Product classification
HS code for Alloy steel powder: 7205.21
Alloy steel powders.
Classification of alloy steel powder under HS 7205.21
Alloy steel powder is classified under HS code 720521 because it specifically refers to alloy steel in a powdered form. This classification is precise, distinguishing it from other forms of alloy steel and from powders of non-alloy steel. The term "alloy steel" indicates that the material contains specific alloying elements in quantities sufficient to impart particular mechanical or physical properties, as defined by Chapter 72 notes. The physical state as "powder" is a critical determinant, reflecting its intended use in applications such as powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, or surface coating technologies.
- Covers
- Atomized alloy steel powder, produced by disintegrating molten alloy steel into fine particles.
- Reduced alloy steel powder, created by reducing iron oxides mixed with alloying elements.
- Electrolytic alloy steel powder, formed through an electrolytic process.
- Alloy steel powders specifically designed for 3D printing or metal injection molding.
- Also under 7205.21
316L stainless steel powder for 3D printing, 17-4 PH stainless steel powder, H13 tool steel powder, Inconel 718 powder (though Inconel is nickel-based, it's often traded alongside alloy steels in PM), M2 tool steel powder
Codes often confused with 7205.21
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for alloy steel powder include HS code 720510, which covers powders of iron or non-alloy steel. The crucial distinction is the presence and quantity of alloying elements that define "alloy steel." Another area of confusion can be with HS code 7204, which pertains to ferrous waste and scrap; powders are distinct manufactured forms, not waste. Furthermore, HS code 720529 covers other alloy steel granules, where the distinction lies in the particle size and morphology, with powders generally being finer than granules. Accurate identification of the alloy content and particle form is essential to avoid misclassification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720521 (the code used for alloy steel powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720521 (the code used for alloy steel powder) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 720521, not only alloy steel powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $167M 22% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $137M 18% of world exports
- 3 China $78M 10% of world exports
World total: $764M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $190M 23% of world imports
- 2 Japan $137M 16% of world imports
- 3 United States $111M 13% of world imports
World total: $840M 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 alloy steel powder
Brazil classifies alloy steel powder under NCM 7205.21.00: HS 7205.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 alloy steel powder
What is the HS code for Alloy steel powder?
The HS code for Alloy steel powder is 720521 (Alloy steel powders). The HS code for alloy steel powder is 720521. This code specifically covers alloy steel in a powdered form, distinguishing it from other physical forms of alloy steel and from powders of non-alloy steel.
How do I classify Alloy steel powder for customs?
Alloy steel powder is classified under HS code 720521 — Alloy steel powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines 'alloy steel' for classification purposes?
For classification purposes under the Harmonized System, 'alloy steel' is defined by the presence of specific alloying elements in quantities exceeding certain thresholds, as outlined in the notes to Chapter 72. These elements typically include manganese, silicon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, cobalt, aluminum, copper, lead, boron, titanium, niobium, zirconium, or other elements, added to impart particular mechanical, physical, or chemical properties to the steel, such as increased strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance.
Which countries are the top exporters of alloy steel powder (HS 720521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720521 (the code used for alloy steel powder) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($167M, 22% of world exports), Sweden ($137M) and China ($78M). World exports came to about $764M, 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 alloy steel powder (HS 720521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720521 (the code used for alloy steel powder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($190M, 23% of world imports), Japan ($137M) and the United States ($111M). World imports came to about $840M, 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.
Is the HS code for Alloy steel powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720521 for Alloy steel powder is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alloy steel powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, alloy steel powder (HS 720521) is classified under NCM 7205.21.00.