Product classification
HS code for Scrap magnesium: 8104.20
Magnesium, waste and scrap.
Classification of scrap magnesium under HS 8104.20
Scrap magnesium is classified under HS code 8104.20, which falls within Chapter 81 for "Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof." This classification is applied to magnesium waste and scrap that is no longer fit for its original intended use. The classification criteria include materials resulting from the manufacture or mechanical working of magnesium (such as trimmings, offcuts, and shavings) and worn-out magnesium articles. According to the Section XV notes of the Harmonized System, waste and scrap must be suitable only for the recovery of metal or for use in the manufacture of chemicals. Magnesium scrap is highly valued for recycling due to the energy efficiency of secondary production compared to primary extraction. It is important to distinguish between clean scrap and contaminated residues. This heading specifically covers metallic scrap; it does not include magnesium ashes or residues containing magnesium, which are classified elsewhere based on their chemical nature.
- Covers
- Magnesium alloy offcuts
- Broken magnesium automotive parts
- Used magnesium printing plates
- Magnesium shavings and turnings (if not sorted)
- Discarded magnesium structural components
- 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 confused with HS code 8104.30, which covers magnesium raspings, turnings, and granules graded according to size. If the shavings are specifically sized for chemical or pyrotechnic use, 8104.30 is more appropriate. Another error is classifying magnesium waste as 26.20 (ash and residues), but 26.20 is reserved for non-metallic residues from industrial processes, not metallic scrap.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810420 (the code used for scrap magnesium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810420 (the code used for scrap magnesium) 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 scrap magnesium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $66M 31% of world exports
- 2 China $32M 15% of world exports
- 3 Canada $26M 12% of world exports
World total: $211M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $100M 55% of world imports
- 2 Czechia $22M 12% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $13M 7.3% of world imports
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 scrap magnesium
Brazil classifies scrap magnesium 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 scrap magnesium
What is the HS code for Scrap magnesium?
The HS code for Scrap magnesium is 810420 (Magnesium; waste and scrap). The HS code for magnesium waste and scrap is 8104.20.
How do I classify Scrap magnesium for customs?
Scrap magnesium is classified under HS code 810420 — Magnesium; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are magnesium turnings classified as scrap?
Yes, magnesium turnings are generally classified under 8104.20 unless they are specially graded by size, in which case they fall under 8104.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of scrap magnesium (HS 810420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810420 (the code used for scrap magnesium) 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 scrap magnesium (HS 810420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810420 (the code used for scrap magnesium) 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 Scrap magnesium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810420 for Scrap magnesium 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 scrap magnesium in Brazil?
In Brazil, scrap magnesium (HS 810420) is classified under NCM 8104.20.00.