About HS Code 8106
Heading 8106 covers Bismuth and articles thereof, including waste and scrap, placing it within Section XV of the Harmonized System, which covers Base Metals and Articles of Base Metals. Bismuth is a brittle, crystalline, silvery-white metal with a distinct pinkish tinge, known for its low melting point, high density, and non-toxicity. This classification encompasses bismuth in its unwrought forms (ingots, billets), powders, and semi-finished products such as rods, bars, sheets, and wire. It also includes articles made predominantly of bismuth, used in various niche applications, and importantly, bismuth waste and scrap for recycling. The scope is specific to bismuth, ensuring that its unique properties and specialized uses are accurately identified for trade purposes. Accurate classification under 8106 is important for trade compliance, impacting duty assessment, adherence to health and safety regulations (especially for pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade bismuth), and managing its role as a minor metal. Historically, bismuth has gained prominence as a non-toxic replacement for lead in many applications. Its inclusion in Section XV as a base metal highlights its fundamental material status, yet its dedicated heading emphasizes its distinct properties and niche applications that require specific attention to its various forms and end-uses, particularly where non-toxicity is critical.
Products Under This Code
Unwrought bismuth ingots, bismuth powder, bismuth bars, bismuth rods, bismuth wire, bismuth sheets, bismuth plates, bismuth foil, bismuth shot, bismuth low-melting-point alloys, bismuth solder, bismuth fuses, bismuth catalysts, bismuth subsalicylate (raw material), bismuth oxychloride (raw material for cosmetics), bismuth pellets for shotgun shells (lead replacement), bismuth thermal paste, bismuth thermocouple wires, bismuth-based pigments, bismuth medical compounds, bismuth waste from alloy manufacturing, bismuth scrap from electronics, bismuth sputtering targets, bismuth crystals for scientific research
Real World Examples
A Chinese metal refiner exports unwrought bismuth ingots to a pharmaceutical company in India, typically via container ship, for use in digestive upset medications. A Peruvian mining company exports bismuth concentrate to a European specialty alloy manufacturer, transported by bulk carrier across the Atlantic, for producing lead-free solders. A US cosmetics firm imports bismuth oxychloride powder from South Korea for use in makeup products, often via air freight for high-value, lower-volume shipments. A German electronics company imports bismuth-tin solder wire from Japan, shipped by ocean freight, for lead-free assembly processes.
Common Misclassification
Bismuth is often confused with other non-ferrous metals, particularly lead (HS 7801-7806) or tin (HS 8001-8007), especially in alloy forms where it acts as a lead replacement. The key is to determine the predominant metal by weight. Bismuth compounds used in pharmaceuticals or cosmetics (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, bismuth oxychloride) can be incorrectly classified under Chapters 28, 29, or 30, rather than as raw material forms of the metal itself, leading to incorrect regulatory and tariff treatment, and potentially health compliance issues.
Subheadings 2
Industry
This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.
Trade Overview
China is by far the largest producer and exporter of bismuth, with other significant sources including Peru and Mexico. Major importers are industrialized nations like the United States, Germany, Japan, and India, driven by demand from pharmaceutical, electronics (lead-free solders), and specialty alloy industries. Tariffs are generally low for raw forms but can increase for more processed articles. As a relatively minor metal, trade is less subject to large-scale trade disputes but requires careful attention to product specifications and end-use, particularly for health-related applications, due to its non-toxic properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 8106?
HS code 8106 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Bismuth; articles thereof, including waste and scrap. Heading 8106 covers Bismuth and articles thereof, including waste and scrap, placing it within Section XV of the Harmonized System, which covers Base Metals and Articles of Base Metals. Bismuth is a brittle, crystalline, silvery-white metal with a distinct pinkish tinge, known for its low melting point, high density, and non-toxicity. This classification encompasses bismuth in its unwrought forms (ingots, billets), powders, and semi-finished products such as rods, bars, sheets, and wire. It also includes articles made predominantly of bismuth, used in various niche applications, and importantly, bismuth waste and scrap for recycling. The scope is specific to bismuth, ensuring that its unique properties and specialized uses are accurately identified for trade purposes. Accurate classification under 8106 is important for trade compliance, impacting duty assessment, adherence to health and safety regulations (especially for pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade bismuth), and managing its role as a minor metal. Historically, bismuth has gained prominence as a non-toxic replacement for lead in many applications. Its inclusion in Section XV as a base metal highlights its fundamental material status, yet its dedicated heading emphasizes its distinct properties and niche applications that require specific attention to its various forms and end-uses, particularly where non-toxicity is critical.
What products fall under HS code 8106?
Unwrought bismuth ingots, bismuth powder, bismuth bars, bismuth rods, bismuth wire, bismuth sheets, bismuth plates, bismuth foil, bismuth shot, bismuth low-melting-point alloys, bismuth solder, bismuth fuses, bismuth catalysts, bismuth subsalicylate (raw material), bismuth oxychloride (raw material for cosmetics), bismuth pellets for shotgun shells (lead replacement), bismuth thermal paste, bismuth thermocouple wires, bismuth-based pigments, bismuth medical compounds, bismuth waste from alloy manufacturing, bismuth scrap from electronics, bismuth sputtering targets, bismuth crystals for scientific research
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8106?
Bismuth is often confused with other non-ferrous metals, particularly lead (HS 7801-7806) or tin (HS 8001-8007), especially in alloy forms where it acts as a lead replacement. The key is to determine the predominant metal by weight. Bismuth compounds used in pharmaceuticals or cosmetics (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, bismuth oxychloride) can be incorrectly classified under Chapters 28, 29, or 30, rather than as raw material forms of the metal itself, leading to incorrect regulatory and tariff treatment, and potentially health compliance issues.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 8106?
China is by far the largest producer and exporter of bismuth, with other significant sources including Peru and Mexico. Major importers are industrialized nations like the United States, Germany, Japan, and India, driven by demand from pharmaceutical, electronics (lead-free solders), and specialty alloy industries. Tariffs are generally low for raw forms but can increase for more processed articles. As a relatively minor metal, trade is less subject to large-scale trade disputes but requires careful attention to product specifications and end-use, particularly for health-related applications, due to its non-toxic properties.
How is HS code 8106 structured?
HS code 8106 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.