HS Code 72.05 – Granules and powders, of pig iron, spiegeleisen, iron or steel

HS code 7205 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Granules and powders, of pig iron, spiegeleisen, iron or steel. Heading 7205 covers granules and powders of pig iron, spiegeleisen, iron, or steel. This classification is crucial for specialized metallurgical and manufacturing processes where the form and particle size of the metal are paramount. These products are not merely finely divided scrap, but specifically manufactured materials with controlled compositions and characteristics, used in diverse applications such as powder metallurgy, welding electrode coatings, surface coating, additive manufacturing, and various chemical processes. The scope includes a wide range of particle sizes, from coarse granules to very fine powders, derived from various ferrous materials. The distinction between different types of iron and steel powders (e.g., atomized iron powder, reduced iron powder, electrolytic iron powder) is critical for accurate classification within this heading. Proper classification under 7205 is vital for trade compliance, as these specialized materials can have different tariff rates, quality standards, and end-use restrictions. This heading highlights the advanced processing of ferrous metals beyond primary forms, catering to high-tech industries. It demonstrates how even basic materials like iron can be transformed into high-value products through precise manufacturing techniques, expanding the utility of Chapter 72 materials.

Iron powder for powder metallurgy, Steel shot for abrasive blasting, Atomized iron powder, Electrolytic iron powder, Reduced iron powder, Cast iron granules, Stainless steel powder, Pig iron granules, Spiegeleisen powder, Magnetic iron powder, Welding electrode powders, Flame spray powders, Hardfacing powders, Ferrous alloy powders, Powdered cast iron, Iron filings, Sintered iron powder, High-purity iron powder, Carbonyl iron powder, Flake iron powder, Sponge iron powder, Water atomized steel powder, Gas atomized steel powder, Iron dust

Traders often make mistakes by confusing products of 7205 with iron ore concentrates (2601), iron oxides (2821), or very fine ferrous scrap (7204). Iron ore concentrates (2601) are still in oxide form and have not been reduced to metallic iron, whereas 7205 products are metallic. Iron oxides (2821) are chemical compounds, not metallic iron or steel powders. While some very fine scrap might resemble powder, products in 7205 are typically manufactured to specific particle sizes and compositions for specific applications, not merely remnants from other processes. The key is the metallic nature, specific manufacturing process, and intended application (e.g., powder metallurgy) rather than just being 'fine material'.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7205 in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($436M, 21% of world exports), China ($238M) and Germany ($231M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7205 in UN Comtrade data were China ($302M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($226M) and Germany ($212M). World imports 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.

HS code 7205 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 72 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.