Product classification

HS code for Electromagnet: 8505.90

Magnets, electro-magnets, holding devices and parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8505.

Classification of electromagnet under HS 8505.90

Electromagnets are classified under HS code 8505.90. This classification is part of Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8505 specifically covers electromagnets, permanent magnets, and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization, as well as electromagnetic lifting heads, clutches, and brakes. The subheading 8505.90 is a residual category that includes electromagnets not specifically mentioned in other subheadings, as well as parts of the items listed in heading 8505. The classification is based on the physical principle of the device: a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. This distinguishes them from permanent magnets, which do not require an external power source to maintain their magnetic field. Under the Harmonized System, the function of the electromagnet (e.g., for lifting, holding, or as a component in a larger machine) determines its placement within heading 8505. If the electromagnet is presented as a standalone component or a holding device, 8505.90 is the appropriate code.

Covers
  • Industrial electromagnets for lifting scrap metal
  • Electromagnetic holding devices for machine tools
  • Solenoids used as electromagnetic actuators
  • Electromagnetic work-holding chucks
  • Parts for electromagnetic lifting heads
Also under 8505.90
  • Schmalz vacuum components (magnetic grippers)
  • Dormakaba electromagnetic locks
  • Festo solenoid valves
  • Eriez magnetic separators
  • parts for Neodymium magnets

Codes often confused with 8505.90

Common mistake. Electromagnets are often misclassified under 8505.11 or 8505.19, which are reserved for permanent magnets (metal and non-metal, respectively). It is crucial to distinguish between a magnet that requires electricity and one that does not. Another common error is classifying electromagnetic solenoids under 8481.80 if they are part of a valve. While a solenoid valve is 8481, the solenoid itself, if imported separately as an electromagnetic actuator, may fall under 8505.90. Additionally, large industrial lifting magnets are sometimes incorrectly placed in 8425 (hoists) or 8428 (lifting machinery), but heading 8505 specifically names electromagnetic lifting heads, making it the correct choice per GIR 3(a).

8505.11Magnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, of metal8505.19Magnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, other than of metal8481.80Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances; for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valves84.81Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves84.25Pulley tackle and hoists other than skip hoists; winches and capstans; jacks84.28Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery; n.e.c. in heading no. 8425, 8426 or 8427 (e.g. lifts, escalators, conveyors, teleferics)85.05Electro-magnets; permanent magnets, intended permanent magnets; electro-magnetic, permanent magnet chucks, clamps, similar; electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes; electro-magnetic lifting heads

Top exporters and importers of HS 850590 (the code used for electromagnet), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850590 (the code used for electromagnet) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 850590, not only electromagnet.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $661M
  2. 2 Germany $583M
  3. 3 Japan $338M

World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $476M
  2. 2 Germany $416M
  3. 3 China $307M

World total: $3.3B 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.

Brazil NCM codes for electromagnet

Brazil splits HS 8505.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about electromagnet

What is the HS code for Electromagnet?

The HS code for Electromagnet is 850590 (Magnets; electro-magnets, holding devices and parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8505). The HS code for electromagnets and their parts is 8505.90, within the category of electrical machinery.

How do I classify Electromagnet for customs?

Electromagnet is classified under HS code 850590 — Magnets; electro-magnets, holding devices and parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8505. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are electromagnetic solenoids included in this code?

Yes, electromagnetic solenoids used as actuators or holding devices are generally classified under 8505.90, provided they are not already incorporated into a specific machine component like a valve.

Which countries are the top exporters of electromagnet (HS 850590)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850590 (the code used for electromagnet) in UN Comtrade data were China ($661M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($583M) and Japan ($338M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of electromagnet (HS 850590)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 850590 (the code used for electromagnet) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($476M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($416M) and China ($307M). World imports came to about $3.3B, 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.

Is the HS code for Electromagnet the same in all countries?

The base HS code 850590 for Electromagnet 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 electromagnet in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 850590 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for electromagnet depends on the product's details: 8505.90.11 (Electromagnets for MRI diagnostic apparatus), 8505.90.19 (Other electromagnets), 8505.90.80 (Other magnetic holding devices and lifting heads), 8505.90.90 (Parts of electromagnets and magnetic devices).