HS 810520 Cobalt mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy; unwrought cobalt; powders
Quick Answer: Cobalt mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, and cobalt powders imported under HS 810520 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at a range of rates, including 4.4% and Free for certain trade partners, with a higher 45% rate also applicable. This classification covers materials derived from cobalt ore processing and refined cobalt in its raw, unworked forms, as well as fine cobalt particles. Importers should be aware of the varying tariff treatments across major markets, particularly the preferential duty-free access to the US for goods from specific Free Trade Agreement countries. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based duty rates for accurate landed cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8105200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8105200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 810520 | — | — | — |
| 8105203000 | 4.4% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 8105206000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 8105209000 | Free | — | ["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 8105.20?
Imports of Cobalt mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy; unwrought cobalt; powders 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 810520 cover?
This subheading covers cobalt mattes, which are intermediate products derived from the smelting and refining of cobalt-bearing ores, and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy. It also includes unwrought cobalt, meaning cobalt in its primary, unworked form, and cobalt powders, which are finely divided particles of cobalt. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, this classification is for cobalt in a state ready for further processing or alloying.
What falls outside HS 810520?
The following products are excluded from HS 810520: finished cobalt articles, such as wires, rods, or plates, which would be classified under more specific headings based on their form and function. Also excluded are cobalt alloys, unless they are specifically described as intermediate products of metallurgy. For instance, cobalt-aluminum alloys or cobalt-chromium alloys intended for specific applications like superalloys or dental prosthetics are typically classified under Chapter 81 or Chapter 72/73 depending on their primary metallic content and intended use, not as unwrought cobalt or mattes.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 810520?
A common error is misclassifying cobalt alloys as unwrought cobalt under HS 810520. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial here. If a product is a cobalt alloy with specific properties and intended uses, it should be classified under the heading for alloys or the heading for the predominant metal, rather than the general heading for unwrought cobalt. For example, a cobalt-chromium alloy for surgical implants would not be classified here.
How should importers classify products under HS 810520?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 810520 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical and chemical characteristics, as well as its stage of metallurgical processing. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and refer to the Explanatory Notes of the WCO. It is essential to determine if the product is a matte, an intermediate product, unwrought cobalt, or a cobalt powder, and to ensure it meets the specific definitions provided within the tariff nomenclature.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 810520?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of unwrought cobalt powder, declared at a customs value of $25,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,250. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: $25,000 (declared value) × 0.05 (duty rate) = $1,250 (duty amount). This specific calculation assumes no other duties or taxes apply and is based on the value of the goods.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 810520?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 810520, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer preferential rates, often Free, for eligible products from developing countries such as Vietnam. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific requirements of the importing jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the primary import duty rates for HS code 810520 (Cobalt mattes, unwrought cobalt, powders)?
The import duty rates for HS code 810520 vary significantly by country and trade agreement. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. However, preferential rates can apply. For instance, under the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), certain developing countries may receive duty-free entry. The EU's TARIC system and the UK's Trade Tariff also list specific rates, often with preferential treatment for goods originating from countries with which they have trade agreements. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the applicable duty rate.
How is the import duty for HS 810520 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS 810520 depends on whether the duty is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination. For instance, if a country imposes a 4.4% ad valorem duty on unwrought cobalt valued at $50,000, the duty would be calculated as: 4.4% of $50,000 = $2,200. If there were a specific duty component, such as $0.50 per kilogram, and the shipment weighed 10,000 kg, the specific duty would be $5,000. The total duty would be the sum of ad valorem and specific duties if both apply. Always verify the exact duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) in the importing country's tariff schedule.
What are the classification criteria for goods under HS code 810520?
HS code 810520 covers 'Cobalt mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy; unwrought cobalt; powders'. Classification hinges on the physical form and metallurgical state of the cobalt. 'Cobalt mattes' are intermediate products obtained from smelting cobalt ores. 'Unwrought cobalt' refers to cobalt in its primary, unworked state, such as ingots, blocks, or granules, not yet formed into alloys or further processed. 'Powders' specifically refer to finely divided particles of cobalt. Goods that have undergone significant alloying or further manufacturing processes would typically be classified under different HS codes.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 810520?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 810520. For example, the U.S. has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), Mexico (MX), and South Korea (KR), which may offer reduced or zero duties on cobalt products if they meet the rules of origin. The EU has numerous Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Association Agreements that can grant preferential access. The UK also benefits from continuity trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers must verify the specific origin of the cobalt product and consult the relevant trade agreement's rules of origin to claim preferential treatment.
What documentation is typically required for importing cobalt products under HS code 810520?
Standard import documentation for HS code 810520 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific product, additional documentation may be necessary. This could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, or specific declarations regarding the metal content or purity. Some jurisdictions may require documentation demonstrating compliance with environmental or safety regulations, especially for metal powders. Customs brokers should be consulted to ensure all necessary documents are prepared accurately to avoid delays or penalties.