Find HS Code and trade information for metal

Metal

Metal, in its broadest sense, is a solid material typically composed of one or more elements, possessing characteristics like luster, conductivity, malleability, ductility, and strength. The study of metals is a core component of materials science and engineering.

Material Composition & Structure

Metals are generally characterized by a crystalline structure, where atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern. This arrangement contributes to their unique properties. They are formed through a variety of processes, including mining, smelting, and alloying. The electronic structure of metals allows for the easy movement of electrons, contributing to their conductivity.

Key Properties

• Luster: Reflects light, resulting in a shiny appearance.
• Conductivity: Efficiently transmits heat and electricity.
• Malleability: Can be hammered or pressed into various shapes without breaking.
• Ductility: Can be drawn into wires.
• Strength: Resists deformation and fracture.
• Density: Generally high density compared to other materials.
• Hardness: Resistance to localized plastic deformation.

Purpose & Applications

Metals are fundamental to countless applications across diverse industries, including:

• Construction: Structural components in buildings, bridges, and infrastructure (steel, aluminum).
• Transportation: Vehicle bodies, engines, and components (steel, aluminum, titanium).
• Manufacturing: Tools, machinery, and equipment (steel, stainless steel).
• Electronics: Wiring, connectors, and semiconductors (copper, gold, silver).
• Aerospace: Lightweight and high-strength components (titanium, aluminum alloys).
• Medical: Implants, surgical instruments, and devices (stainless steel, titanium).
• Packaging: Cans, foil, and containers (aluminum, tin).

Function

The function of a metal component is dictated by its specific properties and application. Examples include:

• Load Bearing: Steel in bridges supports significant weight.
• Electrical Conduction: Copper wires transmit electricity.
• Thermal Conduction: Aluminum heatsinks dissipate heat.
• Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel resists rust and degradation.
• Lightweighting: Aluminum alloys reduce weight in vehicles.

Usage Scenarios

Metals are used in a wide range of environments, from extreme temperatures and pressures to corrosive conditions. Specific alloys are chosen to optimize performance in these scenarios.

• High-Temperature Applications: Nickel-based superalloys in jet engines.
• Corrosive Environments: Stainless steel in chemical processing plants.
• Low-Temperature Applications: Aluminum alloys in cryogenic storage tanks.
• High-Stress Applications: Steel alloys in automotive components.

Common Types

Metals are broadly categorized into ferrous and non-ferrous metals:

• Ferrous Metals: Contain iron as a primary element.
  • Steel: Alloy of iron and carbon, known for its strength and versatility. Various types include carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel.
  • Cast Iron: Iron alloy with high carbon content, known for its brittleness and castability.
• Non-Ferrous Metals: Do not contain iron as a primary element.
  • Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, widely used in transportation and packaging.
  • Copper: Excellent electrical conductor, used in wiring and electronics.
  • Titanium: High strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, used in aerospace and medical applications.
  • Nickel: Corrosion-resistant and high-temperature strength, used in alloys and batteries.
  • Zinc: Corrosion-resistant coating for steel (galvanization).
  • Tin: Soft, malleable, used in soldering and packaging.
  • Gold & Silver: Excellent conductors and corrosion resistance, used in electronics and jewelry.
  • Lead: Dense and malleable, used in batteries and radiation shielding.

The term "metal" is broad and requires further specification for accurate HS code classification. Based on the provided reference material, several HS codes may be relevant depending on the specific type and form of the metal. Here are some potential classifications:

• 7201.10.00.00: Pig iron and spiegeleisen in pigs, blocks or other primary forms: Nonalloy pig iron containing by weight 0.5 percent or less of phosphorus. This code applies to primary forms of iron with a low phosphorus content.
  • 72: Iron and steel.
  • 01: Pig iron and spiegeleisen.
  • 10: Nonalloy pig iron containing by weight 0.5 percent or less of phosphorus.
• 7201.50.30.00: Pig iron and spiegeleisen in pigs, blocks or other primary forms: Alloy pig iron; spiegeleisen: Alloy pig iron. This code is for alloy pig iron and spiegeleisen.
  • 72: Iron and steel.
  • 01: Pig iron and spiegeleisen.
  • 50: Alloy pig iron; spiegeleisen.
  • 30: Alloy pig iron.
• 7204.10.00.00: Ferrous waste and scrap; remelting scrap ingots of iron or steel: Waste and scrap of cast iron. This code applies to waste and scrap of cast iron.
  • 72: Iron and steel.
  • 04: Ferrous waste and scrap.
  • 10: Waste and scrap of cast iron.
• 7301.10.00.00: Sheet piling of iron or steel, whether or not drilled, punched or made from assembled elements; welded angles, shapes and sections, of iron or steel: Sheet piling. This code is for sheet piling made of iron or steel.
  • 73: Articles of iron or steel.
  • 01: Sheet piling, angles, shapes and sections.
  • 10: Sheet piling.
• 7403.11.00.00: Refined copper and copper alloys, unwrought (other than master alloys of heading 7405): Refined copper: Cathodes and sections of cathodes. This code applies to refined copper in the form of cathodes and sections of cathodes.
  • 74: Copper.
  • 03: Refined copper and copper alloys, unwrought.
  • 11: Refined copper: Cathodes and sections of cathodes.
• 7501.10.00.00: Nickel mattes, nickel oxide sinters and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy: Nickel mattes. This code is for nickel mattes.
  • 75: Nickel.
  • 01: Nickel mattes, nickel oxide sinters.
  • 10: Nickel mattes.
• 7601.10.30.00: Unwrought aluminum: Aluminum, not alloyed: Of uniform cross section throughout its length, the least cross-sectional dimension of which is not greater than 9.5 mm, in coils. This code applies to non-alloyed aluminum in coils with a specific cross-sectional dimension.
  • 76: Aluminum.
  • 01: Unwrought aluminum.
  • 10: Aluminum, not alloyed.
  • 30: Of uniform cross section throughout its length, the least cross-sectional dimension of which is not greater than 9.5 mm, in coils.

Regarding these HS codes, please note that the applicable tariff rates are subject to change. It is recommended to verify the latest regulations with customs authorities.