Intel Tightens Metal Tariff Compliance

In response to the latest U.S. trade regulations, Intel has introduced stringent compliance requirements for its suppliers, following the imposition of a 25% tariff on aluminum, stainless steel, and their derivatives. The U.S. government’s decision to eliminate exemptions for these materials—effective March 12, 2025—has prompted Intel to tighten its import protocols to ensure regulatory adherence.

While Intel is primarily known for its silicon-based semiconductor products, the company relies heavily on a range of metals in its manufacturing ecosystem. Key components such as integrated heat spreaders (IHS) use nickel-plated copper or aluminum, while CPU sockets, stiffening frames, brackets for add-in cards (including GPUs and network cards), heatsink fasteners, and various screws are commonly made of stainless steel.

Additionally, its cooling systems, like the Laminar RH1 and RH2, utilize aluminum and copper heatsinks with steel-based fastening mechanisms.

Given the widespread use of these metals in its products, Intel has mandated strict documentation and traceability for all shipments containing aluminum and steel entering the U.S. Suppliers are now required to submit detailed data on the weight, value, and origin of the metals used in their products to facilitate customs clearance and avoid penalties or delays.

For aluminum and its derivatives, suppliers must declare:

The primary and secondary countries of smelt

The country of most recent cast

For recycled aluminum, the country of origin of the finished article

For steel products, suppliers must report:

The country where the steel was first melted and poured

A valid steel mill certificate

Intel has provided an official affidavit form that suppliers must complete and email to a designated address. These requirements extend across the entire supply chain, including third-party manufacturers, brokers, and vendors sourcing from local markets. The company emphasized that lack of traceability is not a valid exemption—suppliers must proactively gather the necessary data regardless of sourcing method.

Furthermore, all imported items containing aluminum or steel, including warranty replacements, tools, and pre-facility kits, fall under the scope of these regulations. The metal value is assessed based on the purchasing price prior to any manufacturing or processing.

Intel is urging its partners to maintain transparency, use official documentation channels, and comply fully with the updated customs requirements. The company reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with its supply chain to ensure seamless, lawful import operations under the new tariff landscape.