Product classification

HS code for Chromium powder: 8112.21

Chromium and articles thereof, unwrought chromium, powders.

Classification of chromium powder under HS 8112.21

Chromium powder is classified under HS code 8112.21. This classification falls within Chapter 81, which encompasses base metals not covered in the more specific metal chapters (like iron, copper, or aluminum). Heading 8112 is dedicated to chromium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, hafnium, indium, niobium, rhenium, and thallium. Within this heading, the Harmonized System distinguishes between the physical states of the metal. Subheading 8112.21 specifically covers chromium in its unwrought form, which includes powders, as well as waste and scrap. Powder is defined by particle size and the fact that it has not been consolidated into a wrought shape like a bar or sheet. This code is essential for tracking the trade of raw materials used in powder metallurgy, thermal spraying, and the production of specialized alloys where high-purity chromium is required in a finely divided state.

Covers
  • Pure chromium powder
  • Electrolytic chromium powder
  • Crushed chromium lumps (unwrought)
  • Chromium metal grains
  • Chromium waste and scrap
Also under 8112.21

Glencore's ferrochrome products (though this is unwrought chromium, not ferrochrome), Samancor Chrome's chromium metal, Outokumpu's chromium raw materials

Codes often confused with 8112.21

Common mistake. Chromium powder is often confused with chromium oxides or hydroxides found in heading 2819. While the chemical compounds are powders in texture, they are inorganic chemicals, whereas 8112.21 is for the elemental metal. Another common error is misclassifying it under 8112.29, which is for wrought chromium. If the powder has been sintered or pressed into a finished shape, it may move to 8112.29. Finally, ferro-chromium powder is classified under 7202.41/49 because it is an alloy of iron, not a base metal of chromium.

28.19Chromium oxides and hydroxides8112.29Chromium and articles thereof; wrought other than waste and scrap7202.41Ferro-alloys; ferro-chromium, containing by weight more than 4% of carbon

Top exporters and importers of HS 811221 (the code used for chromium powder), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811221 (the code used for chromium powder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 811221, not only chromium powder.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $177M
  2. 2 France $143M
  3. 3 Russia* ~$45M

World total: $437M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $138M
  2. 2 Germany $76M
  3. 3 Japan $48M

World total: $517M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 codes for chromium powder

Brazil splits HS 8112.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about chromium powder

What is the HS code for Chromium powder?

The HS code for Chromium powder is 811221 (Chromium and articles thereof; unwrought chromium, powders). The HS code for chromium powder is 8112.21, which includes unwrought chromium and metal scrap.

How do I classify Chromium powder for customs?

Chromium powder is classified under HS code 811221 — Chromium and articles thereof; unwrought chromium, powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is there a different code for high-purity chromium powder?

No, the purity level does not change the 4-digit or 6-digit HS code, though some countries may have specific 8-digit or 10-digit codes for high-purity grades.

Which countries are the top exporters of chromium powder (HS 811221)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811221 (the code used for chromium powder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($177M, 41% of world exports), France ($143M) and Russia (about $45M). World exports came to about $437M, 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 chromium powder (HS 811221)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 811221 (the code used for chromium powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($138M, 27% of world imports), Germany ($76M) and Japan ($48M). World imports came to about $517M, 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 Chromium powder the same in all countries?

The base HS code 811221 for Chromium 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 chromium powder in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 811221 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chromium powder depends on the product's details: 8112.21.10 (Unwrought chromium), 8112.21.20 (Chromium powders).