HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7204.49 – Ferrous waste and scrap; n.e.c. in heading no. 7204
HS code 7204.49 is the 6-digit subheading for ferrous waste and scrap, n.e.c. in heading no. 7204. It is used for heavy melting steel (HMS), shredded scrap, plate and structural (P&S) scrap, cast iron scrap and obsolete machinery scrap.
What HS 7204.49 covers
This HS code serves as a catch-all for ferrous waste and scrap not specifically classified under other subheadings within 7204. It encompasses a wide variety of iron and steel scrap that doesn't fit the descriptions of stainless, alloy, tinned, or specific forms like turnings. This category is incredibly diverse, ranging from obsolete machinery and structural steel to railway tracks and demolition scrap. The global trade in this general ferrous scrap is fundamental to the steel industry's sustainability, allowing for significant energy savings and reduced raw material extraction. Major importers are typically large steel-producing nations like Turkey, India, China, and South Korea, which rely heavily on scrap for electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking. Exporters include countries with mature industrial economies and extensive infrastructure, such as the USA, UK, and various European countries. Key factors influencing this trade include global steel demand, scrap prices, freight costs, and the quality/contamination levels of the scrap.
- Covers
- Heavy melting steel (HMS)
- Shredded scrap
- Plate and structural (P&S) scrap
- Cast iron scrap
- Obsolete machinery scrap
- Railway track scrap
- Demolition scrap
- Rebar scrap
- Examples
- HMS 1&2
- Shredded auto bodies
- Cast iron engine blocks
- Structural beams from demolished buildings
- Used railway rails
Codes often confused with 7204.49
Common mistake. This is a residual code, so it's frequently confused with more specific categories like 720421 (stainless), 720429 (alloy), 720430 (tinned), or 720441 (turnings) if the scrap's specific characteristics are not accurately identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720449, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720449 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 26% 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 $4.4B 18% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $2.6B 10% of world exports
- 3 Japan $1.9B 7.5% of world exports
World total: $25.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $6.9B 26% of world imports
- 2 India $2.8B 10% of world imports
- 3 Italy $1.5B 5.7% of world imports
World total: $26.7B 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 7204.49
Brazil does not split HS 7204.49: its NCM code is 7204.49.00.
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 7204.49
What is HS code 720449?
HS code 720449 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ferrous waste and scrap; n.e.c. in heading no. 7204. This HS code serves as a catch-all for ferrous waste and scrap not specifically classified under other subheadings within 7204. It encompasses a wide variety of iron and steel scrap that doesn't fit the descriptions of stainless, alloy, tinned, or specific forms like turnings. This category is incredibly diverse, ranging from obsolete machinery and structural steel to railway tracks and demolition scrap. The global trade in this general ferrous scrap is fundamental to the steel industry's sustainability, allowing for significant energy savings and reduced raw material extraction. Major importers are typically large steel-producing nations like Turkey, India, China, and South Korea, which rely heavily on scrap for electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking. Exporters include countries with mature industrial economies and extensive infrastructure, such as the USA, UK, and various European countries. Key factors influencing this trade include global steel demand, scrap prices, freight costs, and the quality/contamination levels of the scrap.
What products fall under HS code 720449?
Heavy melting steel (HMS), Shredded scrap, Plate and structural (P&S) scrap, Cast iron scrap, Obsolete machinery scrap, Railway track scrap, Demolition scrap, Rebar scrap
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720449?
This is a residual code, so it's frequently confused with more specific categories like 720421 (stainless), 720429 (alloy), 720430 (tinned), or 720441 (turnings) if the scrap's specific characteristics are not accurately identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720449?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720449 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.4B, 18% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($2.6B) and Japan ($1.9B). World exports came to about $25.3B, 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 720449?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720449 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($6.9B, 26% of world imports), India ($2.8B) and Italy ($1.5B). World imports came to about $26.7B, 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 720449 structured?
HS code 720449 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720449?
In Brazil, HS code 720449 is NCM 7204.49.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.