8505.11.00 - Of metal

This HTS category, 8505.11.00, specifically classifies permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization, with a crucial defining characteristic: they are composed **of metal**. This includes a wide range of magnetic materials that derive their magnetic properties from their metallic composition.

It is essential to distinguish this metallic category from its sibling, 8505.19, which encompasses "Other" permanent magnets. While 8505.19 would cover non-metallic permanent magnets or those made from composite materials not primarily metal, 8505.11.00 is strictly for metallic permanent magnets. This distinction hinges on the primary constituent material of the magnetic article.

Within the 8505.11.00 classification, further subdivisions exist to provide greater specificity. These subcategories (8505.11.00.10 through 8505.11.00.90) differentiate based on the specific metallic alloy or composition of the permanent magnet. This allows for more precise tariff treatment based on materials like Alnico, sintered samarium-cobalt, and sintered neodymium-iron-boron, recognizing that the performance and application of metallic permanent magnets can vary significantly with their elemental makeup.