HS 280530 Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed
Quick Answer: HS 280530 covers rare-earth metals, scandium, and yttrium, whether in pure form, mixed, or alloyed. These critical materials are vital for high-tech industries, including electronics, renewable energy, and defense. Importers and customs brokers should note significant duty rate variations: the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem rate, while the EU imposes 5.50%. The US tariff schedule is more complex, with rates ranging from 5% to 31.3% ad valorem, though many countries benefit from duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, etc.). Accurate classification is crucial to leverage preferential trade agreements and manage import costs effectively, given the strategic importance and supply chain sensitivities of these metals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2805300000 | — | — | — |
| 2805301010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2805301040 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2805301080 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2805302110 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2805300000 | — | — | — |
| 2805301000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2805301010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2805301030 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2805301040 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28053000 | 5% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2805300010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2805300020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2805300090 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2805300005 | — | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2805.30?
Imports of Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 280530 cover?
This subheading covers rare-earth metals, scandium, and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature (WCO). Specifically, it encompasses the fifteen lanthanide elements (lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium), along with scandium and yttrium. These metals are classified here in their unworked or semi-worked forms, including powders, lumps, ingots, or other primary forms, provided they retain the characteristics of rare-earth metals, scandium, or yttrium. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and EU TARIC system align with this WCO definition, ensuring consistent global application for these specific metallic elements.
What falls outside HS 280530?
The following products are excluded from HS 280530: rare-earth metal compounds, such as oxides, chlorides, or carbonates, which are classified under Chapter 28, typically in subheadings like 2846. For instance, cerium oxide (CeO2), commonly used in polishing, is classified under 2846.10. Additionally, alloys where rare-earth metals are present but do not constitute the predominant element by weight, or where they are combined with other metals to form specific articles or components, would be classified elsewhere, often in Chapter 72 or 81, depending on the base metal and form. Furthermore, articles made from these metals, such as magnets or electronic components, are excluded and classified according to their function and material composition in later chapters.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 280530?
A common error is misclassifying rare-earth metal compounds as the elemental metals themselves. For example, importing neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) under 280530 instead of 2846.90 is a frequent mistake, failing to distinguish between the elemental form and its chemical compounds. Another pitfall is incorrectly classifying alloys where rare-earth metals are present but not predominant, or where the alloy has been further worked into specific shapes or articles, which would typically fall under different headings based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), particularly GRI 3(b) for mixtures or composite goods. Importers must carefully review the chemical composition and the degree of processing to avoid these errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 280530?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 280530 involves first verifying that the imported material consists solely of rare-earth metals, scandium, or yttrium in their elemental form, whether pure, intermixed, or interalloyed, and not as compounds or finished articles. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or certificate of analysis from the supplier to confirm the elemental composition and purity. If the material is an alloy, ensure that the rare-earth metals, scandium, or yttrium are the predominant elements by weight. Always consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2805, along with the specific national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS or EU TARIC) to ensure compliance with any specific national interpretative rulings or duty rates, such as the current 0% ad valorem duty rate in the US for this subheading.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 2805.30 in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom?
For HS code 2805.30, 'Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed,' the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates are as follows:
- United States (HTSUS): The MFN (General) duty rate is 4.0% ad valorem. Importers should verify current rates via the US International Trade Commission (USITC) HTSUS search tool.
- European Union (TARIC): The MFN (Erga Omnes) duty rate is 5.5% ad valorem. Current rates can be confirmed through the EU TARIC database.
- United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff): The MFN (Standard) duty rate is 5.5% ad valorem. Importers should consult the UK Trade Tariff for the most up-to-date information.
These rates are subject to change based on trade policy updates and should always be verified against the official tariff schedules at the time of importation.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2805.30 under common Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or special programs?
Yes, HS 2805.30 is eligible for preferential duty treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and special programs, which can result in reduced or zero duty rates depending on the country of origin and destination. For example, in the United States, preferential duty rates of 'Free' are available for goods originating from countries with which the U.S. has FTAs, such as Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). Similar preferential rates exist for the EU and UK under their respective trade agreements (e.g., GSP, specific FTAs).
To claim preferential duty rates, importers must ensure the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin criteria of the applicable trade agreement and possess the required origin documentation (e.g., Certificate of Origin, origin declaration).
What are the key classification criteria for rare-earth metals, scandium, and yttrium under HS 2805.30?
HS 2805.30 specifically covers 'Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed.' The critical classification criteria are:
- Identity of the Metal: The goods must consist of rare-earth metals (elements 57-71 on the periodic table, i.e., lanthanides), scandium (element 21), or yttrium (element 39).
- Form: The metals can be in their elemental form.
- Mixtures/Alloys: The heading explicitly includes these metals 'whether or not intermixed or interalloyed.' This means that mixtures or alloys consisting predominantly of these metals, or where these metals are the essential character, would fall here. However, alloys with other non-rare-earth metals where the rare-earth component is minor might classify elsewhere (e.g., under Chapter 72-81 for base metals).
It's crucial to distinguish these elemental metals from their compounds (e.g., oxides, chlorides), which typically classify under Chapter 28, but in other specific subheadings (e.g., 2846 for rare-earth metal compounds). The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide further guidance on the scope of this heading.
What specific documentation is required for importing rare-earth metals under HS 2805.30?
Standard import documentation for HS 2805.30 includes:
- Commercial Invoice: Detailing the goods, value, quantity, and parties involved.
- Packing List: Providing details of the packaging and contents.
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: The transport document.
- Certificate of Origin: Essential for claiming preferential duty rates under FTAs. This document attests to the country where the goods were produced or manufactured.
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) / Safety Data Sheet (SDS): While not always a customs requirement, these are crucial for handling and transportation, and may be requested by regulatory agencies or carriers due to the nature of metals.
- Customs Import Declaration: The electronic submission to the customs authority of the importing country.
Depending on the specific rare-earth metal and its end-use, additional permits or licenses from environmental, nuclear, or other regulatory bodies might be required. Importers should consult their national customs authority and relevant regulatory agencies for any specific import restrictions or licensing requirements related to these materials.