HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7204.41 – Ferrous waste and scrap; turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles
HS code 7204.41 is the 6-digit subheading for ferrous waste and scrap, turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles. It is used for steel turnings, cast iron shavings, steel chips, milling waste and metal sawdust.
What HS 7204.41 covers
This HS code covers a specific category of ferrous waste and scrap characterized by its form: turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings, and stampings, which may or may not be bundled. These materials are typically generated during machining, fabrication, and manufacturing processes involving iron and steel. Their trade is crucial for steel mills and foundries globally, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to virgin iron ore. Major importers include countries with robust steel production and casting industries, such as China, India, Turkey, and various European nations. Exporters are often industrialized countries with significant manufacturing output, like the USA, Germany, and Japan. Key considerations in this trade involve the density and cleanliness of the scrap; loose, oily turnings are less desirable than compacted, clean bundles due to transportation costs and processing efficiency. Contamination with non-ferrous metals or excessive oil can significantly reduce its value.
- Covers
- Steel turnings
- Cast iron shavings
- Steel chips
- Milling waste
- Metal sawdust
- Steel filings
- Stamping scrap
- Trimmings from sheet metal
- Examples
- CNC machining turnings
- Lathe shavings
- Punch press stampings
- Grinding swarf
- Automotive manufacturing scrap
Codes often confused with 7204.41
Common mistake. This code is distinguished by the physical form of the scrap; it could be confused with 720449 (other ferrous scrap) if the specific forms are not recognized, or with other ferrous scrap categories if the material type (e.g., stainless, alloy) is not specified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720441, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720441 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 Japan $482M 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $466M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $287M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $787M 23% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $639M 19% of world imports
- 3 Italy $406M 12% of world imports
World total: $3.4B 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 7204.41
Brazil does not split HS 7204.41: its NCM code is 7204.41.00.
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 7204.41
What is HS code 720441?
HS code 720441 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ferrous waste and scrap; turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles. This HS code covers a specific category of ferrous waste and scrap characterized by its form: turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings, and stampings, which may or may not be bundled. These materials are typically generated during machining, fabrication, and manufacturing processes involving iron and steel. Their trade is crucial for steel mills and foundries globally, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to virgin iron ore. Major importers include countries with robust steel production and casting industries, such as China, India, Turkey, and various European nations. Exporters are often industrialized countries with significant manufacturing output, like the USA, Germany, and Japan. Key considerations in this trade involve the density and cleanliness of the scrap; loose, oily turnings are less desirable than compacted, clean bundles due to transportation costs and processing efficiency. Contamination with non-ferrous metals or excessive oil can significantly reduce its value.
What products fall under HS code 720441?
Steel turnings, Cast iron shavings, Steel chips, Milling waste, Metal sawdust, Steel filings, Stamping scrap, Trimmings from sheet metal
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720441?
This code is distinguished by the physical form of the scrap; it could be confused with 720449 (other ferrous scrap) if the specific forms are not recognized, or with other ferrous scrap categories if the material type (e.g., stainless, alloy) is not specified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720441?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720441 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($482M, 18% of world exports), Germany ($466M) and France ($287M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 720441?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720441 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($787M, 23% of world imports), Pakistan ($639M) and Italy ($406M). World imports came to about $3.4B, 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 720441 structured?
HS code 720441 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 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720441?
In Brazil, HS code 720441 is NCM 7204.41.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.