Product classification
HS code for Direct reduced iron: 7203.10
Ferrous products, obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms.
Classification of direct reduced iron under HS 7203.10
Direct reduced iron (DRI) is classified under HS code 7203.10. This classification is governed by the specific metallurgical process used to create the product. Heading 7203 covers ferrous products obtained by the direct reduction of iron ore and other spongy ferrous products. Subheading 7203.10 specifically targets products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore. This process involves the reduction of iron oxide to metallic iron in the solid state, typically using natural gas or coal-based reducing agents at temperatures below the melting point of iron. The resulting product is highly metallic but retains the physical form of the original ore, such as lumps or pellets, though it becomes significantly more porous. This distinguishes it from pig iron, which is produced in a molten state in a blast furnace. The classification is critical for the steel industry as DRI serves as a high-quality feedstock for electric arc furnaces, providing a clean alternative to scrap metal with low residual element content.
- Covers
- Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) pellets
- Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) lumps
- Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI)
- Sponge iron obtained from iron ore reduction
- Cold DRI (CDRI)
- Also under 7203.10
- ArcelorMittal's HBI
- Cleveland-Cliffs' HBI
- Essar Steel's DRI
- Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel's HBI
Codes often confused with 7203.10
Common mistake. DRI is often misclassified under HS code 7201.10 (Non-alloy pig iron) or HS code 7204 (Ferrous waste and scrap). The confusion with 7201.10 arises because both are primary iron products; however, pig iron is a smelted product with higher carbon content. Confusion with 7204 occurs because DRI is used as a scrap substitute, but DRI is a manufactured primary product rather than waste material. Additionally, other spongy ferrous products not derived from ore reduction fall under 7203.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720310 (the code used for direct reduced iron), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720310 (the code used for direct reduced iron) in UN Comtrade data was Trinidad and Tobago, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 25% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 2.8% of its exports here ($25M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 720310, not only direct reduced iron.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Trinidad and Tobago $626M 18% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$616M 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $471M 14% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 2.8% of its exports here ($25M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $3.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $1.2B 25% of world imports
- 2 United States $619M 12% of world imports
- 3 Oman $504M 10% of world imports
World total: $5.0B 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 code for direct reduced iron
Brazil classifies direct reduced iron under NCM 7203.10.00: HS 7203.10 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 direct reduced iron
What is the HS code for Direct reduced iron?
The HS code for Direct reduced iron is 720310 (Ferrous products; obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms). The HS code for direct reduced iron obtained from iron ore is 7203.10.
How do I classify Direct reduced iron for customs?
Direct reduced iron is classified under HS code 720310 — Ferrous products; obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) classified differently than DRI?
No, HBI is simply a compacted form of DRI designed for easier transport and is also classified under HS code 7203.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of direct reduced iron (HS 720310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720310 (the code used for direct reduced iron) in UN Comtrade data were Trinidad and Tobago ($626M, 18% of world exports), Russia (about $616M) and India ($471M). World exports came to about $3.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 2.8% of its exports here ($25M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of direct reduced iron (HS 720310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720310 (the code used for direct reduced iron) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($1.2B, 25% of world imports), the United States ($619M) and Oman ($504M). World imports came to about $5.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for Direct reduced iron the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720310 for Direct reduced iron 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 direct reduced iron in Brazil?
In Brazil, direct reduced iron (HS 720310) is classified under NCM 7203.10.00.