Product classification

HS code for Magnesium scrap: 8104.20

Magnesium, waste and scrap.

Classification of magnesium scrap under HS 8104.20

Magnesium waste and scrap are classified under HS code 8104.20. This classification is part of the broader heading 81.04, which encompasses magnesium in various forms. According to the Section XV notes of the Harmonized System, "waste and scrap" refers to metal waste and scrap from the manufacture or mechanical working of metals, and metal goods definitely not usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons. For magnesium, this includes off-cuts from manufacturing processes, discarded magnesium alloy components from the automotive or aerospace industries, and shavings that do not meet the criteria for "graded granules" found in 8104.30. Proper classification requires ensuring the material is intended for recovery of the metal or for use in chemical compounds, rather than being a finished article or a specific powder. The Harmonized System prioritizes the intent and state of the material; if a magnesium part is broken beyond repair and intended for smelting, it must be classified here. This code is vital for the global recycling industry, allowing for the tracking of secondary raw materials as they move toward processing facilities. It is important to note that this code does not include dross or ash from the manufacture of magnesium, which may fall under Chapter 26.

Covers
  • Used magnesium alloy wheels (broken)
  • Manufacturing off-cuts and clippings
  • Worn-out magnesium engine components
  • Unsorted magnesium shavings and turnings
  • Discarded magnesium structural frames
Also under 8104.20
  • Automotive wheel scrap
  • Laptop casing scrap
  • Aerospace component waste
  • Magnesium battery casing scrap
  • Medical device magnesium waste

Codes often confused with 8104.20

Common mistake. Magnesium scrap is often misclassified under 8104.30 (granules and powders) if the scrap is in the form of turnings. However, 8104.30 is specifically for turnings "graded according to size." If the turnings are unsorted waste, 8104.20 is correct. It is also confused with 8104.90, which is for "other" articles of magnesium that are still functional.

8104.30Magnesium; raspings, turnings and granules, graded according to size, powders8104.90Magnesium; articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8104

Top exporters and importers of HS 810420 (the code used for magnesium scrap), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810420 (the code used for magnesium scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 55% 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 810420, not only magnesium scrap.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United Kingdom $66M
  2. 2 China $32M
  3. 3 Canada $26M

World total: $211M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $100M
  2. 2 Czechia $22M
  3. 3 Brazil $13M

World total: $180M 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 code for magnesium scrap

Brazil classifies magnesium scrap under NCM 8104.20.00: HS 8104.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about magnesium scrap

What is the HS code for Magnesium scrap?

The HS code for Magnesium scrap is 810420 (Magnesium; waste and scrap). The HS code for magnesium waste and scrap is 8104.20.

How do I classify Magnesium scrap for customs?

Magnesium scrap is classified under HS code 810420 — Magnesium; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does magnesium scrap include manufacturing dross?

No, dross, scalings, and other residues from the manufacture of magnesium are generally classified under heading 26.20, rather than as metal scrap in 8104.20.

Which countries are the top exporters of magnesium scrap (HS 810420)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810420 (the code used for magnesium scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($66M, 31% of world exports), China ($32M) and Canada ($26M). World exports came to about $211M, 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 scrap (HS 810420)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 810420 (the code used for magnesium scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($100M, 55% of world imports), Czechia ($22M) and Brazil ($13M). World imports came to about $180M, 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 Magnesium scrap the same in all countries?

The base HS code 810420 for Magnesium scrap 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 scrap in Brazil?

In Brazil, magnesium scrap (HS 810420) is classified under NCM 8104.20.00.