Cobalt Mattes, Unwrought Cobalt, and Cobalt Powders

Cobalt mattes are intermediate smelter products — partially processed sulfide or oxide concentrates — that have not yet been refined to metal form. They classify under 8105209000 alongside other intermediate metallurgical products. Unwrought cobalt metal (including alloys and powders) classifies under 8105203000 or 8105206000 depending on whether it is an alloy. The distinction requires review of the product's chemical composition and processing stage documentation.

Unwrought cobalt alloys (8105203000) and unwrought cobalt excluding alloys (8105206000) may carry different duty rates and could have different trade-remedy exposure. An alloy is generally defined as a metallic material intentionally containing other elements to modify properties; importers should obtain certified composition analysis to support the correct line selection and avoid potential misclassification penalties.