Product classification
HS code for Cobalt metal: 8105.20
Cobalt, mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, powders.
Classification of cobalt metal under HS 8105.20
Cobalt metal in its primary, unwrought form is classified under HS code 8105.20. Chapter 81 covers "Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof," and heading 8105 is specifically for cobalt and articles of cobalt. Subheading 8105.20 includes cobalt mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, as well as unwrought cobalt and cobalt powders. Unwrought cobalt refers to the metal in forms such as ingots, blocks, or cathodes that have not been further worked beyond simple casting or sintering. Cobalt powders are also included here, provided they are not prepared as pigments. This classification is essential for tracking the trade of raw cobalt materials used in high-strength alloys and battery manufacturing.
- Covers
- Cobalt ingots and blocks
- Cobalt cathodes and electrolytic cobalt
- Cobalt briquettes
- Pure cobalt powder
- Cobalt mattes and speiss
- Also under 8105.20
- Glencore cobalt cathodes
- Umicore cobalt powder
- Sumitomo cobalt briquettes
- Tesla battery-grade cobalt
- Samsung SDI cobalt raw material
Codes often confused with 8105.20
Common mistake. Unwrought cobalt is often confused with 8105.90, which is the category for finished articles of cobalt or cobalt waste and scrap (8105.30). It may also be misclassified under 7202.99 if it is an alloy containing significant iron, which would classify it as a ferro-alloy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810520 (the code used for cobalt metal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810520 (the code used for cobalt metal) in UN Comtrade data was the DR Congo, with about 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 810520, not only cobalt metal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 DR Congo* ~$1.9B 44% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $499M 12% of world exports
- 3 Canada $333M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.2B 59% of world imports
- 2 United States $397M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $133M 3.6% of world imports
World total: $3.7B 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 codes for cobalt metal
Brazil splits HS 8105.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8105.20.10Unwrought cobalt
- 8105.20.21Cobalt-chromium-tungsten (stellite) powders
- 8105.20.29Other cobalt powders
- 8105.20.90Cobalt mattes and other intermediate products
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cobalt metal
What is the HS code for Cobalt metal?
The HS code for Cobalt metal is 810520 (Cobalt; mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, powders). The HS code for unwrought cobalt metal, including powders and mattes, is 8105.20.
How do I classify Cobalt metal for customs?
Cobalt metal is classified under HS code 810520 — Cobalt; mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include cobalt scrap?
No, cobalt waste and scrap are classified under a separate subheading, 8105.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of cobalt metal (HS 810520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810520 (the code used for cobalt metal) in UN Comtrade data were the DR Congo (about $1.9B, 44% of world exports), China ($499M) and Canada ($333M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of cobalt metal (HS 810520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810520 (the code used for cobalt metal) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.2B, 59% of world imports), the United States ($397M) and Japan ($133M). World imports came to about $3.7B, 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.
Is the HS code for Cobalt metal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810520 for Cobalt metal is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for cobalt metal in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 810520 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for cobalt metal depends on the product's details: 8105.20.10 (Unwrought cobalt), 8105.20.21 (Cobalt-chromium-tungsten (stellite) powders), 8105.20.29 (Other cobalt powders), 8105.20.90 (Cobalt mattes and other intermediate products).