Electromagnets — HTS 8505
Electromagnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization; electromagnetic or permanent magnet chucks, clamps and similar holding devices; electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes; electromagnetic lifting heads; parts thereof
Chapter 85 › Heading 8505
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 8505 is a broad product category for magnetic and electromagnetic equipment. It groups together electromagnets; permanent magnets and magnetizable articles; magnetic chucks, clamps, and similar holders; electromagnetic couplings, clutches, and brakes; electromagnetic lifting heads; and parts of these products.
The 4-digit heading is only the starting point. To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, identify the product’s function and construction, then follow the available subheadings and statistical subdivisions. These distinctions may depend on whether the item is an electromagnet or permanent magnet, the material or magnetic composition, its form, and whether it is a complete device or a qualifying part. Do not assume that every item containing a magnet belongs in heading 8505; the item’s principal function and any more specific heading must be considered.
What to check
- Describe how the item works: distinguish a magnet that operates continuously from an electromagnet, magnetic holder, clutch, brake, or lifting head.
- Confirm the product’s material, shape, and intended use, including whether it is a finished magnet, a magnetizable article, a complete device, or a part.
- Read every subheading under heading 8505 and compare the product’s technical specifications with the wording of each candidate 8-digit code.
- Check whether another HTSUS heading more specifically describes the complete machine or appliance in which the magnetic component is used.
- Keep product drawings, datasheets, catalog descriptions, and test information that support the classification; ask a customs broker or request a formal ruling when the distinctions are unclear.
HTS heading 8505 summary
Electromagnets is a 4-digit product category containing 2 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Sub-categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 8505.19 | Other |
| 8505.90 | Other, including parts |
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8505.11.00 👉 | Of metal | 2.1% | Free | 45% |
| 8505.20.00.00 👉 | Electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes | 3.1% | Free | 35% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 8505?
Electromagnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization; electromagnetic or permanent magnet chucks, clamps and similar holding devices; electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes; electromagnetic lifting heads; parts thereof. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.