Product classification
HS code for Lifting magnet: 8505.90
Magnets, electro-magnets, holding devices and parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8505.
Classification of lifting magnet under HS 8505.90
Lifting magnets are classified under HS code 8505.90. This classification is based on the product's primary technology: electromagnetism. Heading 8505 covers electromagnets, permanent magnets, and electromagnetic lifting heads. While these devices are used for lifting, they are excluded from Chapter 84 (Machinery) because their essential character is defined by their electrical and magnetic properties. Subheading 8505.90 is a residual category that includes electromagnetic lifting heads and other holding devices. These magnets are used to grip, hold, and move ferrous materials such as steel plates, scrap metal, or engine blocks. The classification applies whether the magnet is a permanent magnet type or an electromagnet that requires a power source. The key factor is that the device is the functional head that performs the magnetic attachment. If the magnet is integrated into a crane and imported as a single unit, the entire machine might be classified in 8426, but the lifting magnet as a separate attachment or component remains in 8505.90.
- Covers
- Electromagnetic lifting heads for cranes
- Circular scrap lifting magnets
- Rectangular steel plate lifting magnets
- Battery-powered permanent lifting magnets
- Magnetic chucks for holding workpieces
- Electromagnetic clamps for industrial use
- 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. Lifting magnets are often confused with the machinery they are attached to, leading to misclassification under 8428 (lifting machinery) or 8426 (ships' derricks; cranes). However, heading 8505 is more specific for the magnetic component. Another error is using 8505.11, which is specifically for permanent magnets of metal; 8505.90 is the correct code for the complete lifting head assembly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850590 (the code used for lifting magnet), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850590 (the code used for lifting magnet) 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 lifting magnet.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $661M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $583M 17% of world exports
- 3 Japan $338M 10% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $476M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $416M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $307M 9.2% of world imports
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 lifting magnet
Brazil splits HS 8505.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8505.90.11Electromagnets for MRI diagnostic apparatus
- 8505.90.19Other electromagnets
- 8505.90.80Other magnetic holding devices and lifting heads
- 8505.90.90Parts of electromagnets and magnetic devices
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lifting magnet
What is the HS code for Lifting magnet?
The HS code for Lifting magnet is 850590 (Magnets; electro-magnets, holding devices and parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8505). The HS code for electromagnetic lifting heads and lifting magnets is 8505.90.
How do I classify Lifting magnet for customs?
Lifting magnet 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.
Does this code cover the power supply for the magnet?
If the power supply is a separate unit, it may be classified under 8504 (transformers/rectifiers). If integrated into the lifting head, it stays in 8505.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of lifting magnet (HS 850590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850590 (the code used for lifting magnet) 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 lifting magnet (HS 850590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850590 (the code used for lifting magnet) 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 Lifting magnet the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850590 for Lifting magnet 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 lifting magnet in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850590 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for lifting magnet 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).