HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 85.05 – Electro-magnets; permanent magnets, intended permanent magnets; electro-magnetic, permanent magnet chucks, clamps, similar; electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes; electro-magnetic lifting heads
What HS 85.05 covers
Heading 8505 covers a diverse range of magnetic devices, including electromagnets, permanent magnets, and various articles utilizing magnetic principles for specific functions. This classification distinguishes between temporary magnets (electromagnets) and permanent magnets, which retain their magnetism without an external power source. The scope extends to applications like electromagnetic chucks, clamps, and similar holding devices used in manufacturing, as well as electromagnetic couplings, clutches, and brakes essential for mechanical power transmission and control. It also includes electromagnetic lifting heads designed for handling ferrous materials. This heading is crucial for industries requiring precise control, secure holding, or efficient power transfer through magnetic force, such as robotics, machine tools, automotive, and material handling. The 'intended permanent magnets' aspect covers magnets that have not yet been magnetized but are clearly designed to be. Proper classification is vital for determining correct duties and ensuring compliance, especially for products containing rare-earth magnets, which may have specific trade restrictions or duties. This heading is part of Chapter 85, encompassing electrical machinery and equipment, and highlights the fundamental role of magnetic phenomena in industrial and technological applications.
- Covers
- Industrial electromagnets
- Lifting magnets
- Magnetic chucks for grinders
- Electromagnetic clamps for welding
- Permanent magnets (neodymium, ferrite, alnico)
- Rare-earth magnets
- Magnetic door holders
- Electromagnetic clutches for machinery
- Electromagnetic brakes for motors
- Magnetic separators
- Magnetic conveyors (the magnetic elements)
- Magnetic stirring bars (the magnet part)
- Magnetic couplings
- Magnetic lifting beams
- Magnetic assemblies for sensors (the magnet part)
- Magnetic latches
- Magnetic bases for indicators
- Electro-magnetic vibrators (the magnetic element)
- Magnetic filters (the magnetic element)
- Magnetic workholding devices
- Intended permanent magnets (unmagnetized).
- Examples
A Japanese automotive supplier exports high-performance neodymium permanent magnets to a German electric vehicle manufacturer for use in their advanced motor designs, navigating specific customs declarations for critical materials. A US heavy machinery company imports large electromagnetic lifting heads from a specialized manufacturer in Italy for use in their scrap metal recycling operations, ensuring compliance with international safety standards for lifting equipment. A Chinese factory produces and exports electromagnetic clutches and brakes to a robotics company in South Korea, which integrates these components into industrial robots designed for precision manufacturing tasks across Asia.
Subheadings under 85.05 4
Codes often confused with 85.05
Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying finished articles that merely contain magnets under 8505, when the magnet is not the primary function or the article itself has a more specific classification. For example, magnetic toys (9503) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment (9018) are distinct. Parts of motors or generators (8503) that happen to be magnetic components should be classified under 8503 if they are solely or principally for 8501/8502 machines. Another error is confusing unmagnetized metallic blanks with 'intended permanent magnets' if they lack the specific composition or form to clearly indicate their future use as magnets. The key is the magnet's direct functional role as a magnet or an electromagnetic device.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8505, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8505 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.3B 40% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 12% of world exports
- 3 Japan $897M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $10.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $1.4B 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.1B 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Japan $914M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $11.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 85.05
What is HS code 8505?
HS code 8505 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electro-magnets; permanent magnets, intended permanent magnets; electro-magnetic, permanent magnet chucks, clamps, similar; electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes; electro-magnetic lifting heads. Heading 8505 covers a diverse range of magnetic devices, including electromagnets, permanent magnets, and various articles utilizing magnetic principles for specific functions. This classification distinguishes between temporary magnets (electromagnets) and permanent magnets, which retain their magnetism without an external power source. The scope extends to applications like electromagnetic chucks, clamps, and similar holding devices used in manufacturing, as well as electromagnetic couplings, clutches, and brakes essential for mechanical power transmission and control. It also includes electromagnetic lifting heads designed for handling ferrous materials. This heading is crucial for industries requiring precise control, secure holding, or efficient power transfer through magnetic force, such as robotics, machine tools, automotive, and material handling. The 'intended permanent magnets' aspect covers magnets that have not yet been magnetized but are clearly designed to be. Proper classification is vital for determining correct duties and ensuring compliance, especially for products containing rare-earth magnets, which may have specific trade restrictions or duties. This heading is part of Chapter 85, encompassing electrical machinery and equipment, and highlights the fundamental role of magnetic phenomena in industrial and technological applications.
What products fall under HS code 8505?
Industrial electromagnets, lifting magnets, magnetic chucks for grinders, electromagnetic clamps for welding, permanent magnets (neodymium, ferrite, alnico), rare-earth magnets, magnetic door holders, electromagnetic clutches for machinery, electromagnetic brakes for motors, magnetic separators, magnetic conveyors (the magnetic elements), magnetic stirring bars (the magnet part), magnetic couplings, magnetic lifting beams, magnetic assemblies for sensors (the magnet part), magnetic latches, magnetic bases for indicators, electro-magnetic vibrators (the magnetic element), magnetic filters (the magnetic element), magnetic workholding devices, intended permanent magnets (unmagnetized).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8505?
A common mistake is classifying finished articles that merely contain magnets under 8505, when the magnet is not the primary function or the article itself has a more specific classification. For example, magnetic toys (9503) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment (9018) are distinct. Parts of motors or generators (8503) that happen to be magnetic components should be classified under 8503 if they are solely or principally for 8501/8502 machines. Another error is confusing unmagnetized metallic blanks with 'intended permanent magnets' if they lack the specific composition or form to clearly indicate their future use as magnets. The key is the magnet's direct functional role as a magnet or an electromagnetic device.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8505?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8505 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.3B, 40% of world exports), Germany ($1.3B) and Japan ($897M). World exports came to about $10.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 8505?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8505 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.4B, 12% of world imports), the United States ($1.1B) and Japan ($914M). World imports came to about $11.3B, 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.
How is HS code 8505 structured?
HS code 8505 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.