Product classification
HS code for Nickel flakes: 7504.00
Nickel, powders and flakes.
Classification of nickel flakes under HS 7504.00
Nickel flakes are classified under HS code 7504.00. This heading is unique within Chapter 75 as it covers both nickel powders and nickel flakes in a single, non-subdivided category. Classification is based on the physical state of the nickel. Flakes are distinguished from powders by their lamellar or plate-like shape, which provides a high surface area relative to their mass. This physical characteristic is crucial for their use in conductive coatings, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and specialized pigments. Under the Harmonized System, 7504.00 applies to nickel of any purity, including both commercially pure nickel and nickel alloys, as long as they are in the form of powders or flakes. The classification is straightforward because the heading does not distinguish between alloyed and unalloyed nickel, unlike other headings in Chapter 75. However, the product must not be mixed with other materials in a way that would classify it as a prepared pigment or a chemical mixture under other chapters. The manufacturing process, such as electrolytic deposition or mechanical milling of nickel powder into flakes, does not change the primary classification under 7504.00.
- Covers
- Electrolytic nickel flakes
- Carbonyl nickel flakes
- Silver-coated nickel flakes (where nickel predominates)
- Lamellar nickel particles for conductive inks
- Nickel alloy flakes
- Also under 7504.00
- BASF nickel powder
- Vale carbonyl nickel powder
- Sumitomo Metal Mining nickel flakes
- Sandvik Osprey nickel alloy powders
Codes often confused with 7504.00
Common mistake. Nickel flakes are often confused with nickel oxides or hydroxides (2825.40) which are chemical compounds rather than metallic particles. They may also be misclassified under 3212.90 if they are dispersed in a non-aqueous medium and sold as a prepared pigment. Unwrought nickel in bulk forms like ingots or cathodes is classified under 75.02.
Top exporters and importers of HS 750400 (the code used for nickel flakes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 750400 (the code used for nickel flakes) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 32% 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 750400, not only nickel flakes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $352M 23% of world exports
- 2 Australia $186M 12% of world exports
- 3 Japan $163M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $451M 32% of world imports
- 2 Japan $152M 11% of world imports
- 3 United States $103M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 nickel flakes
Brazil splits HS 7504.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7504.00.10Unalloyed nickel powders and flakes
- 7504.00.90Nickel alloy powders and flakes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nickel flakes
What is the HS code for Nickel flakes?
The HS code for Nickel flakes is 750400 (Nickel; powders and flakes). The HS code for nickel flakes is 7504.00, which covers both nickel powders and flakes.
How do I classify Nickel flakes for customs?
Nickel flakes is classified under HS code 750400 — Nickel; powders and flakes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are nickel alloy powders classified differently?
No, HS code 7504.00 covers both unalloyed nickel and nickel alloy powders and flakes without distinction.
Which countries are the top exporters of nickel flakes (HS 750400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 750400 (the code used for nickel flakes) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($352M, 23% of world exports), Australia ($186M) and Japan ($163M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 nickel flakes (HS 750400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 750400 (the code used for nickel flakes) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($451M, 32% of world imports), Japan ($152M) and the United States ($103M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Nickel flakes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 750400 for Nickel flakes 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 nickel flakes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 750400 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for nickel flakes depends on the product's details: 7504.00.10 (Unalloyed nickel powders and flakes), 7504.00.90 (Nickel alloy powders and flakes).