OTHER BASE METALS; CERMETS; ARTICLES THEREOF

Chapter 81 of the Combined Nomenclature covers other base metals not classified in Chapters 72-80, as well as cermets and articles thereof. The scope of the chapter includes, among others: tungsten and articles of tungsten (8101), molybdenum and articles of molybdenum (8102), tantalum and articles of tantalum (8103), magnesium and articles of magnesium (8104), cobalt mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, as well as cobalt and articles of cobalt (8105), bismuth and articles of bismuth (8106), cadmium and articles of cadmium (8107), titanium and articles of titanium (8108), zirconium and articles of zirconium (8109), antimony (8110), manganese (8111), beryllium, chromium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, hafnium, indium, niobium, rhenium and thallium (8112), and cermets and articles of cermets (8113). These metals are of key importance for advanced technologies, the aerospace industry, electronics, energy and defence. Many of them are recognised by the European Union as critical raw materials. The import of these metals is subject to specific regulations, including provisions on conflict minerals and dual-use export controls.

Customs duty rates on base metals in Chapter 81 are varied and often low due to the strategic importance of these raw materials. Unwrought tungsten is subject to a duty rate of 2.5-5%. Unwrought molybdenum has a 0% rate. Unwrought titanium is subject to a 0% rate. Unwrought magnesium is subject to duties of 1-3%. Many rare metals, such as tantalum, niobium and germanium, benefit from zero or minimal rates. Cermets are subject to rates of 2.7-5%. Higher rates apply to finished products and semi-finished products with a higher degree of processing.

The classification of goods in Chapter 81 requires precise determination of the type of metal, its physical form and the degree of working. Each metal has a separate assigned tariff heading. For the metals listed in headings 8101-8112, the subheading structure is uniform and includes: unwrought forms, waste and scrap, powders and other articles. Cermets are classified separately under heading 8113. It should be noted that alloys of metals in Chapter 81 are classified according to the metal predominating by weight, unless the notes to the chapter provide otherwise.