About HS Code 811231
This HS code groups together unwrought hafnium, hafnium powders, and hafnium waste and scrap. Hafnium is a rare and highly specialized metal, primarily known for its excellent neutron absorption cross-section, making it critical for control rods in nuclear reactors. It also possesses high corrosion resistance and a very high melting point, finding applications in superalloys, plasma cutting electrodes, and microprocessors. Major importers are countries with advanced nuclear energy programs or high-tech industries, such as the United States, France, Japan, and China. Exporters are typically nations with facilities for separating hafnium from zirconium (with which it naturally co-occurs) and processing it, like France and the United States. Key considerations in this trade include its strategic importance, the complex and costly separation process from zirconium, and the strict regulatory controls due to its nuclear applications. The inclusion of waste and scrap highlights the value placed on recycling this rare metal.
Products Under This Code
Unwrought hafnium, Hafnium powder, Hafnium ingots, Hafnium sponge, Hafnium waste, Hafnium scrap, Hafnium turnings
Real World Examples
Framatome's hafnium for nuclear applications, ATI's hafnium products, specialized metal recyclers handling hafnium scrap
Common Misclassification
This code is unique in combining unwrought, powders, and waste/scrap for hafnium. It is crucial not to confuse it with wrought hafnium (811239) which covers processed forms.
Products Classified Under 8112.31
Industry
This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.
Trade Overview
The United States, France, and Japan are significant importers, while France and the United States are key producers and exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 811231?
HS code 811231 covers: Hafnium and articles thereof; unwrought, powders, waste and scrap. This HS code groups together unwrought hafnium, hafnium powders, and hafnium waste and scrap. Hafnium is a rare and highly specialized metal, primarily known for its excellent neutron absorption cross-section, making it critical for control rods in nuclear reactors. It also possesses high corrosion resistance and a very high melting point, finding applications in superalloys, plasma cutting electrodes, and microprocessors. Major importers are countries with advanced nuclear energy programs or high-tech industries, such as the United States, France, Japan, and China. Exporters are typically nations with facilities for separating hafnium from zirconium (with which it naturally co-occurs) and processing it, like France and the United States. Key considerations in this trade include its strategic importance, the complex and costly separation process from zirconium, and the strict regulatory controls due to its nuclear applications. The inclusion of waste and scrap highlights the value placed on recycling this rare metal.
What products fall under HS code 811231?
Unwrought hafnium, Hafnium powder, Hafnium ingots, Hafnium sponge, Hafnium waste, Hafnium scrap, Hafnium turnings
What are common misclassifications for HS code 811231?
This code is unique in combining unwrought, powders, and waste/scrap for hafnium. It is crucial not to confuse it with wrought hafnium (811239) which covers processed forms.
How is HS code 811231 structured?
HS code 811231 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.