Product classification
HS code for Ferronickel: 7202.60
Ferro-alloys, ferro-nickel.
Classification of ferronickel under HS 7202.60
Ferronickel is classified under HS code 7202.60. It is a ferro-alloy consisting of iron and nickel, typically produced through the smelting of nickel-rich ores. It is a critical raw material for the stainless steel industry, providing both the necessary nickel and iron content for austenitic steel grades. The classification is governed by the definitions in Chapter 72, which require the iron content to be 4% or more by weight and the alloy to be in a primary form like ingots, pigs, or shots. Ferronickel is distinguished from other nickel products by its specific use as an additive in steelmaking. The Harmonized System provides a dedicated subheading for this alloy due to its significant volume in global trade and its role as a primary source of nickel for steel mills.
- Covers
- Ferronickel ingots
- Ferronickel shots (granules)
- Ferronickel pigs
- Low-carbon ferronickel
- High-carbon ferronickel
- Also under 7202.60
- Vale's ferro-nickel
- Glencore's ferro-nickel
- Sumitomo Metal Mining's ferro-nickel
- Eramet's ferro-nickel
Codes often confused with 7202.60
Common mistake. Ferronickel is frequently confused with HS code 7501.10 (Nickel mattes) or 7501.20 (Nickel oxide sinters). Mattes and sinters are intermediate products of nickel metallurgy and are not considered ferro-alloys. It is also sometimes misclassified under 7502.10 (Unwrought nickel, not alloyed) or 7502.20 (Unwrought nickel alloys). The distinction lies in the iron content; if iron is 4% or more, it is generally classified as a ferro-alloy in 7202.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720260 (the code used for ferronickel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720260 (the code used for ferronickel) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 89% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 90% 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 720260, not only ferronickel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $16.4B 89% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $721M 3.9% of world exports
- 3 Colombia $475M 2.6% of world exports
World total: $18.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $16.4B 90% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $367M 2.0% of world imports
- 3 India $352M 1.9% of world imports
World total: $18.1B 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 ferronickel
Brazil classifies ferronickel under NCM 7202.60.00: HS 7202.60 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 ferronickel
What is the HS code for Ferronickel?
The HS code for Ferronickel is 720260 (Ferro-alloys; ferro-nickel). The HS code for ferronickel in primary forms is 7202.60.
How do I classify Ferronickel for customs?
Ferronickel is classified under HS code 720260 — Ferro-alloys; ferro-nickel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do you distinguish ferronickel from nickel matte?
Ferronickel (7202.60) is a finished ferro-alloy used directly in steelmaking, while nickel matte (7501.10) is an intermediate product containing sulfur or oxygen that requires further refining.
Which countries are the top exporters of ferronickel (HS 720260)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720260 (the code used for ferronickel) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($16.4B, 89% of world exports), Brazil ($721M) and Colombia ($475M). World exports came to about $18.3B, 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 ferronickel (HS 720260)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720260 (the code used for ferronickel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($16.4B, 90% of world imports), South Korea ($367M) and India ($352M). World imports came to about $18.1B, 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 Ferronickel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720260 for Ferronickel 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 ferronickel in Brazil?
In Brazil, ferronickel (HS 720260) is classified under NCM 7202.60.00.