.2B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 81
What is HS code 81?
HS code 81 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Metals; n.e.c., cermets and articles thereof. Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System (HS) is a critical classification for 'Other base metals; cermets and articles thereof,' encompassing a diverse range of strategic and high-value metals not specifically covered in earlier chapters of Section XV (e.g., iron, copper, aluminum). This chapter serves as a vital classification for metals like tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, magnesium, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, titanium, zirconium, antimony, manganese, beryllium, chromium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, hafnium, indium, niobium, rhenium, and thallium, as well as cermets. Its scope is defined by exclusion, covering those base metals that don't have their own dedicated chapter and are not radioactive elements (Chapter 28) or precious metals (Chapter 71). Each major heading within Chapter 81 typically addresses the unwrought metal, waste and scrap, and articles made from that specific metal. For importers, exporters, and customs professionals, precise classification under Chapter 81 is paramount due to the strategic nature and often high value of these materials. Many metals here are critical for advanced technologies in aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and renewable energy, making their trade flows economically and geopolitically significant. Furthermore, some, like tantalum, tungsten, and cobalt, are classified as 'conflict minerals' or critical raw materials, subjecting them to stringent due diligence and reporting requirements in major markets like the EU and the US. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duties, penalties, and non-compliance with export controls or specialized import regulations related to ethical sourcing or dual-use applications. Historically, the increasing demand for high-performance materials in the 20th and 21st centuries has elevated the importance of these 'other' metals in global trade.
What products fall under HS code 81?
Tungsten filaments for light bulbs, Molybdenum electrodes, Tantalum capacitors, Magnesium anodes, Cobalt-based superalloys, Bismuth alloys for low-melting solders, Cadmium electrodes, Titanium aerospace components, Zirconium fuel rods for nuclear reactors, Antimony trioxide flame retardants, Manganese alloys, Beryllium copper alloys, Chromium plating chemicals, Germanium wafers for semiconductors, Vanadium flow battery components, Gallium arsenide wafers, Niobium superconducting wires, Rhenium turbine blades, Thallium bromide crystals, Cermet cutting tools, Magnesium sheets, Cobalt powder, Titanium medical implants, Tungsten carbide inserts, Tantalum sputtering targets
What are common misclassifications for HS code 81?
Traders often misclassify products under Chapter 81 by confusing these 'other' base metals with more common base metals or their chemical compounds. A common error is classifying an alloy under Chapter 81 when a more predominant base metal, such as iron or copper, gives the article its essential character, leading it to Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel) or 74 (Copper), respectively. For example, a tungsten steel alloy should be classified under Chapter 72 if iron predominates by weight. Another mistake is confusing unworked metals or metal powders with their chemical compounds, which typically fall under Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals); for instance, Antimony metal (8110) versus Antimony oxides (2825). Lastly, due to their high value, some might mistakenly associate Chapter 81 metals with Chapter 71 (Precious Metals), which specifically covers gold, silver, and platinum group metals, not the strategic metals of Chapter 81.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 81?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 81 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.8B, 18% of world exports), the United States ($4.1B) and Germany ($2.2B). World exports came to about $26.9B, 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 81?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 81 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.9B, 14% of world imports), China ($3.6B) and Germany ($2.8B). World imports came to about $27.2B, 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 81 structured?
HS code 81 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.