Product classification
HS code for Rare earth metals: 2805.30
Earth-metals, rare, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed.
Classification of rare earth metals under HS 2805.30
Rare earth metals are classified under HS code 2805.30, which specifically covers scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed. This classification falls within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses inorganic chemicals and precious-metal compounds. The classification is determined by the chemical nature of the elements. These metals are grouped together because they share similar chemical properties and are often found together in the same mineral deposits. The code 2805.30 is reserved for the metals in their elemental form or as alloys consisting primarily of these rare earth elements. It is important to note that for a product to be classified here, it must be in its metallic state. If the rare earth elements have been processed into chemical compounds, such as oxides or chlorides, they move to different headings within the same chapter. The inclusion of scandium and yttrium alongside the lanthanide series is a standard chemical convention reflected in the HS nomenclature due to their similar reactivity and ionic radii.
- Covers
- Lanthanum
- Cerium
- Praseodymium
- Neodymium
- Samarium
- Europium
- Gadolinium
- Terbium
- Dysprosium
- Holmium
- Erbium
- Thulium
- Ytterbium
- Lutetium
- Scandium
- Yttrium
- Intermixed rare earth alloys
- Also under 2805.30
- Lynas Rare Earths (neodymium, praseodymium)
- MP Materials (neodymium, praseodymium)
- China Northern Rare Earth Group
- Solvay (rare earth compounds)
Codes often confused with 2805.30
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves distinguishing between pure metals and their compounds. Rare earth oxides, for instance, are classified under HS code 2846.10 (cerium compounds) or 2846.90 (other rare earth compounds), rather than 2805.30. Additionally, ores and concentrates containing these metals are classified in Chapter 26, specifically under 2612.20 for thorium ores or 2530.90 for other mineral substances. Ferro-alloys containing rare earth elements, often used in steelmaking, may be classified under 7202.99 if they meet the specific metallurgical definitions of ferro-alloys.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280530 (the code used for rare earth metals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280530 (the code used for rare earth metals) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 48% 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 280530, not only rare earth metals.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$156M 36% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $141M 32% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $80M 18% of world exports
World total: $437M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $252M 48% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $100M 19% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$68M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $528M 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 codes for rare earth metals
Brazil splits HS 2805.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2805.30.10Mischmetal (cerium alloy with 5% or less iron)
- 2805.30.90Other rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rare earth metals
What is the HS code for Rare earth metals?
The HS code for Rare earth metals is 280530 (Earth-metals, rare; scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed). The primary HS code for rare earth metals, including scandium and yttrium in metallic form, is 2805.30.
How do I classify Rare earth metals for customs?
Rare earth metals is classified under HS code 280530 — Earth-metals, rare; scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are rare earth magnets classified under this code?
No, finished rare earth magnets are classified under HS code 8505.11, as they are considered permanent magnets made of metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of rare earth metals (HS 280530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280530 (the code used for rare earth metals) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $156M, 36% of world exports), China ($141M) and Thailand ($80M). World exports came to about $437M, 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 rare earth metals (HS 280530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280530 (the code used for rare earth metals) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($252M, 48% of world imports), Malaysia ($100M) and Vietnam (about $68M). World imports came to about $528M, 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 Rare earth metals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280530 for Rare earth metals 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 rare earth metals in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280530 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for rare earth metals depends on the product's details: 2805.30.10 (Mischmetal (cerium alloy with 5% or less iron)), 2805.30.90 (Other rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium).