Nickel & Articles Thereof

Nickel mattes, nickel oxide sinters, and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy that have not yet reached the unwrought metal stage fall under 7501. Once the metal has been refined to an unwrought form — ingots, cathodes, pellets, or similar primary shapes — it is classified under 7502. The distinction matters because intermediate smelter products and refined metal can carry different duty rates and may be subject to different trade-remedy measures.

Nickel powders and flakes used as battery precursor materials fall under 7504. Nickel in unwrought form (cathodes, for example) used as a feedstock for battery-grade nickel sulfate processing enters under 7502. Finished battery cells and packs are classified elsewhere. Given growing demand for battery-grade nickel, importers should verify whether specific processing specifications affect the applicable tariff line.