Product classification
HS code for Tantalum bars: 8103.20
Tantalum, unwrought, including bars and rods obtained simply by sintering, powders.
Classification of tantalum bars under HS 8103.20
Tantalum bars obtained simply by sintering, as well as unwrought tantalum and powders, are classified under HS code 8103.20. Tantalum is a rare, highly corrosion-resistant transition metal, and its classification in Chapter 81 is reserved for \"other base metals.\" The logic for 8103.20 specifically targets the primary or \"unwrought\" forms of the metal. Because tantalum has an extremely high melting point, it is often processed through powder metallurgy. Sintering—a process of compacting and forming a solid mass of material by heat or pressure without melting it to the point of liquefaction—is the standard method for creating initial bars and rods. These sintered bars are considered unwrought because they have not yet been subjected to significant rolling, drawing, or machining to create finished shapes. This classification follows GRI 1 and the specific definitions provided in the Explanatory Notes for Chapter 81.
- Covers
- Unwrought tantalum ingots
- Sintered tantalum bars and rods
- Tantalum powder
- Tantalum blocks and billets
- Tantalum wire-bars (unwrought)
- Also under 8103.20
- Global Advanced Metals Tantalum Powder
- H.C. Starck Tantalum Ingots
- KEMET Tantalum Powder
- Ningxia Orient Tantalum Industry Tantalum Billets
Codes often confused with 8103.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between 8103.20 and 8103.90. HS code 8103.90 is for \"Other\" tantalum products, which includes wrought bars, rods, wire, and finished articles. If a tantalum bar has been rolled or drawn after the sintering process, it is no longer considered unwrought and must be moved to 8103.90. Another potential error is 8103.30, which is reserved for tantalum waste and scrap. Importers must distinguish between primary unwrought material (8103.20) and secondary scrap material (8103.30). Finally, capacitors made of tantalum are classified in Chapter 85 (8532.21), not as the base metal itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810320 (the code used for tantalum bars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810320 (the code used for tantalum bars) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% 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 810320, not only tantalum bars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $114M 29% of world exports
- 2 Japan $92M 23% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $69M 17% of world exports
World total: $398M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $147M 36% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $62M 15% of world imports
- 3 Japan $47M 11% of world imports
World total: $408M 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 tantalum bars
Brazil classifies tantalum bars under NCM 8103.20.00: HS 8103.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tantalum bars
What is the HS code for Tantalum bars?
The HS code for Tantalum bars is 810320 (Tantalum; unwrought, including bars and rods obtained simply by sintering, powders).
How do I classify Tantalum bars for customs?
Tantalum bars is classified under HS code 810320 — Tantalum; unwrought, including bars and rods obtained simply by sintering, powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for tantalum powder?
Tantalum powder is classified under HS code 8103.20, along with other unwrought forms of the metal.
When does a tantalum bar move from 8103.20 to 8103.90?
A bar moves to 8103.90 once it has been further worked beyond simple sintering, such as through cold-rolling, drawing, or polishing into a finished wrought product.
Which countries are the top exporters of tantalum bars (HS 810320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810320 (the code used for tantalum bars) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($114M, 29% of world exports), Japan ($92M) and Thailand ($69M). World exports came to about $398M, 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 tantalum bars (HS 810320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810320 (the code used for tantalum bars) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($147M, 36% of world imports), Indonesia ($62M) and Japan ($47M). World imports came to about $408M, 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 Tantalum bars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810320 for Tantalum bars 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 tantalum bars in Brazil?
In Brazil, tantalum bars (HS 810320) is classified under NCM 8103.20.00.