Sourcing neodymium metal from China
Neodymium metal from China attracts 0% to 4% UK duty: qualifying separated metal has a suspension, while rare-earth mixtures containing neodymium pay 4%. Match the code to composition and check UK REACH before importing into Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources neodymium metal.
Neodymium metal duty and classification
Heading 2805 covers rare-earth metals, including neodymium, whether separated or intermixed or interalloyed with other rare-earth metals. This guide concerns metal feedstock. Finished magnets are covered in our neodymium and ferrite magnets guide. For the wider heading, see cerium metal.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, separated neodymium of 95% purity or more under 2805 30 29 40 carries 2% duty, reduced to 0% by an autonomous suspension. Its exclusion covers mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing the metal. Lower-purity separated metal under 2805 30 80 00 carries 2%; the listed neodymium-containing rare-earth mixtures carry 4%. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded on these lines.
The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. For material imported from China into England as waste under notification controls, shipment must await consent from the Environment Agency and the other competent authorities involved. Ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable waste requirements, including any later return shipment. Confirm composition and purity before choosing a code using finding your commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separated neodymium metal, purity by weight of 95% or more | 2805 30 29 40 | 2% | None |
| Other separated rare-earth metal, including lower-purity neodymium | 2805 30 80 00 | 2% | None |
| Rare-earth intermixtures or interalloys containing neodymium | 2805 30 10 40 | 4% | None |
| Rare-earth intermixtures or interalloys containing neodymium and dysprosium | 2805 30 10 30 | 4% | None |
Specify neodymium purity and sealed packing
State whether you need separated neodymium or an agreed rare-earth blend. Specify neodymium content, total rare-earth content, neighbouring rare-earth impurities, iron, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon limits, physical form and piece size. Agree the sampling and analytical methods, and require a certificate of analysis tied to the production lot.
For ingots and pieces, agree argon-sealed or vacuum packing and a method for checking seal integrity. Poor sealing can increase oxidation; fine powders can ignite. Ask the supplier for handling and storage information specific to the supplied form before arranging inspection.
For Great Britain, confirm your UK REACH registration position for your annual import volume with HSE. Registration is per substance and legal entity. Importers are responsible for chemical hazard classification; check the applicable chemical labelling rules. A safety data sheet is required when hazardous metal is supplied for use at work.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 kg of praseodymium-neodymium metal in argon-sealed drums under 2805 30 10 40, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,200. Duty at 4% is £1,248. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,448, so it is £6,489.60. Import taxes total £7,737.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,248 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the drum labels, lot numbers and analysis certificate to the ordered separated metal or rare-earth blend.
Purity: test named-metal purity and neighbouring rare-earth impurities separately from total rare-earth content.
Contamination: compare oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and iron results with the agreed limits and test methods.
Packing: check seals, drum damage and evidence of oxidation before releasing the lot for use; arrange opening and sampling according to the handling information.
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What goes wrong
A certificate can report acceptable total rare-earth content while the neodymium fraction misses the specification. Residual neighbouring rare earths and oxygen or carbon pick-up can make a lot unsuitable for the intended alloy process. Agree independent batch testing through testing and certification.
A supplier may describe a rare-earth blend simply as neodymium metal. Declaring that blend as separated neodymium can lead to a suspension being rejected and duty reassessed. Check the full composition against the invoice, certificate and customs description before dispatch.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on neodymium metal from China?
Separated neodymium of 95% purity or more has a 2% rate reduced to 0% by suspension. Lower-purity separated metal carries 2%; the listed neodymium-containing rare-earth mixtures carry 4%.
Does neodymium metal need UK REACH registration?
Confirm your registration position for imports into Great Britain with HSE, using your annual import volume. Registration is per substance and legal entity.
How do I check neodymium metal purity?
Check named-metal purity and neighbouring rare-earth impurities, not just total rare-earth content. Agree batch testing for oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and iron.
How should neodymium ingots be packed?
Agree argon-sealed or vacuum packing, lot identification and seal checks. Obtain handling information for the supplied form and check for damaged seals and oxidation on arrival.