TradeTools

HS-4 · Heading

2805Alkali or alkaline-earth metals; rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed; mercury

Chapter 28: Inorganic chemicals

Plain-language overview

Use HS-4 2805 when importing alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals like scandium and yttrium, or mercury. For instance, if you're shipping sodium metal in bulk for industrial use, this heading applies directly.

When deciding between the subheadings, consider the specific metal involved. For example, HS-6 280511 is for sodium, while HS-6 280512 is for calcium. If your product includes a mix of metals, you might need to look at HS-6 280530 for rare earth metals.

If your shipment contains mercury, you'll use HS-6 280540. Be cautious, as mercury has strict regulations due to its hazardous nature, which can affect import procedures and documentation.

Keywords & topics

Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.

alkali metals import · sodium HS code · calcium metal shipping · rare-earth metals · scandium import regulations · yttrium applications · mercury import restrictions · HS-4 2805 · chemical import codes · alkaline-earth metals

Examples

Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.

  • Sodium metal for chemical production
  • Calcium metal for metallurgy
  • Rare-earth metals like scandium for electronics
  • Yttrium used in phosphors and ceramics
  • Mercury for thermometers or dental amalgams
  • Mixed alkali metals for specialized applications

Common questions

Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.

What is HS-4 2805 used for?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to classify sodium metal for import?

Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.

What are the regulations for importing mercury?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Differences between sodium and calcium HS codes?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to determine the correct HS-6 subheading?

Match the product to the legal wording, then verify the final pick in your country tariff schedule before filing.

What are rare-earth metals and their uses?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Related topics

Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.

importing alkali metals like sodium and calcium

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

understanding HS-4 2805 for rare-earth metals

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

how to classify mercury for customs

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

differences between alkali and alkaline-earth metals

Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.

shipping regulations for rare-earth metals

Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.

what to include in import documentation for metals

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

how to find the correct HS code for metals

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

safety regulations for importing mercury

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What types of metals are covered under HS-4 2805?
HS-4 2805 covers alkali metals like sodium and calcium, rare-earth metals such as scandium and yttrium, and mercury.
How do I choose the right HS-6 subheading?
Identify the specific metal in your shipment. For example, use **HS-6 280511** for sodium and **HS-6 280540** for mercury.
Are there special regulations for importing mercury?
Yes, mercury is subject to strict regulations due to its hazardous nature. Check local laws and import guidelines.
Can I mix different alkali metals in one shipment?
If mixing, you may need to classify under the appropriate subheading that best represents the primary metal in your shipment.
What is the significance of rare-earth metals?
Rare-earth metals like scandium and yttrium are crucial in high-tech applications, including electronics and renewable energy technologies.

Continue classification

Next best action

Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.

Browse this heading in the lookup

Heading-browse mode uses HS-6 280500 (first line of this block).

HS-6 subheadings (5)

← HS-4 directory (chapter 28)