HS Code 81.12 – Beryllium, chromium, hafnium, rhenium, thallium, cadmium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, indium and niobium (columbium), articles of these metals, including waste and scrap

HS code 8112 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Beryllium, chromium, hafnium, rhenium, thallium, cadmium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, indium and niobium (columbium), articles of these metals, including waste and scrap. HS Code 8112 is a comprehensive 'basket' heading for a group of strategically important and often rare non-ferrous metals: Beryllium, chromium, hafnium, rhenium, thallium, cadmium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, indium, and niobium (columbium), as well as articles thereof, including waste and scrap. These metals possess unique properties that make them indispensable in high-tech, specialized, and often dual-use applications. For example, beryllium is used in aerospace and nuclear applications, germanium in infrared optics and semiconductors, vanadium in high-strength steel, gallium and indium in electronics and displays, and rhenium and hafnium in superalloys for jet engines. The scope of this heading includes these metals in their raw and semi-finished forms (ingots, powders, bars, sheets, wires, tubes) and identifiable articles predominantly made of these metals, along with their respective waste and scrap for recycling. This heading is part of Chapter 81 ('Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof') and Section XV ('Base metals and articles of base metals'). Accurate classification is exceptionally critical due to the high value, strategic nature, and frequent dual-use potential of many of these metals, which are subject to stringent export controls, sanctions, and specific trade regulations globally. Understanding the specific properties and end-uses of each metal within this diverse group is paramount for compliance.

Beryllium metal, Beryllium alloys, Chromium metal, Chromium alloys, Hafnium metal, Hafnium alloys, Rhenium metal, Rhenium alloys, Thallium metal, Cadmium metal, Cadmium alloys, Germanium ingots, Germanium wafers, Vanadium metal, Ferrovanadium, Gallium metal, Gallium arsenide wafers, Indium metal, Indium tin oxide (ITO), Niobium (columbium) metal, Ferroniobium, Superconducting niobium-titanium wire, Beryllium oxide ceramics, Rhenium catalysts, Hafnium control rods, Germanium optical lenses, Gallium nitride substrates, Indium phosphide wafers, Vanadium pentoxide (as primary metal form), Waste and scrap of beryllium, Waste and scrap of chromium, Waste and scrap of hafnium, Waste and scrap of rhenium, Waste and scrap of thallium, Waste and scrap of cadmium, Waste and scrap of germanium, Waste and scrap of vanadium, Waste and scrap of gallium, Waste and scrap of indium, Waste and scrap of niobium (columbium)

Due to the diverse nature of metals in HS 8112, misclassification is a significant risk. Common errors include confusing specific alloys of these metals with alloys of iron or other base metals (Chapter 72 or other Chapter 81 codes). Highly processed articles where these metals are a component, such as finished electronic devices (Chapter 85), optical elements (Chapter 90), or complex machinery parts (Section XVI), are often mistakenly classified under 8112 instead of their specific functional headings. For example, a gallium arsenide LED chip is an electronic component, not just 'gallium articles.' Distinguishing between the raw metal/primary article and a complex manufactured good where the metal contributes but does not define the essential character is critical, as is recognizing dual-use implications for many of these strategic materials.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8112 in UN Comtrade data were China ($587M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($280M) and Germany ($252M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 8112 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($649M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($317M) and China ($213M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 8112 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (12) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.