Product classification
HS code for Magnesium: 2805.19
Alkali or alkali-earth metals, other than sodium and calcium.
Classification of magnesium under HS 2805.19
Magnesium in its elemental or chemical form is classified under HS code 2805.19. This heading covers alkali or alkaline-earth metals, and magnesium is a primary member of the alkaline-earth metal group. The classification under Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals) is appropriate when the magnesium is treated as a chemical element rather than a base metal for structural use. This code is typically used for magnesium of high purity or magnesium intended for chemical reactions and laboratory purposes. The General Rules of Interpretation require that products be classified according to their chemical identity when they are separate chemically defined elements. It is important to distinguish this from magnesium alloys or magnesium in industrial forms like ingots, which are handled in the metals section of the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- High-purity elemental magnesium
- Alkaline-earth metal magnesium
- Magnesium metal for chemical synthesis
- Magnesium in laboratory-grade reagent form
- Also under 2805.19
- Albemarle (lithium)
- Livent (lithium)
- Rusal (magnesium)
- Materion (beryllium)
Codes often confused with 2805.19
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8104.11 or 8104.19. Heading 8104 is for magnesium as a base metal in unwrought form (like ingots or slabs). While 2805.19 covers the chemical element, 8104 is used for the metal when it is intended for metallurgical or structural applications. Importers must check the purity and the intended use to decide between the chemical chapter (28) and the base metal chapter (81).
Top exporters and importers of HS 280519 (the code used for magnesium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280519 (the code used for magnesium) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 62% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 280519, not only magnesium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $65M 38% of world exports
- 2 Germany $47M 27% of world exports
- 3 United States $36M 21% of world exports
World total: $173M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $296M 62% of world imports
- 2 United States $21M 4.5% of world imports
- 3 India $20M 4.1% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $474M 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 magnesium
Brazil splits HS 2805.19 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2805.19.10Strontium metal
- 2805.19.20Barium metal
- 2805.19.90Other alkali or alkaline-earth metals
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about magnesium
What is the HS code for Magnesium?
The HS code for Magnesium is 280519 (Alkali or alkali-earth metals; other than sodium and calcium). The HS code for magnesium as an alkaline-earth metal is 2805.19, provided it is being classified as a chemical element.
How do I classify Magnesium for customs?
Magnesium is classified under HS code 280519 — Alkali or alkali-earth metals; other than sodium and calcium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is magnesium powder classified under this code?
No, magnesium powders and granules are specifically classified under HS code 8104.30, regardless of their chemical purity, due to their physical form.
Which countries are the top exporters of magnesium (HS 280519)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280519 (the code used for magnesium) in UN Comtrade data were China ($65M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($47M) and the United States ($36M). World exports came to about $173M, 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 magnesium (HS 280519)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280519 (the code used for magnesium) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($296M, 62% of world imports), the United States ($21M) and India ($20M). World imports came to about $474M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Magnesium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280519 for Magnesium 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 magnesium in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280519 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for magnesium depends on the product's details: 2805.19.10 (Strontium metal), 2805.19.20 (Barium metal), 2805.19.90 (Other alkali or alkaline-earth metals).