About HS Code 810520
This HS code encompasses the primary forms of cobalt traded internationally, including unwrought cobalt, powders, and intermediate products from its metallurgical processing like mattes. Cobalt is a critical strategic metal, essential for high-tech industries due to its use in rechargeable batteries (especially for electric vehicles and portable electronics), superalloys for aerospace, and catalysts. International trade is dominated by countries with significant cobalt mining operations or advanced refining capabilities. Major importers are nations with robust manufacturing sectors in electronics, automotive, and aerospace, seeking raw materials for their production lines. Exporters are typically countries rich in cobalt ore or those with sophisticated processing plants. Key aspects of this trade include the purity of the cobalt, its form (e.g., briquettes, cathodes, powder), and ethical sourcing considerations, given that a significant portion of global cobalt supply originates from regions with complex supply chain issues. The market is highly sensitive to global demand for electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
Products Under This Code
Cobalt cathodes, Cobalt briquettes, Cobalt powder (electrolytic), Cobalt mattes, Cobalt oxide (intermediate), Cobalt granules, Unwrought cobalt ingots, Cobalt slugs
Real World Examples
Glencore cobalt cathodes, Umicore cobalt powder, Sumitomo cobalt briquettes, Tesla battery-grade cobalt, Samsung SDI cobalt raw material
Common Misclassification
This code might be confused with 282200 (Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides) if the intermediate product is primarily an oxide, or with 810530 (Cobalt; waste and scrap) if the unwrought forms are considered "scrap" by mistake.
Products Classified Under 8105.20
Industry
This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.
Trade Overview
China, Japan, and South Korea are top importers, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, and Australia are major exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 810520?
HS code 810520 covers: Cobalt; mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, powders. This HS code encompasses the primary forms of cobalt traded internationally, including unwrought cobalt, powders, and intermediate products from its metallurgical processing like mattes. Cobalt is a critical strategic metal, essential for high-tech industries due to its use in rechargeable batteries (especially for electric vehicles and portable electronics), superalloys for aerospace, and catalysts. International trade is dominated by countries with significant cobalt mining operations or advanced refining capabilities. Major importers are nations with robust manufacturing sectors in electronics, automotive, and aerospace, seeking raw materials for their production lines. Exporters are typically countries rich in cobalt ore or those with sophisticated processing plants. Key aspects of this trade include the purity of the cobalt, its form (e.g., briquettes, cathodes, powder), and ethical sourcing considerations, given that a significant portion of global cobalt supply originates from regions with complex supply chain issues. The market is highly sensitive to global demand for electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
What products fall under HS code 810520?
Cobalt cathodes, Cobalt briquettes, Cobalt powder (electrolytic), Cobalt mattes, Cobalt oxide (intermediate), Cobalt granules, Unwrought cobalt ingots, Cobalt slugs
What are common misclassifications for HS code 810520?
This code might be confused with 282200 (Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides) if the intermediate product is primarily an oxide, or with 810530 (Cobalt; waste and scrap) if the unwrought forms are considered "scrap" by mistake.
How is HS code 810520 structured?
HS code 810520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.