Product classification
HS code for Metal magnet: 8505.11
Magnets, permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, of metal.
Classification of metal magnet under HS 8505.11
Metal magnets are classified under HS code 8505.11. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8505 includes electromagnets, permanent magnets, and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization. Subheading 8505.11 is specifically for permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets, made of metal. This classification is based on the magnetic properties and the material composition. Metal magnets, such as those made from Alnico (aluminum, nickel, and cobalt) or rare-earth metals like neodymium-iron-boron, are distinct from ceramic or ferrite magnets. The classification applies whether the magnet is a finished product or a blank that has not yet been magnetized but possesses the essential shape and composition of a magnet. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, these articles are classified here because of their specific physical property of magnetism, which is a primary characteristic of electrical equipment components. The use of GRI 1 ensures that the specific mention of "of metal" in 8505.11 directs the classification away from other magnetic materials.
- Covers
- Neodymium (NdFeB) permanent magnets
- Alnico (Aluminum-Nickel-Cobalt) magnets
- Samarium-cobalt (SmCo) high-temperature magnets
- Magnetized metal strips and blocks
- Unmagnetized metal blanks intended for permanent magnets
- Also under 8505.11
- N52 Neodymium magnets
- SmCo magnets for high-temp applications
- Alnico magnets for guitar pickups
- Magnequench NdFeB powders
- Arnold Magnetic Technologies magnets
Codes often confused with 8505.11
Common mistake. Metal magnets are often confused with HS code 8505.19, which covers permanent magnets made of materials other than metal, such as ferrite or ceramic compounds. Another common error is HS code 8505.90, which is for electromagnets or electromagnetic lifting heads. It is crucial to distinguish between a permanent magnet (which retains magnetism without power) and an electromagnet (which requires current).
Top exporters and importers of HS 850511 (the code used for metal magnet), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850511 (the code used for metal magnet) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 13% 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 850511, not only metal magnet.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.0B 61% of world exports
- 2 Japan $431M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$338M 6.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $4.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $684M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $661M 13% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$432M 8.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $5.2B 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 code for metal magnet
Brazil classifies metal magnet under NCM 8505.11.00: HS 8505.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal magnet
What is the HS code for Metal magnet?
The HS code for Metal magnet is 850511 (Magnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, of metal). The HS code for permanent metal magnets is 8505.11.
How do I classify Metal magnet for customs?
Metal magnet is classified under HS code 850511 — Magnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, of metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are magnetic toys classified under this code?
No, if the magnet is part of a toy set, it is typically classified under Chapter 95 (9503.00) as a toy, rather than as a magnet under Chapter 85.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal magnet (HS 850511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850511 (the code used for metal magnet) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.0B, 61% of world exports), Japan ($431M) and Vietnam (about $338M). World exports came to about $4.9B, 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 metal magnet (HS 850511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850511 (the code used for metal magnet) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($684M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($661M) and Vietnam (about $432M). World imports came to about $5.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Metal magnet the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850511 for Metal 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 metal magnet in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal magnet (HS 850511) is classified under NCM 8505.11.00.