HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7204.29 – Ferrous waste and scrap; of alloy steel (excluding stainless)
HS code 7204.29 is the 6-digit subheading for ferrous waste and scrap, of alloy steel (excluding stainless). It is used for manganese steel scrap, silicon steel scrap, chromium steel scrap, molybdenum steel scrap and vanadium steel scrap.
What HS 7204.29 covers
This HS code covers the global trade of alloy steel waste and scrap, excluding stainless steel, which serves as a vital secondary raw material for specialized steel production. These materials are sought after for their specific alloying elements (e.g., manganese, silicon, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium) that impart unique properties to the final steel product. Major importers are typically countries with advanced steel industries focusing on high-strength, tool, or specialty steels, such as China, South Korea, and Germany. Exporters are often industrial nations with significant manufacturing output and established recycling networks, including the USA, Japan, and various EU member states. Key considerations in this trade include precise material identification and segregation to maintain the integrity of the alloying elements, as mixing different alloy types can compromise the quality of the remelted product. The market is influenced by demand for specific alloy steels, technological advancements in steelmaking, and global economic conditions.
- Covers
- Manganese steel scrap
- Silicon steel scrap
- Chromium steel scrap
- Molybdenum steel scrap
- Vanadium steel scrap
- Tool steel scrap
- High-speed steel scrap
- Spring steel scrap
- Examples
- 4140 alloy steel scrap
- 8620 alloy steel scrap
- H13 tool steel scrap
- D2 tool steel scrap
Codes often confused with 7204.29
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 720421 (stainless steel scrap) if the "stainless" characteristic is overlooked, or with 720449 (other ferrous scrap) if the specific alloy content isn't properly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720429, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720429 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 United States $367M 16% of world exports
- 2 Canada $276M 12% of world exports
- 3 Poland $225M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $223M 13% of world imports
- 2 India $127M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $122M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 7204.29
Brazil does not split HS 7204.29: its NCM code is 7204.29.00.
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 7204.29
What is HS code 720429?
HS code 720429 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ferrous waste and scrap; of alloy steel (excluding stainless). This HS code covers the global trade of alloy steel waste and scrap, excluding stainless steel, which serves as a vital secondary raw material for specialized steel production. These materials are sought after for their specific alloying elements (e.g., manganese, silicon, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium) that impart unique properties to the final steel product. Major importers are typically countries with advanced steel industries focusing on high-strength, tool, or specialty steels, such as China, South Korea, and Germany. Exporters are often industrial nations with significant manufacturing output and established recycling networks, including the USA, Japan, and various EU member states. Key considerations in this trade include precise material identification and segregation to maintain the integrity of the alloying elements, as mixing different alloy types can compromise the quality of the remelted product. The market is influenced by demand for specific alloy steels, technological advancements in steelmaking, and global economic conditions.
What products fall under HS code 720429?
Manganese steel scrap, Silicon steel scrap, Chromium steel scrap, Molybdenum steel scrap, Vanadium steel scrap, Tool steel scrap, High-speed steel scrap, Spring steel scrap
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720429?
This code can be confused with 720421 (stainless steel scrap) if the "stainless" characteristic is overlooked, or with 720449 (other ferrous scrap) if the specific alloy content isn't properly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720429?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720429 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($367M, 16% of world exports), Canada ($276M) and Poland ($225M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 720429?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720429 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($223M, 13% of world imports), India ($127M) and the Netherlands ($122M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 720429 structured?
HS code 720429 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 (29) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720429?
In Brazil, HS code 720429 is NCM 7204.29.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.