HS-2 · Chapter 81
HS chapter 81: Other base metals
Section XV — Base metals and articles of base metal
Metals and cermets not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) are covered in this chapter, which includes items like tungsten rods or cobalt scrap. Importers and exporters dealing with these materials need to identify the correct HS-4 code for smooth customs processing.
To determine the appropriate HS-4 and HS-6 codes, start by identifying the specific metal or cermet in your shipment. For example, if you have tungsten scrap, you would look at 8101 for tungsten and drill down to the specific form or end-use to finalize the code.
When selecting a code, pay attention to the title text and any relevant notes. For instance, if your product is a waste material, ensure it falls under the articles category as specified in the headings. This will help avoid confusion with other metals that may seem similar.
Consider the end-use of your product as well. If you're shipping cobalt mattes for further processing, you would use 8105. Always check for any national digits that may apply in your country to ensure compliance and correct tariff application.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
metals n.e.c. · cermets · tungsten articles · molybdenum scrap · cobalt metallurgy · tantalum products · waste and scrap metals · metal articles HS-4 · HS-6 codes for metals · importing cermets · exporting tungsten · national digits for metals · customs codes for cobalt · metal waste classification · titanium articles · zirconium shipments · bismuth applications
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify tungsten articles for customs
- requirements for exporting cobalt scrap
- understanding HS codes for cermets
- how to find HS-4 codes for metals
- details on importing tantalum articles
- differences between HS codes for metal waste
- using HS Chapter 81 for trade compliance
- national digit requirements for cobalt products
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Tungsten rods for industrial applications
- Molybdenum scrap from manufacturing processes
- Tantalum capacitors for electronic devices
- Cobalt alloys used in aerospace components
- Bismuth products for pharmaceuticals
- Titanium waste from machining operations
- Zirconium parts for nuclear applications
- Cermet cutting tools for metalworking
Common classification questions
- What is the HS code for tungsten scrap?
- How do I classify cobalt alloys for export?
- Are there specific notes for cermet articles?
- What are the requirements for importing tantalum products?
- How to determine the correct HS-4 code for metals?
- What is included in HS Chapter 81?
- Can I use the same HS code for metal waste and articles?
- What are the national digits for molybdenum imports?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products fall under HS Chapter 81?
- HS Chapter 81 includes metals like tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, and cermets, along with their articles and waste.
- How do I choose between HS-4 codes in this chapter?
- Identify the specific metal or cermet and its form or end-use to select the correct HS-4 code.
- Are there special considerations for waste and scrap?
- Yes, ensure your product is classified as an article and check the specific notes for waste and scrap in the headings.
- What if my product is a combination of metals?
- You will need to classify it based on the predominant metal or follow specific notes for mixed materials.
- Do I need to check national digits for importing these metals?
- Yes, national digits may apply and should be checked to ensure compliance with local customs regulations.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 81 (12)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 8101 | Tungsten (wolfram); articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8102 | Molybdenum; articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8103 | Tantalum; articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8104 | Magnesium; articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8105 | Cobalt; mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, cobalt and articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8106 | Bismuth; articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8108 | Titanium; articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8109 | Zirconium; articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8110 | Antimony; articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8111 | Manganese; articles thereof, including waste and scrap | |
| 8112 | Beryllium, chromium, hafnium, rhenium, thallium, cadmium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, indium and niobium (columbium), articles of these metals, including waste and scrap | |
| 8113 | Cermets; articles thereof, including waste and scrap |
Browse first heading (HS-4 8101)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (8101). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.