Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is the most concentrated chapter for electromechanical products in the HS classification, involving various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, and utilization of electrical energy, as well as related electronic components. Permanent magnets, as core functional components of electrical equipment such as motors, speakers, and sensors, are classified in this chapter due to their key role in electromagnetic energy conversion. Heading 8505 covers electromagnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization; electromagnetic or permanent magnet chucks, clamps, vices, jigs and similar holding devices; electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes; electromagnetic lifting heads. The core of this heading is various types of magnets and their application devices, including metal permanent magnets (such as alnico, samarium cobalt, neodymium iron boron) and ferrite permanent magnets, as well as articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization (such as unmagnetized magnetic cores). Code 850511 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "85" indicate Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "05" indicate heading 8505 (electromagnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization, etc.). Digits 5-6 "11" indicate subheading 8505.11, namely "permanent magnets of metal". This subheading also includes further statistical codes (such as 8505.11.10, etc.), but the six-digit level is already clearly defined as permanent magnets of metal, distinguished from 8505.19 (other permanent magnets, such as ferrite permanent magnets). The commodity is a permanent magnet and the material is metal (such as neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, etc.), so it is classified under 8505.11. If it were a ferrite permanent magnet, it would be classified under 8505.19; if it were an unmagnetized magnetic core or an article intended to become a permanent magnet, it would also be classified under 8505 but may involve a different subheading. The difference from 8504 (transformers, static converters) is that 8505 covers magnets themselves, while 8504 covers electromagnetic induction devices.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is the most concentrated chapter for electromechanical products in the HS classification, involving various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, and utilization of electrical energy, as well as related electronic components. Permanent magnets, as core functional components of electrical equipment such as motors, speakers, and sensors, are classified in this chapter due to their key role in electromagnetic energy conversion.
Heading
Heading 8505 covers electromagnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization; electromagnetic or permanent magnet chucks, clamps, vices, jigs and similar holding devices; electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes; electromagnetic lifting heads. The core of this heading is various types of magnets and their application devices, including metal permanent magnets (such as alnico, samarium cobalt, neodymium iron boron) and ferrite permanent magnets, as well as articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization (such as unmagnetized magnetic cores).
Digit Breakdown
Code 850511 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "85" indicate Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "05" indicate heading 8505 (electromagnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization, etc.). Digits 5-6 "11" indicate subheading 8505.11, namely "permanent magnets of metal". This subheading also includes further statistical codes (such as 8505.11.10, etc.), but the six-digit level is already clearly defined as permanent magnets of metal, distinguished from 8505.19 (other permanent magnets, such as ferrite permanent magnets).
Classification Basis
The commodity is a permanent magnet and the material is metal (such as neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, etc.), so it is classified under 8505.11. If it were a ferrite permanent magnet, it would be classified under 8505.19; if it were an unmagnetized magnetic core or an article intended to become a permanent magnet, it would also be classified under 8505 but may involve a different subheading. The difference from 8504 (transformers, static converters) is that 8505 covers magnets themselves, while 8504 covers electromagnetic induction devices.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "neodymium iron boron permanent magnet" or "samarium cobalt permanent magnet", which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: The main composition of the permanent magnet, such as neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, ferrite, etc., which determines the classification subheading. Brand: The manufacturer or trademark; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: The specification and model of the product, such as performance grades like N35, N42, or size codes. Use: The application field of the permanent magnet, such as motors, speakers, sensors, magnetic separators, etc. Processing Method: The forming process, such as sintering, bonding, casting, etc. Whether Magnetized: Whether it has been magnetized at the time of declaration; if unmagnetized, it may be classified under other subheadings of 8505. Appearance and Dimensions: The shape and dimensions of the product, such as cylindrical, square, ring-shaped, etc. Product Name: Neodymium iron boron permanent magnet; Material: Neodymium iron boron alloy; Brand: No brand; Model: N42; Use: For micro motors; Processing Method: Sintering; Whether Magnetized: Magnetized; Appearance and Dimensions: Cylindrical, diameter 10mm, height 5mm. Mistakenly classifying ferrite permanent magnets under 8505.11, when they should actually be classified under 8505.19. Failure to distinguish between magnetized and unmagnetized; unmagnetized products may be classified under 8505.90 or other subheadings. Vague material descriptions, such as "rare earth magnet", leading to classification disputes.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "neodymium iron boron permanent magnet" or "samarium cobalt permanent magnet", which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Writing only "magnet" without specifying the material and use.
Material
The main composition of the permanent magnet, such as neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, ferrite, etc., which determines the classification subheading.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing neodymium iron boron as "rare earth magnet" without specifying the exact alloy.
Brand
The manufacturer or trademark; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or providing incomplete information.
Model
The specification and model of the product, such as performance grades like N35, N42, or size codes.
⚠️ Filling in the model as an internal code that cannot correspond to the actual product.
Use
The application field of the permanent magnet, such as motors, speakers, sensors, magnetic separators, etc.
⚠️ The description of use is too broad, such as "industrial use".
Processing Method
The forming process, such as sintering, bonding, casting, etc.
⚠️ Failure to distinguish between sintering and bonding, which affects classification determination.
Whether Magnetized
Whether it has been magnetized at the time of declaration; if unmagnetized, it may be classified under other subheadings of 8505.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring an unmagnetized product as a permanent magnet.
Appearance and Dimensions
The shape and dimensions of the product, such as cylindrical, square, ring-shaped, etc.
⚠️ Incorrect dimension units or failure to provide them.
Example： Product Name: Neodymium iron boron permanent magnet; Material: Neodymium iron boron alloy; Brand: No brand; Model: N42; Use: For micro motors; Processing Method: Sintering; Whether Magnetized: Magnetized; Appearance and Dimensions: Cylindrical, diameter 10mm, height 5mm.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying ferrite permanent magnets under 8505.11, when they should actually be classified under 8505.19.
Failure to distinguish between magnetized and unmagnetized; unmagnetized products may be classified under 8505.90 or other subheadings.
Vague material descriptions, such as "rare earth magnet", leading to classification disputes.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the interpretation of 8505.11 in the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes: permanent magnets of metal. When determining, it is necessary to confirm whether the material is metal (including alloys) and whether it is magnetized or intended to be magnetized. If it is a ferrite (ceramic) permanent magnet, it is classified under 8505.19. Attention should also be paid to the difference from 8504 (electromagnets, transformers); 8505 covers permanent magnets themselves, while 8504 covers electromagnetic induction devices. 850519 Other permanent magnets: 850519 covers non-metal permanent magnets, such as ferrite permanent magnets and plastic magnets, while 850511 is limited to permanent magnets of metal. 850490 Parts of electromagnets: 850490 covers parts of equipment such as electromagnets and transformers, while 850511 covers independent permanent magnets that are not attached to other equipment. 850590 Other electromagnetic devices: 850590 includes electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes, etc., while 850511 covers only the permanent magnet material itself. 850300 Parts of motors: 850300 covers dedicated parts of electric motors and generators; if a permanent magnet is dedicated to a motor and has been assembled, it may be classified under 850300. Confirm whether the material is metal (alloy)? Confirm whether it is magnetized or intended to be magnetized? Confirm whether it is declared independently rather than as a part of equipment? Confirm whether the use affects classification? Confirm whether it is confused with codes such as 8504 and 8503?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the interpretation of 8505.11 in the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes: permanent magnets of metal. When determining, it is necessary to confirm whether the material is metal (including alloys) and whether it is magnetized or intended to be magnetized. If it is a ferrite (ceramic) permanent magnet, it is classified under 8505.19. Attention should also be paid to the difference from 8504 (electromagnets, transformers); 8505 covers permanent magnets themselves, while 8504 covers electromagnetic induction devices.
Confused Codes：
850519 - Other permanent magnets
850519 covers non-metal permanent magnets, such as ferrite permanent magnets and plastic magnets, while 850511 is limited to permanent magnets of metal.
850490 - Parts of electromagnets
850490 covers parts of equipment such as electromagnets and transformers, while 850511 covers independent permanent magnets that are not attached to other equipment.
850590 - Other electromagnetic devices
850590 includes electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes, etc., while 850511 covers only the permanent magnet material itself.
850300 - Parts of motors
850300 covers dedicated parts of electric motors and generators; if a permanent magnet is dedicated to a motor and has been assembled, it may be classified under 850300.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the material is metal (alloy)?
✓ Confirm whether it is magnetized or intended to be magnetized?
✓ Confirm whether it is declared independently rather than as a part of equipment?
✓ Confirm whether the use affects classification?
✓ Confirm whether it is confused with codes such as 8504 and 8503?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between permanent magnets 850511 and 850519? 850511 specifically refers to permanent magnets of metal, such as neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, etc.; 850519 refers to other permanent magnets, mainly ferrite permanent magnets. Classification should be determined based on the material: metal materials go under 850511, non-metal under 850519. How should unmagnetized permanent magnets be classified? If an unmagnetized permanent magnet already has the essential characteristics of a permanent magnet, it is still classified under 8505, but may be classified under 8505.90 (other). If it is an unmagnetized magnetic core, it is also classified under 8505. It is recommended to clearly state the "unmagnetized" status when declaring to avoid classification disputes. If a permanent magnet is used in a motor, should it be classified under 850300? If the permanent magnet is a dedicated part of a motor and has been assembled with other components or is clearly dedicated to motors, it may be classified under 850300. However, if the permanent magnet is declared separately, it is still classified under 8505.11. Classification should be determined based on whether it constitutes a part of a complete machine. How can I check the import tariff rate for permanent magnets? Tariff rates change with policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest tariff rate by entering HS code 850511 through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements. When declaring permanent magnets, must the brand and model be filled in? Brand and model are important declaration elements. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand"; the model should be filled in truthfully. If missing, it may lead to failure of customs document review or inspection. What regulatory conditions are required for exporting permanent magnets? Permanent magnets generally have no special regulatory conditions, but if they involve rare earth materials (such as neodymium iron boron), they may need to comply with rare earth export management regulations. It is recommended to check the latest export control list. What are the differences in classification and declaration between neodymium iron boron permanent magnets and samarium cobalt permanent magnets? Both are permanent magnets of metal and are classified under 850511, but the specific material (neodymium iron boron or samarium cobalt) must be stated when declaring, because different materials may affect regulatory conditions and tariff rates. When classifying permanent magnets, does the processing method (sintering/bonding) affect the HS code? The processing method usually does not affect the six-digit subheading classification, but it may affect statistical codes or regulatory conditions. It should be filled in truthfully when declaring so that customs can classify accurately.
Q: What is the difference between permanent magnets 850511 and 850519?
A: 850511 specifically refers to permanent magnets of metal, such as neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, etc.; 850519 refers to other permanent magnets, mainly ferrite permanent magnets. Classification should be determined based on the material: metal materials go under 850511, non-metal under 850519.
Q: How should unmagnetized permanent magnets be classified?
A: If an unmagnetized permanent magnet already has the essential characteristics of a permanent magnet, it is still classified under 8505, but may be classified under 8505.90 (other). If it is an unmagnetized magnetic core, it is also classified under 8505. It is recommended to clearly state the "unmagnetized" status when declaring to avoid classification disputes.
Q: If a permanent magnet is used in a motor, should it be classified under 850300?
A: If the permanent magnet is a dedicated part of a motor and has been assembled with other components or is clearly dedicated to motors, it may be classified under 850300. However, if the permanent magnet is declared separately, it is still classified under 8505.11. Classification should be determined based on whether it constitutes a part of a complete machine.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for permanent magnets?
A: Tariff rates change with policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest tariff rate by entering HS code 850511 through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements.
Q: When declaring permanent magnets, must the brand and model be filled in?
A: Brand and model are important declaration elements. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand"; the model should be filled in truthfully. If missing, it may lead to failure of customs document review or inspection.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for exporting permanent magnets?
A: Permanent magnets generally have no special regulatory conditions, but if they involve rare earth materials (such as neodymium iron boron), they may need to comply with rare earth export management regulations. It is recommended to check the latest export control list.
Q: What are the differences in classification and declaration between neodymium iron boron permanent magnets and samarium cobalt permanent magnets?
A: Both are permanent magnets of metal and are classified under 850511, but the specific material (neodymium iron boron or samarium cobalt) must be stated when declaring, because different materials may affect regulatory conditions and tariff rates.
Q: When classifying permanent magnets, does the processing method (sintering/bonding) affect the HS code?
A: The processing method usually does not affect the six-digit subheading classification, but it may affect statistical codes or regulatory conditions. It should be filled in truthfully when declaring so that customs can classify accurately.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.