Product classification
HS code for Scandium: 2805.30
Earth-metals, rare, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed.
Classification of scandium under HS 2805.30
Scandium, in its metallic form, is classified under HS code 2805.30. This code is situated within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious or rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2805 includes alkali or alkaline-earth metals and rare-earth metals. Scandium is technically a transition metal but is chemically grouped with the rare-earth elements (lanthanides and yttrium) for trade purposes. The classification 2805.30 specifically identifies "rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed." This means that whether the scandium is in a pure elemental state or part of a mixture of rare-earth metals, it remains within this subheading. The classification is determined by the chemical composition of the material. It is important to note that this code applies to the metal itself; once the scandium is reacted to form a compound, such as an oxide or a chloride, the classification shifts to different headings within Chapter 28 or Chapter 38 depending on the application.
- Covers
- Pure scandium metal in ingot or powder form
- Scandium-yttrium alloys
- Intermixed rare-earth metals containing scandium
- Scandium metal pieces for industrial alloying
- Rare-earth metal mixtures where scandium is a primary component
- 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. Scandium is frequently misclassified under HS code 2846.90, which covers compounds of rare-earth metals (like scandium oxide). It is vital to distinguish between the raw metal (2805) and its chemical compounds (2846). Furthermore, if the scandium is part of a finished aluminum alloy where aluminum predominates by weight, it should be classified in Chapter 76 (Aluminum) rather than Chapter 28.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280530 (the code used for scandium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280530 (the code used for scandium) 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 scandium.
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 scandium
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 scandium
What is the HS code for Scandium?
The HS code for Scandium is 280530 (Earth-metals, rare; scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed).
How do I classify Scandium for customs?
Scandium 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.
What is the HS code for scandium metal?
The HS code for scandium metal, whether pure or intermixed with other rare-earth metals, is 2805.30.
Are scandium oxides classified here?
No, scandium oxides are chemical compounds and are classified under HS code 2846.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of scandium (HS 280530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280530 (the code used for scandium) 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 scandium (HS 280530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280530 (the code used for scandium) 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 Scandium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280530 for Scandium 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 scandium in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280530 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for scandium 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).