HS Code 75.02 – Nickel; unwrought

HS code 7502 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nickel; unwrought. HS Heading 7502 is dedicated to "Nickel; unwrought." This classification covers nickel in its primary, unworked form, typically produced directly from refining nickel mattes or ores. The term "unwrought" signifies that the metal has not been further processed beyond its initial casting, electrolytic deposition, or agglomeration into shapes suitable for subsequent manufacturing. Common forms include cathodes (produced by electrolysis), anodes (often used in plating), ingots (cast blocks), pellets, briquettes, and rondelles. These forms represent pure or nearly pure nickel, ready for melting, alloying, or further shaping into semi-finished or finished products. The scope specifically excludes nickel waste and scrap (7503) and semi-finished products like bars, rods, or wire (7505 onwards). For trade compliance, accurate classification under 7502 is paramount as it directly impacts tariffs, origin declarations, and compliance with various trade regulations, including those related to critical raw materials. It serves as a foundational heading for the nickel industry, representing the bulk commodity form of the metal. Historically, unwrought nickel has been a vital commodity for industrialization, particularly for stainless steel production and, more recently, for electric vehicle batteries. Its classification within Chapter 75, directly after intermediate products, reflects its position as the first commercially usable metallic form of nickel.

Nickel cathodes, unwrought nickel anodes, nickel ingots, nickel pellets, nickel briquettes, nickel rondelles, primary nickel shot, unwrought electrolytic nickel, unwrought primary nickel, refined nickel blocks, nickel casting ingots, nickel foundry ingots, nickel granules (unwrought), high-purity unwrought nickel, commercial grade unwrought nickel, nickel squares (unwrought), nickel slugs (unwrought), nickel buttons (unwrought), vacuum-melted nickel ingots, electron beam melted nickel ingots, nickel for superalloys (unwrought), nickel for electroplating (unwrought), nickel for battery production (unwrought), nickel for coinage (unwrought), unwrought nickel for catalysts.

A common misclassification involves confusing unwrought nickel (7502) with nickel waste and scrap (7503) or with semi-finished products like bars, rods, or wire (7505). While unwrought nickel is a primary metal form, scrap is material destined for recovery, and semi-finished products have undergone shaping beyond initial casting. For example, nickel wire rods, even if coiled, are 7505, not 7502. Another error is classifying nickel powders (7504) as unwrought, but powders are a distinct form. Furthermore, ferro-nickel (7202) is sometimes mistakenly grouped with unwrought nickel, but ferro-nickel is an alloy of iron and nickel, classified under iron and steel, not pure unwrought nickel. Careful attention to the product's form, purity, and manufacturing stage is essential to avoid these errors.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7502 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.6B, 19% of world exports), Canada ($1.8B) and Russia (about $1.7B). World exports came to about $14.0B, 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 7502 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.7B, 27% of world imports), the United States ($1.4B) and Singapore ($1.3B). World imports came to about $13.5B, 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 7502 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 75 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (75) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.