HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8505.11 – Magnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, of metal
HS code 8505.11 is the 6-digit subheading for magnets, permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, of metal. It is used for neodymium magnets, samarium Cobalt magnets, alnico magnets, sintered ferrite magnets and magnetic assemblies for motors.
What HS 8505.11 covers
This category encompasses permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization, specifically those made of metal. These magnets generate a persistent magnetic field without external power, making them indispensable components in a vast array of technologies, including electric motors, generators, sensors, hard drives, and medical devices. The international trade is dominated by materials like Neodymium (NdFeB), Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), and Alnico, valued for their high magnetic strength, temperature stability, and resistance to demagnetization. Key players in this trade include manufacturers of automotive components, consumer electronics, industrial machinery, and renewable energy systems, all seeking high-performance magnetic solutions.
- Covers
- Neodymium magnets
- Samarium Cobalt magnets
- Alnico magnets
- Sintered ferrite magnets
- Magnetic assemblies for motors
- Magnetic sensors
- Examples
- N52 Neodymium magnets
- SmCo magnets for high-temp applications
- Alnico magnets for guitar pickups
- Magnequench NdFeB powders
- Arnold Magnetic Technologies magnets
Codes often confused with 8505.11
Common mistake. Can be confused with 850519 (non-metal permanent magnets, e.g., plastic-bonded ferrite) or 850590 (electromagnets or holding devices) if the magnetic property isn't clearly permanent and metallic. Careful material analysis is key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850511, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850511 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 13% 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 $3.0B 61% of world exports
- 2 Japan $431M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$338M 6.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $4.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $684M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $661M 13% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$432M 8.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $5.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.
Brazil NCM code for 8505.11
Brazil does not split HS 8505.11: its NCM code is 8505.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8505.11
What is HS code 850511?
HS code 850511 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Magnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, of metal. This category encompasses permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization, specifically those made of metal. These magnets generate a persistent magnetic field without external power, making them indispensable components in a vast array of technologies, including electric motors, generators, sensors, hard drives, and medical devices. The international trade is dominated by materials like Neodymium (NdFeB), Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), and Alnico, valued for their high magnetic strength, temperature stability, and resistance to demagnetization. Key players in this trade include manufacturers of automotive components, consumer electronics, industrial machinery, and renewable energy systems, all seeking high-performance magnetic solutions.
What products fall under HS code 850511?
Neodymium magnets, Samarium Cobalt magnets, Alnico magnets, Sintered ferrite magnets, magnetic assemblies for motors, magnetic sensors
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850511?
Can be confused with 850519 (non-metal permanent magnets, e.g., plastic-bonded ferrite) or 850590 (electromagnets or holding devices) if the magnetic property isn't clearly permanent and metallic. Careful material analysis is key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850511?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850511 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.0B, 61% of world exports), Japan ($431M) and Vietnam (about $338M). World exports came to about $4.9B, 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 850511?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850511 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($684M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($661M) and Vietnam (about $432M). World imports came to about $5.2B, 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 850511 structured?
HS code 850511 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850511?
In Brazil, HS code 850511 is NCM 8505.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.