85051100
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›Electromagnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation; electromagnetic or permanent magnet chucks, clamps and similar holding devices; electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes; electromagnetic lifting heads
Permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation - Of metal
Subcodes (2)
Scope of subheading 850511 - permanent metal magnets
Subheading 850511 covers permanent magnets made of metal, intended for permanent magnetisation. Includes neodymium (NdFeB), samarium-cobalt (SmCo), alnico (AlNiCo) and ferrite (ceramic) magnets. NdFeB are the strongest commercial magnets, used in EV motors, wind turbine generators, hard drives, speakers and medical devices (MRI). Classification requires a metal magnet intended for permanent magnetisation. Non-metal magnets may be classified under 850519. Classification per GRI 1 and 6.
Regulatory and strategic requirements for permanent magnets
Import requires EORI. NdFeB magnets contain rare earth elements (REE), classified as critical raw materials under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1252). REACH may apply to anti-corrosion coatings (nickel, zinc). RoHS 2 applies to consumer device magnets. CBAM does not apply. EU aims to diversify REE supply through European Raw Materials Alliance. Documentation: invoice, material specification (grade, energy class, coating), transport document.
Customs duties and trade in permanent magnets
MFN rates should be verified in TARIC. China dominates global NdFeB production with over 85% market share. Also imported from Japan and Korea. EU faces REE supply chain diversification challenge. Preferential rates under FTAs require rules of origin. VAT charged on import.
Critical raw materials and magnet imports 8505 11
Magnets under CN 8505 11 fall under the Critical Raw Materials Regulation (EU) 2024/1252, introducing supply chain traceability requirements for permanent magnets. Neodymium magnets (NdFeB) contain rare earth elements on the EU critical raw materials list. MFN duty: 2.7%. CE declaration is required for electromagnetic couplings. Export controls may apply for high-performance magnets.
Frequently asked questions
Are neodymium magnets subject to EU critical raw materials regulations?
Yes. Neodymium, praseodymium and dysprosium in NdFeB magnets are on the EU critical raw materials list (Critical Raw Materials Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1252). The regulation sets recycling targets, supply diversification goals and supply chain monitoring. Permanent magnets from EV motors and wind turbines are subject to recycling obligations. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Which NdFeB grades are most commonly imported?
Most commonly imported NdFeB grades: N35-N52 (standard) and high-temperature: N35H-N52H (120 C), N35SH-N50SH (150 C), N35UH-N48UH (180 C), N35EH-N42EH (200 C). Grade selection depends on application: EV motors require SH/UH classes, standard speakers N classes. Material specification should state grade, energy class and coating.
Are permanent magnets subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM covers: steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. Permanent magnets from Chapter 85 are not within CBAM scope.
Are neodymium magnets under 8505 11 subject to CRM Act?
Yes, permanent magnets under 8505 11 containing rare earths are subject to the Critical Raw Materials Regulation (EU) 2024/1252, requiring supply chain traceability.
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