HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7204.21 – Ferrous waste and scrap; of stainless steel
HS code 7204.21 is the 6-digit subheading for ferrous waste and scrap, of stainless steel. It is used for stainless steel turnings, stainless steel sheet scrap, stainless steel pipe scrap, stainless steel wire scrap and stainless steel bar ends.
What HS 7204.21 covers
This HS code encompasses the international trade of stainless steel waste and scrap, a crucial secondary raw material for the steel industry. These materials are highly valued for their corrosion resistance and are primarily imported by countries with significant stainless steel production capabilities, such as China, India, and various European nations. Exporters often include industrialized countries with mature manufacturing sectors and robust recycling infrastructure, like the USA, Japan, and Germany. Key things to know involve the importance of proper sorting and grading to ensure material quality, as contamination can significantly reduce its value. The global demand for stainless steel scrap is driven by environmental considerations, as using recycled content reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to primary production. Furthermore, price fluctuations are common, influenced by global steel demand, raw material prices (nickel, chromium), and freight costs. The circular economy principles heavily rely on the efficient trade of such scrap, making it a vital component of sustainable industrial practices.
- Covers
- Stainless steel turnings
- Stainless steel sheet scrap
- Stainless steel pipe scrap
- Stainless steel wire scrap
- Stainless steel bar ends
- Stainless steel appliance scrap
- Stainless steel automotive parts scrap
- Examples
- 304 stainless steel scrap
- 316 stainless steel scrap
- 430 stainless steel scrap
- Duplex stainless steel scrap
Codes often confused with 7204.21
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 720429 (alloy steel scrap, excluding stainless) due to the presence of alloying elements, but the key distinction is the specific "stainless" property. It might also be confused with 720449 if not properly identified as stainless.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720421, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720421 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 31% 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 Germany $1.4B 22% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $642M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $341M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $6.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $2.0B 31% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $1.2B 19% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $466M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $6.4B 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 7204.21
Brazil does not split HS 7204.21: its NCM code is 7204.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.04 →
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 7204.21
What is HS code 720421?
HS code 720421 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ferrous waste and scrap; of stainless steel. This HS code encompasses the international trade of stainless steel waste and scrap, a crucial secondary raw material for the steel industry. These materials are highly valued for their corrosion resistance and are primarily imported by countries with significant stainless steel production capabilities, such as China, India, and various European nations. Exporters often include industrialized countries with mature manufacturing sectors and robust recycling infrastructure, like the USA, Japan, and Germany. Key things to know involve the importance of proper sorting and grading to ensure material quality, as contamination can significantly reduce its value. The global demand for stainless steel scrap is driven by environmental considerations, as using recycled content reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to primary production. Furthermore, price fluctuations are common, influenced by global steel demand, raw material prices (nickel, chromium), and freight costs. The circular economy principles heavily rely on the efficient trade of such scrap, making it a vital component of sustainable industrial practices.
What products fall under HS code 720421?
Stainless steel turnings, Stainless steel sheet scrap, Stainless steel pipe scrap, Stainless steel wire scrap, Stainless steel bar ends, Stainless steel appliance scrap, Stainless steel automotive parts scrap
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720421?
This code is often confused with 720429 (alloy steel scrap, excluding stainless) due to the presence of alloying elements, but the key distinction is the specific "stainless" property. It might also be confused with 720449 if not properly identified as stainless.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720421?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720421 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.4B, 22% of world exports), the Netherlands ($642M) and the United States ($341M). World exports came to about $6.3B, 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 720421?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720421 in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.0B, 31% of world imports), Belgium ($1.2B) and South Korea ($466M). World imports came to about $6.4B, 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 720421 structured?
HS code 720421 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720421?
In Brazil, HS code 720421 is NCM 7204.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.