Product classification
HS code for Ferrochromium: 7202.49
Ferro-alloys, ferro-chromium, containing by weight 4% or less of carbon.
Classification of ferrochromium under HS 7202.49
Ferrochromium containing 4% or less of carbon by weight is classified under HS code 7202.49. This product is a ferro-alloy, which the Harmonized System defines as an alloy in pigs, blocks, lumps, or similar primary forms, used as an additive in the manufacture of other steels. The classification within heading 7202 is determined by the predominant alloying element, which in this case is chromium. The subheading 7202.49 specifically distinguishes low-carbon ferrochromium from high-carbon varieties. This distinction is critical because the carbon content significantly affects the metallurgical properties of the steel being produced, particularly in the manufacturing of stainless steel and specialized alloy steels where carbon levels must be strictly limited.
- Covers
- Low-carbon ferrochrome (LC FeCr)
- Extra-low carbon ferrochrome
- Ferrochromium with 0.10% carbon
- Ferrochromium with 2% carbon
- Refined ferrochromium lumps
- Also under 7202.49
- Glencore (ferro-chrome production)
- Samancor Chrome
- Merafe Resources
- Outokumpu (stainless steel production)
- Acerinox (stainless steel production)
Codes often confused with 7202.49
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7202.41, which is reserved for ferrochromium containing more than 4% carbon by weight (High Carbon Ferrochrome). Importers often confuse these two codes if the laboratory analysis of the carbon content is not precise. Additionally, it may be confused with HS code 2610.00 for chromium ores and concentrates, which are the raw mineral materials before smelting into a ferro-alloy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720249 (the code used for ferrochromium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720249 (the code used for ferrochromium) in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 720249, not only ferrochromium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Kazakhstan $164M 27% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $84M 14% of world exports
- 3 India $68M 11% of world exports
World total: $602M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $165M 24% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $64M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $56M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $696M 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 ferrochromium
Brazil classifies ferrochromium under NCM 7202.49.00: HS 7202.49 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 ferrochromium
What is the HS code for Ferrochromium?
The HS code for Ferrochromium is 720249 (Ferro-alloys; ferro-chromium, containing by weight 4% or less of carbon).
How do I classify Ferrochromium for customs?
Ferrochromium is classified under HS code 720249 — Ferro-alloys; ferro-chromium, containing by weight 4% or less of carbon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for low carbon ferrochromium?
The HS code for ferrochromium containing 4% or less carbon by weight is 7202.49.
How is ferrochromium distinguished from chromium metal?
Ferrochromium is a ferro-alloy classified in 7202, while pure chromium metal or other chromium alloys are classified under HS code 8112.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of ferrochromium (HS 720249)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720249 (the code used for ferrochromium) in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($164M, 27% of world exports), Türkiye ($84M) and India ($68M). World exports came to about $602M, 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 ferrochromium (HS 720249)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720249 (the code used for ferrochromium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($165M, 24% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($64M) and South Korea ($56M). World imports came to about $696M, 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 Ferrochromium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720249 for Ferrochromium 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 ferrochromium in Brazil?
In Brazil, ferrochromium (HS 720249) is classified under NCM 7202.49.00.