Nickel Alloy (HS Code 8109310000)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7502200000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7506201000 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Unwrought Nickel & Nickel Alloy Products (HS Codes 7502.20.00.00 & 7506.20.10.00)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Identifying Nickel Correctly?
Nickel is a critical strategic metal used in aerospace, chemical processing, energy storage, and high-performance alloys. In international trade, it is strictly divided based on its form (unwrought vs. manufactured shapes) and composition (pure vs. alloy).
1. Unwrought Nickel (Primary Forms)
Raw nickel in its basic metallic state, including:
- Nickel Ingots/Billets: Molten nickel cast into shapes for further processing.
- Unwrought Nickel Alloys: Nickel mixed with other metals (e.g., Copper, Chromium) in bulk form.
2. Nickel Sheets, Plates, Strips, and Foil (Semi-Finished Products)
Flat-rolled products that have been mechanically worked (hot or cold) into thin sheets or strips.
- Cold-formed: Processed at room temperature to increase strength and surface finish.
- Alloys: Must be specifically identified as "Nickel Alloys" rather than pure nickel.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is raw, unshaped, or cast β It falls under Chapter 75 (Unwrought Nickel).
- If it is rolled, flattened, or shaped into sheets/foils β It falls under Chapter 75 (Plates, Sheets, Strip).
- Crucial Note: The user input mentionedHS Code 8109310000(which is Nickel, not Nickel Alloy). However, the provided<DATA>strictly contains Nickel Alloy classifications. Therefore, the analysis below focuses exclusively on the HS Codes provided in<DATA>: 7502.20.00.00 and 7506.20.10.00.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided )
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
7502.20.00.00 |
Unwrought Nickel: Nickel alloys | Raw material import for smelting or casting | Unprocessed, bulk form |
7506.20.10.00 |
Nickel plates, sheets, strip and foil: Of nickel alloys: Other: Cold-formed | Industrial sheets, foils, or strips for manufacturing | Mechanically rolled (cold-formed) |
π Important Clarification:
- The input asked for8109310000(Unwrought Nickel), but the<DATA>only provides Nickel Alloy codes.
-7502.20.00.00covers Unwrought Nickel Alloys.
-7506.20.10.00covers Cold-formed Nickel Alloy Sheets/Strips.
- If you are importing Pure Unwrought Nickel (not alloy), it would typically fall under7501.20.00.00, which is NOT in the provided<DATA>. We must stick to the provided data.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Strictly Based on )
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β ηζζΆι΄ (Effective Date): 2025εΉ΄11ζ10ζ₯θ΅· (From Nov 10, 2025)
π― 1. 7502.20.00.00 ββ Unwrought Nickel: Nickel Alloys
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Section 301 / USITC Footnote) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Detail | εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Standard de minimis does not override Section 301 tariffs) |
π Explanation:
- Although the base tariff for unwrought nickel alloys is 0%, the 25% additional tariff (often referred to as the "Trump Tariff" or Section 301 duty) applies to Chinese-origin nickel alloys.
- Total Import Duty = 25%. This is a significant cost driver for raw material imports.
π― 2. 7506.20.10.00 ββ Nickel Plates, Sheets, Strip and Foil: Cold-formed Nickel Alloys
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Detail | εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Due to 0% rate, de minimis is irrelevant, but no extra duties apply) |
π Explanation:
- Crucial Advantage: Cold-formed nickel alloy sheets and strips (7506.20.10.00) are exempt from the 25% additional tariff.
- Total Import Duty = 0%.
- This creates a strong incentive to import processed forms (sheets/foils) rather than raw unwrought alloys if the 25% duty is a concern.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Nickel Alloy, Unwrought" or "Cold-formed Nickel Alloy Sheet" |
| β Certificate of Composition | βοΈ | Must specify exact chemical composition (e.g., Ni content > 50%) to prove it is a "Nickel Alloy" |
| β Mill Test Report (MTR) | βοΈ | Critical for verifying material grade and form |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify weight, dimensions, and packaging type |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Essential for determining tariff applicability |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Form Matters: Raw vs. Processed"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tariff Rate | Wrong Declaration Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Nickel Ingots/Alloy Blocks | 7502.20.00.00 |
25% | If declared as sheet β Risk of penalty + back taxes |
| Cold-rolled Nickel Alloy Sheets | 7506.20.10.00 |
0% | If declared as unwrought β Pay extra 25% unnecessarily |
| Hot-rolled Sheets | Not in | ? | Must check other HS codes; do not use 7506.20.10.00 |
π Critical Warning:
- Do not confuse "Unwrought" with "Semi-finished".
- If you import sheets, ensure the description explicitly states "Cold-formed" and "Nickel Alloy".
- If the sheets are hot-rolled, they may not qualify for7506.20.10.00(which specifies Cold-formed). They might fall under a different subheading with different rates. Verify the manufacturing process!
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Importing Pure Nickel (Not Alloy) | Not covered in . Likely 7501.20.00.00. Check separate tariff schedule. |
| Importing Stainless Steel (Iron-Nickel-Chromium) | Do NOT use HS Code 7502/7506. Stainless steel is in Chapter 72 (e.g., 7218, 7219). Using Nickel HS codes for stainless steel is a major customs violation. |
| Nickel Foil | Ensure it falls under 7506.20.10.00 (Cold-formed). If it is electrolytic foil, confirm classification. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (for Nickel Alloy) | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7502.20.00.00 (Unwrought) |
25% | High duty on raw alloys |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7506.20.10.00 (Cold-formed) |
0% | Duty-free for processed sheets/foils |
| π¨π³ China | 7502.20.00.00 / 7506.20.10.00 |
~0-10% | Check latest Chinese tariff schedule |
| πͺπΊ EU | Similar HS Codes | Varies (0-10%) | No Section 301 equivalent, but anti-dumping may apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA has a stark difference: 25% tax on raw unwrought nickel alloys vs. 0% tax on cold-formed nickel alloy sheets.
- Strategic Suggestion: If possible, source cold-formed nickel alloy sheets/foils instead of raw unwrought alloys to avoid the 25% tariff, provided the product specification matches7506.20.10.00.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Stainless Steel Sheets as 7506.20.10.00 (Nickel Alloy Sheet)
π Consequence: Customs reclassification to Chapter 72 (Stainless Steel), potential penalties, and duty underpayment.
β
Fix: Verify chemical composition. If Iron is the main element, it is not a Nickel Alloy.
β Error 2: Declaring Hot-rolled Nickel Alloy Sheets as 7506.20.10.00 (Cold-formed)
π Consequence: Misdeclaration. Hot-rolled products may have different tariff rates or requirements.
β
Fix: Confirm the manufacturing process (Cold vs. Hot rolled) with the mill test report.
β Error 3: Ignoring the 25% Additional Tariff on 7502.20.00.00
π Consequence: Budget miscalculation. Expecting 0% base tax, but paying 25% total.
β
Fix: Always calculate Total Tax = Base + Additional.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Unwrought Alloy: 25% Tax"
πΉ "Cold-Formed Sheet: 0% Tax"
πΉ "Verify Composition: Nickel Alloy vs. Stainless Steel"
πΉ "Cold vs. Hot Rolled: Know the Difference!"
π Pro Tip:
- If you are importing raw nickel alloys (7502.20.00.00), the 25% tariff is unavoidable under current US regulations.
- If you can adjust your supply chain to import cold-formed nickel alloy sheets/foils (7506.20.10.00), you can save 25% in duties.
- Always request a Mill Test Report (MTR) to prove the exact product form and composition.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with your customs broker to verify the manufacturing process (Cold vs. Hot) and chemical composition (Nickel Alloy vs. Stainless Steel).
π Optimize your HS Code selection to minimize tariff costs!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Your cost savings depend on the details!
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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.