Product classification
HS code for Chromium scrap: 8112.22
Chromium, waste and scrap.
Classification of chromium scrap under HS 8112.22
Chromium waste and scrap are classified under HS code 8112.22. This code is part of Chapter 81, which covers other base metals, cermets, and articles thereof. Specifically, heading 8112 is dedicated to metals like beryllium, chromium, germanium, vanadium, and others. The subheading 8112.22 is reserved for waste and scrap of chromium. According to Section XV Note 8(a), waste and scrap are defined as metallic waste and scrap from the manufacture or mechanical working of metals, and metallic items definitely not usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons. This classification is vital for recycling industries and metal traders. The material must be in a state that is only fit for the recovery of the metal or for use as a basis for the manufacture of chemical compounds. If the chromium is part of an alloy, such as stainless steel, the classification changes significantly based on the predominant metal by weight.
- Covers
- Chromium metal shavings
- Discarded chromium plating anodes
- Broken chromium metal parts
- Industrial chromium residues (metallic)
- Worn-out chromium sputtering targets
- Also under 8112.22
- 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. Chromium scrap is frequently misclassified under 7204, which is the code for ferrous waste and scrap (iron and steel). Because chromium is a major component of stainless steel, many assume stainless steel scrap should be under a chromium code. However, if the scrap is an alloy of steel, it must stay in Chapter 72. Another common error is using 8112.21, which is for unwrought chromium (raw metal blocks or powders). Scrap must show signs of use or be the byproduct of manufacturing to qualify for 8112.22.
Top exporters and importers of HS 811222 (the code used for chromium scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811222 (the code used for chromium scrap) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 811222, not only chromium scrap.
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 chromium scrap
Brazil classifies chromium scrap under NCM 8112.22.00: HS 8112.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chromium scrap
What is the HS code for Chromium scrap?
The HS code for Chromium scrap is 811222 (Chromium; waste and scrap). The HS code for chromium waste and scrap is 8112.22.
How do I classify Chromium scrap for customs?
Chromium scrap is classified under HS code 811222 — Chromium; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 8112.22 include chromium-plated plastic?
No, 8112.22 is for metallic chromium scrap. Chromium-plated plastic waste would typically be classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics) depending on the primary material.
Which countries are the top exporters of chromium scrap (HS 811222)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811222 (the code used for chromium scrap) 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 chromium scrap (HS 811222)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 811222 (the code used for chromium scrap) 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.
Is the HS code for Chromium scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 811222 for Chromium scrap 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 scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, chromium scrap (HS 811222) is classified under NCM 8112.22.00.