HS Code 81.10 – Antimony; articles thereof, including waste and scrap

HS code 8110 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Antimony; articles thereof, including waste and scrap. HS Code 8110 covers Antimony and articles thereof, including waste and scrap. Antimony is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid that finds crucial applications primarily as a flame retardant in plastics and textiles, and as an alloying agent to harden lead in batteries and solders. It also plays a role in semiconductors, ceramics, and even certain pharmaceutical compounds. This heading encompasses antimony in its various raw forms, such as ingots, lumps, powders, rods, and plates, as well as identifiable articles predominantly made of antimony. Crucially, it also includes antimony waste and scrap, which are vital for recycling processes due to the metal's strategic importance and concentrated supply chain. As with other codes in Chapter 81 ('Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof'), this classification falls under Section XV ('Base metals and articles of base metals'). Accurate classification under 8110 is essential for trade compliance, impacting duties, import restrictions, and monitoring of critical raw material flows, especially given the geopolitical significance of its supply. The historical use of antimony dates back to antiquity, but its industrial importance surged with the advent of lead-acid batteries and modern flame retardant technologies.

Antimony ingots, Antimony lumps, Antimony powders, Antimony rods, Antimony plates, Antimony sheets, Antimony trioxide (as primary form of metal), Antimony sulfide (as primary form of metal), Lead-antimony alloys (primary forms), Flame retardant additives (antimony-based), Battery grids (antimony-lead), Semiconductor materials (antimony alloys), Friction materials (antimony-containing), Waste antimony scrap, Antimony alloys for type metal, Antimony cable sheathing, Antimony bearing alloys, Antimony shot, Antimony electrodes, Antimony master alloys, Antimony compounds (when considered primary metal form)

Common misclassifications for HS 8110 often involve confusing antimony metal or primary forms with its chemical compounds or with alloys where antimony is a minor component. Antimony trioxide, for example, if considered a chemical compound rather than a primary form of the metal for trade purposes, might be incorrectly classified under Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals). Similarly, complex finished articles containing antimony, such as specific semiconductor devices or advanced battery cells, should be classified under their respective functional headings (e.g., Chapter 85 for electronics) rather than solely as 'articles of antimony' if the antimony does not confer the essential character. Distinguishing between the metal and its derivatives is key.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8110 in UN Comtrade data were Tajikistan (about $369M, 26% of world exports), Thailand ($310M) and Vietnam (about $274M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 8110 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($548M, 30% of world imports), France ($304M) and Japan ($215M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 8110 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.