HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7202.60 – Ferro-alloys; ferro-nickel
HS code 7202.60 is the 6-digit subheading for ferro-alloys, ferro-nickel. It is used for ferro-nickel ingots, ferro-nickel briquettes, low-carbon ferro-nickel, high-carbon ferro-nickel and refined ferro-nickel.
What HS 7202.60 covers
Ferro-nickel, falling under HS code 720260, is a vital ferro-alloy primarily used in the production of stainless steel, where it imparts corrosion resistance and strength. This commodity is crucial for industries ranging from construction and automotive to chemical processing and consumer goods. Major importers are typically countries with robust stainless steel manufacturing sectors, such as China, India, and various European Union nations. Exporters often include countries rich in nickel ore deposits and processing capabilities, like Indonesia, New Caledonia, and Russia. Key things to know include its varying nickel content, which dictates its specific application, and its role in the global nickel market dynamics. The trade of ferro-nickel is influenced by stainless steel demand, nickel prices, and environmental regulations, especially concerning its production and carbon footprint.
- Covers
- Ferro-nickel ingots
- Ferro-nickel briquettes
- Low-carbon ferro-nickel
- High-carbon ferro-nickel
- Refined ferro-nickel
- Granulated ferro-nickel
- Examples
- Vale's ferro-nickel
- Glencore's ferro-nickel
- Sumitomo Metal Mining's ferro-nickel
- Eramet's ferro-nickel
Codes often confused with 7202.60
Common mistake. This code can be confused with unwrought nickel (7502) if the iron content is not clearly specified, or with other ferro-alloys like ferro-chromium (720241) if the primary alloying element is ambiguous.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720260, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720260 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 89% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 90% 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 Indonesia $16.4B 89% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $721M 3.9% of world exports
- 3 Colombia $475M 2.6% of world exports
World total: $18.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $16.4B 90% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $367M 2.0% of world imports
- 3 India $352M 1.9% of world imports
World total: $18.1B 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 7202.60
Brazil does not split HS 7202.60: its NCM code is 7202.60.00.
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 7202.60
What is HS code 720260?
HS code 720260 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ferro-alloys; ferro-nickel. Ferro-nickel, falling under HS code 720260, is a vital ferro-alloy primarily used in the production of stainless steel, where it imparts corrosion resistance and strength. This commodity is crucial for industries ranging from construction and automotive to chemical processing and consumer goods. Major importers are typically countries with robust stainless steel manufacturing sectors, such as China, India, and various European Union nations. Exporters often include countries rich in nickel ore deposits and processing capabilities, like Indonesia, New Caledonia, and Russia. Key things to know include its varying nickel content, which dictates its specific application, and its role in the global nickel market dynamics. The trade of ferro-nickel is influenced by stainless steel demand, nickel prices, and environmental regulations, especially concerning its production and carbon footprint.
What products fall under HS code 720260?
Ferro-nickel ingots, Ferro-nickel briquettes, Low-carbon ferro-nickel, High-carbon ferro-nickel, Refined ferro-nickel, Granulated ferro-nickel
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720260?
This code can be confused with unwrought nickel (7502) if the iron content is not clearly specified, or with other ferro-alloys like ferro-chromium (720241) if the primary alloying element is ambiguous.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720260?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720260 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($16.4B, 89% of world exports), Brazil ($721M) and Colombia ($475M). World exports came to about $18.3B, 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 720260?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720260 in UN Comtrade data were China ($16.4B, 90% of world imports), South Korea ($367M) and India ($352M). World imports came to about $18.1B, 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 720260 structured?
HS code 720260 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 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720260?
In Brazil, HS code 720260 is NCM 7202.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.