HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8112.22 – Chromium; waste and scrap
HS code 8112.22 is the 6-digit subheading for chromium, waste and scrap. It is used for chromium alloy scrap, stainless steel scrap (containing chromium), chromium plating waste, chromium turnings and spent chromium catalysts.
What HS 8112.22 covers
This HS code specifically covers chromium in its waste and scrap forms, which are crucial for the recycling industry and for promoting sustainable practices in metal production. Chromium waste and scrap originate from various industrial processes, including stainless steel manufacturing, electroplating, and the production of specialized alloys. Given chromium's value and its role in critical applications, recycling is economically and environmentally significant. Major importers are typically countries with large steel industries and advanced recycling infrastructure, such as China, India, Japan, and European Union members, which seek to reduce reliance on primary chromium ore. Exporters are often industrialized nations that generate substantial amounts of chromium-containing waste. Key considerations in this trade include the varying purity levels of scrap, the need for efficient sorting and processing technologies, and the global demand for secondary raw materials to mitigate supply chain risks and reduce environmental impact.
- Covers
- Chromium alloy scrap
- Stainless steel scrap (containing chromium)
- Chromium plating waste
- Chromium turnings
- Spent chromium catalysts
- Chromium-containing slag
- Examples
- ELG Haniel's stainless steel scrap
- Sims Metal Management's alloy scrap
- specialized metal recyclers handling industrial chromium waste
Codes often confused with 8112.22
Common mistake. This code is exclusively for chromium waste and scrap, distinguishing it from unwrought chromium (811221) and wrought chromium (811229). Confusion can occur if the material is not clearly identified as "waste" or "scrap" and instead categorized as a primary form.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 811222, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 811222 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 61% 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 Germany $6.3M 37% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $5.9M 34% of world exports
- 3 Canada $1.4M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.3M 61% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.8M 18% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $626K 6.1% of world imports
World total: $10M 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 8112.22
Brazil does not split HS 8112.22: its NCM code is 8112.22.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 81.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8112.22
What is HS code 811222?
HS code 811222 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chromium; waste and scrap. This HS code specifically covers chromium in its waste and scrap forms, which are crucial for the recycling industry and for promoting sustainable practices in metal production. Chromium waste and scrap originate from various industrial processes, including stainless steel manufacturing, electroplating, and the production of specialized alloys. Given chromium's value and its role in critical applications, recycling is economically and environmentally significant. Major importers are typically countries with large steel industries and advanced recycling infrastructure, such as China, India, Japan, and European Union members, which seek to reduce reliance on primary chromium ore. Exporters are often industrialized nations that generate substantial amounts of chromium-containing waste. Key considerations in this trade include the varying purity levels of scrap, the need for efficient sorting and processing technologies, and the global demand for secondary raw materials to mitigate supply chain risks and reduce environmental impact.
What products fall under HS code 811222?
Chromium alloy scrap, Stainless steel scrap (containing chromium), Chromium plating waste, Chromium turnings, Spent chromium catalysts, Chromium-containing slag
What are common misclassifications for HS code 811222?
This code is exclusively for chromium waste and scrap, distinguishing it from unwrought chromium (811221) and wrought chromium (811229). Confusion can occur if the material is not clearly identified as "waste" or "scrap" and instead categorized as a primary form.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 811222?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 811222 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($6.3M, 37% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($5.9M) and Canada ($1.4M). World exports came to about $17M, 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 811222?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 811222 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.3M, 61% of world imports), Germany ($1.8M) and the United Kingdom ($626K). World imports came to about $10M, 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 811222 structured?
HS code 811222 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (22) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 811222?
In Brazil, HS code 811222 is NCM 8112.22.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.