HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7202.41 – Ferro-alloys; ferro-chromium, containing by weight more than 4% of carbon
HS code 7202.41 is the 6-digit subheading for ferro-alloys, ferro-chromium, containing by weight more than 4% of carbon. It is used for high-carbon ferrochrome, HC FeCr lumps, charge chrome, foundry grade HC FeCr and standard high-carbon ferrochrome.
What HS 7202.41 covers
This category specifically refers to high-carbon ferro-chromium, a crucial ferro-alloy indispensable for the production of stainless steel and other high-chromium alloys. Chromium imparts corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and hardness to steel, making it vital for applications in construction, automotive, and chemical processing industries. The "high-carbon" designation (over 4% carbon by weight) is characteristic of this primary grade, often produced directly from chromite ore in electric arc furnaces. Global trade is significant, with major stainless steel-producing nations being the primary importers. Exporters are typically countries with abundant chromite ore reserves and the energy capacity for ferro-alloy smelting, such as South Africa, Kazakhstan, and India. Understanding the dynamics of the stainless steel market, chromite ore prices, and energy costs is paramount for participants in this trade, as these factors heavily influence demand and profitability.
- Covers
- High-carbon ferrochrome
- HC FeCr lumps
- Charge chrome
- Foundry grade HC FeCr
- Standard high-carbon ferrochrome
- Ferrochrome briquettes (high C)
- Examples
- Merafe Resources charge chrome
- Samancor Chrome high-carbon ferrochrome
- Glencore ferrochrome
- Tata Steel Mining ferrochrome
Codes often confused with 7202.41
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 720249 (low-carbon ferro-chromium) due to the carbon content threshold, and misclassification can occur if carbon levels are not precisely determined, affecting tariffs and end-use suitability. It should not be confused with pure chromium metal (811221).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720241, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720241 in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $1.7B 31% of world exports
- 2 Kazakhstan $1.6B 29% of world exports
- 3 India $527M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $5.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.7B 45% of world imports
- 2 Japan $790M 13% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $517M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $6.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 7202.41
Brazil does not split HS 7202.41: its NCM code is 7202.41.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 7202.41
What is HS code 720241?
HS code 720241 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ferro-alloys; ferro-chromium, containing by weight more than 4% of carbon. This category specifically refers to high-carbon ferro-chromium, a crucial ferro-alloy indispensable for the production of stainless steel and other high-chromium alloys. Chromium imparts corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and hardness to steel, making it vital for applications in construction, automotive, and chemical processing industries. The "high-carbon" designation (over 4% carbon by weight) is characteristic of this primary grade, often produced directly from chromite ore in electric arc furnaces. Global trade is significant, with major stainless steel-producing nations being the primary importers. Exporters are typically countries with abundant chromite ore reserves and the energy capacity for ferro-alloy smelting, such as South Africa, Kazakhstan, and India. Understanding the dynamics of the stainless steel market, chromite ore prices, and energy costs is paramount for participants in this trade, as these factors heavily influence demand and profitability.
What products fall under HS code 720241?
High-carbon ferrochrome, HC FeCr lumps, Charge chrome, Foundry grade HC FeCr, Standard high-carbon ferrochrome, Ferrochrome briquettes (high C)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720241?
This code is distinct from 720249 (low-carbon ferro-chromium) due to the carbon content threshold, and misclassification can occur if carbon levels are not precisely determined, affecting tariffs and end-use suitability. It should not be confused with pure chromium metal (811221).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720241?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720241 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($1.7B, 31% of world exports), Kazakhstan ($1.6B) and India ($527M). World exports came to about $5.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 720241?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720241 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.7B, 45% of world imports), Japan ($790M) and South Korea ($517M). World imports came to about $6.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 720241 structured?
HS code 720241 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720241?
In Brazil, HS code 720241 is NCM 7202.41.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.