HS Code 81.04 – Magnesium; articles thereof, including waste and scrap

HS code 8104 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Magnesium; articles thereof, including waste and scrap. Heading 8104 covers Magnesium and articles thereof, including waste and scrap, falling under Section XV of the Harmonized System, which categorizes Base Metals and Articles of Base Metals. Magnesium is the lightest structural metal, celebrated for its exceptionally low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent machinability. This classification encompasses magnesium in its unwrought forms (ingots, billets), powders, granules, and flakes, as well as semi-finished products such as rods, bars, profiles, wire, sheets, plates, and foil. Additionally, it covers various articles made predominantly of magnesium, ranging from automotive and aerospace components to consumer electronics, and importantly, magnesium waste and scrap for recycling. The scope is specific to magnesium, ensuring its unique properties and wide-ranging applications are accurately classified. Accurate classification under 8104 is vital for trade compliance due to its strategic importance in lightweighting initiatives across industries. It impacts duty rates, adherence to safety regulations for its flammable forms (especially powders), and compliance with environmental standards for its production and recycling. Its inclusion in Section XV as a base metal highlights its fundamental industrial utility, while its dedicated heading acknowledges its distinct properties and trade considerations, particularly regarding safety and strategic industrial applications.

Unwrought magnesium ingots, magnesium billets, magnesium powder, magnesium granules, magnesium flakes, magnesium rods, magnesium bars, magnesium profiles, magnesium wire, magnesium sheets, magnesium plates, magnesium foil, magnesium tubes, magnesium castings for automotive, magnesium alloy wheels, magnesium laptop casings, magnesium camera bodies, magnesium medical equipment components, magnesium anodes, magnesium turnings, magnesium scrap from manufacturing, magnesium alloy ingots, magnesium fire starters, magnesium sacrificial anodes, magnesium sputtering targets

Magnesium is frequently confused with aluminum (HS 7601-7616) due to similar lightweight applications, especially in alloys or finished articles. The primary distinction lies in the predominant metal by weight. Magnesium powder, due to its flammability, might be incorrectly classified as a chemical (e.g., Chapter 28 or 38) rather than a base metal powder, leading to significant safety and regulatory compliance issues. Furthermore, magnesium waste and scrap can be mistakenly grouped with general non-ferrous scrap, overlooking its specific classification which impacts duty rates and specific handling requirements.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8104 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 55% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($122M) and Israel ($95M). World exports came to about $1.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $415M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8104 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($351M, 18% of world imports), Canada ($180M) and Germany ($160M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 8104 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.