Cobalt
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2605000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8105203000 | 39.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8105206000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7112990100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8105300000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π£ Cobalt (Global Trade & Customs Classification Guide)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Cobalt"?
In international trade, "Cobalt" is not a single entity but a spectrum of materials ranging from raw ore to refined metal and scrap. Correct classification is critical because tariff liabilities vary significantly based on the processing stage and physical form.
Cobalt is primarily categorized into two main streams for customs purposes: 1. Metallurgical Intermediate & Refined Metal (HS 8105): Includes cobalt ores, concentrates, mattes, and intermediate products used in smelting. This is the upstream industrial supply chain. 2. Scrap and Waste (HS 7112 / HS 8105): Includes cobalt-containing waste, scraps, and fragments from manufacturing or recycling.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - If the material is raw ore or metallurgical intermediate (before final refining into ingots/powders), it generally falls under HS 2605 or HS 8105.20/30. - If the material is recyclable scrap or waste, it falls under HS 7112.99 (Precious Metal Scrap) or HS 8105.30 (Cobalt Scrap). - Crucial Note: "Cobalt" as a finished metal product (e.g., bars, wires) is not listed in this specific dataset, implying these codes target raw materials, intermediates, and scrap for industrial processing.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
2605.00.00.00 |
Cobalt Ores & Concentrates | Upstream smelting raw material; pre-refining stage | Raw ore extracted from mines, requiring smelting |
8105.20.30.00 |
Cobalt & Alloys (Specific) | Matched for cobalt and cobalt alloy materials | Refined cobalt, alloys, or specific metallurgical forms |
8105.20.60.00 |
Cobalt Metallurgical Intermediates | Fits definition of cobalt metallurgical intermediates | Intermediate products (e.g., powder, granules, matte) for further refining |
7112.99.01.00 |
Cobalt Scrap (Precious Metal Class) | Scrap and fragments of precious metals or cladded precious metals | Industrial scrap, recycling feedstock classified under precious metals |
8105.30.00.00 |
Cobalt Scrap & Waste | Fits classification for waste and scraps of cobalt products | Cobalt manufacturing waste, turnings, chips, or end-of-life recycled cobalt |
π Critical Reminder: - Ores vs. Intermediates:
2605.00.00.00is for raw ores.8105.20.xis for processed intermediates or alloys. Do not confuse mined rock with smelted matte. - Scrap Classification: Cobalt scrap can be tricky. If it is classified under precious metal rules, use7112.99.01.00. If it is general cobalt waste, use8105.30.00.00. The physical state and purity dictate the code.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US) β Origin: China (CN) β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Tariff Regime
All items in this dataset are subject to significant trade restrictions due to geopolitical trade policies. The total tax burden is composed of Base Tariff + Additional Duties (Section 301/122 Clauses).
π― 1. 2605.00.00.00 ββ Cobalt Ores & Concentrates (Raw Material)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% (Standard USITC penalty for Chinese goods) |
| Section 122 Additional Duty | 10.0% (Specific clause for critical minerals/strategic materials) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation Basis | CIF Value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT ALLOWED (High-risk item, strictly regulated) |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:2605.00.00.00 β SECTION_301:25% β SECTION_122:10% |
π Explanation: - Cobalt is a critical strategic mineral. While the base tariff is zero, the 35% combined duty makes importing raw cobalt ore from China highly expensive. - The 10% Section 122 tariff is specifically targeting strategic resource flows.
π― 2. 8105.20.30.00 ββ Cobalt & Alloys (Specific Form)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.4% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Additional Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 39.4% |
| Tax Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 39.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT ALLOWED |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:8105.20.30.00 β SECTION_301:25% β SECTION_122:10% |
π Explanation: - This code applies to specific cobalt forms (likely powders or specific alloy grades). - Unlike ores, there is a 4.4% base tariff, pushing the total cost to 39.4%. This is the highest tax bracket in this dataset.
π― 3. 8105.20.60.00 ββ Cobalt Metallurgical Intermediates
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Additional Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT ALLOWED |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:8105.20.60.00 β SECTION_301:25% β SECTION_122:10% |
π Explanation: - Intermediates (like cobalt sulfate precursors or metal powders) share the same tax structure as ores (35%) because the base tariff is 0%. - Key difference from
8105.20.30.00: No base tariff, saving 4.4% compared to the alloy category.
π― 4. 7112.99.01.00 ββ Cobalt Scrap (Precious Metal Classification)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Additional Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT ALLOWED |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:7112.99.01.00 β SECTION_301:25% β SECTION_122:10% |
π Explanation: - Cobalt scrap is often grouped with precious metals due to its high economic value and recyclability. - Despite being "waste," it is taxed at the strategic material rate (35%). - Compliance Alert: Proof of recycling status and origin is strictly required to prevent misclassification as "municipal waste" (which might have different rules) or "metal scrap" under other codes.
π― 5. 8105.30.00.00 ββ Cobalt Scrap & Waste (General)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Additional Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT ALLOWED |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:8105.30.00.00 β SECTION_301:25% β SECTION_122:10% |
π Explanation: - This is the general category for cobalt waste not classified under precious metals. - Identical tax rate to ores and intermediates (35%). - Warning: Ensure the waste is not contaminated with hazardous substances (e.g., radioactive materials, strong acids), which would trigger environmental inspections and delays.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pro Strategies)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for proving CN origin; may be scrutinized for Section 301/122 applicability. |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Critical for scrap/waste to prove it is not hazardous or mixed with prohibited materials. |
| β Commercial Invoice with Detailed Description | βοΈ | Must specify "Cobalt Ore," "Cobalt Powder," or "Cobalt Scrap" clearly. Vague terms like "Metal Material" will lead to delays. |
| β Processing Status Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state if it is "Raw Ore," "Intermediate," or "Scrap" to justify the HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight and packaging type (e.g., bags, drums). |
| β Import License (If Applicable) | βοΈ | Check if CBM (Consumer and Business Media) or other strategic resource permits are needed. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βForm Defines Code, Code Defines Tax!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk of Misclassification |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Mined Ore | 2605.00.00.00 |
Misdeclaring as scrap β Potential fraud penalties. |
| Cobalt Powder/Granules | 8105.20.60.00 |
Misdeclaring as alloy (8105.20.30.00) β Extra 4.4% tax. |
| Recycled Cobalt Scrap | 8105.30.00.00 OR 7112.99.01.00 |
Must verify if it qualifies as "precious metal scrap." If unsure, 8105.30.00.00 is safer but still 35%. |
| Cobalt Alloys | 8105.20.30.00 |
Highest tax (39.4%). Ensure it is indeed an alloy, not pure cobalt intermediate. |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Strategy |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipment (Ore + Scrap) | Declare Separately. Do not combine. Each HS code must be on its own line item in the entry. |
| Contaminated Scrap | If cobalt waste is mixed with oil, chemicals, or other metals, it may be classified as "Hazardous Waste" rather than "Metal Scrap," leading to rejection or environmental fines. |
| Section 122 Exemption? | Currently, no exemptions are listed in the provided data. Assume full 35-39.4% liability unless a specific waiver (e.g., for national security or essential equipment) is granted by USTR. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | Not Applicable. Items under HS 2605 and 8105 are explicitly excluded from the $800 de minimis exemption for small shipments. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tariff (CN Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2605.00.00.00 / 8105.20.60.00 / 8105.30.00.00 / 7112.99.01.00 |
35.0% | High strategic tariffs apply. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 8105.20.30.00 |
39.4% | Highest tier due to base tariff. |
| π¨π³ China | Varies | Lower | Import duty for raw materials is often low or zero, but VAT applies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | Varies | Varies | EU has CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) considerations for metals. |
| π―π΅ Japan | Varies | Varies | Strict purity standards for cobalt imports. |
π Conclusion: - The US market is the most expensive for cobalt imports from China due to the Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) + Base Tariff structure. - Alloy forms (
8105.20.30.00) incur the highest cost (39.4%). - Ores, Intermediates, and Scrap are uniformly taxed at 35%.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying "Cobalt Powder" as "Scrap" (8105.30.00.00) when it is an Intermediate (8105.20.60.00).
π Consequence: While the tax rate is similar (35%), misdeclaration can lead to audit flags for evading Section 122 criteria or misrepresenting product nature.
β Error 2: Using "De Minimis" (Section 321) for small cobalt samples. π Consequence: Seizure of goods. Cobalt is a controlled strategic mineral. Small shipments are still subject to full tariffs and documentation.
β Error 3: Not distinguishing between "Precious Metal Scrap" (7112.99.01.00) and "Cobalt Scrap" (8105.30.00.00).
π Consequence: Both are 35% in this dataset, but precious metal scrap may have different environmental import regulations (e.g., Basel Convention compliance). Incorrect classification can lead to customs holds.
β Correct Approach:
"Cobalt Oxide Powder (Intermediate), 99.5% Purity, HS 8105.20.60.00, CN Origin, Declared with MSDS and CO."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Cobalt Clearance
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Ores & Scrap = 35% (0% Base + 35% Add-on)"
πΉ "Specific Alloys = 39.4% (4.4% Base + 35% Add-on)"
πΉ "No De Minimis for Cobalt!"πΉ "Section 122 is the Silent Cost Driver for Strategic Minerals."
π Pro Tip:
If your cobalt product is high-purity electrolytic cobalt (not listed in this raw/intermediate dataset), check HS 8105.30.00 or 8105.20.90 equivalents for potential lower base tariffs, but always verify Section 122 applicability. Pre-clearance ruling is highly recommended for cobalt imports to avoid unexpected 35-39.4% shocks.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify your material's physical form (Ore, Powder, Scrap, Alloy). π Prepare MSDS and Certificate of Origin. π Budget for 35-39.4% total landed duty cost.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff impacts your bottom line!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.