Product classification
HS code for Ferroniobium: 7202.93
Ferro-alloys, ferro-niobium.
Classification of ferroniobium under HS 7202.93
Ferroniobium is classified under HS code 7202.93 based on the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6. According to the legal notes of Chapter 72, specifically Note 1(c), ferro-alloys are defined as alloys in pigs, blocks, lumps, or similar primary forms, of a kind commonly used as an additive in the manufacture of other steels or as deoxidants, desulfurants, or for similar uses in ferrous metallurgy. Ferroniobium is a critical ferro-alloy composed of iron and niobium, typically containing between 60% and 70% niobium by weight. It is produced primarily through the aluminothermic reduction of niobium-bearing ores like pyrochlore. The classification under 7202.93 is mandatory because the Harmonized System provides a specific subheading for ferro-niobium. This alloy is primarily used in the production of High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steels, which are essential for modern infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines, automotive frames, and structural beams. The presence of niobium helps refine the grain structure of the steel, significantly increasing its strength-to-weight ratio and toughness at low temperatures. To qualify for this code, the material must be in a primary form and must not be usefully malleable, distinguishing it from finished steel products or pure niobium metal.
- Covers
- Standard Grade Ferroniobium (60-70% Nb)
- Vacuum Grade Ferroniobium
- Ferroniobium Lumps (10-50mm)
- Ferroniobium Powder for welding electrodes
- Also under 7202.93
- CBMM's ferro-niobium
- NioCorp Developments' ferro-niobium
- Magris Resources' ferro-niobium
- China Minmetals' ferro-niobium
Codes often confused with 7202.93
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 8112.92, which covers unwrought niobium and niobium powders. The distinction lies in the iron content and the intended use. HS code 7202.93 is strictly for ferro-alloys, which must contain at least 4% iron by weight and are used as additives. If the material is high-purity niobium used for superconducting magnets, it falls under Chapter 81. Another potential error is using 7202.99, the residual category for other ferro-alloys, which is incorrect since 7202.93 is specific.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720293 (the code used for ferroniobium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720293 (the code used for ferroniobium) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% 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 720293, not only ferroniobium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $2.7B 80% of world exports
- 2 Canada $268M 8.0% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $240M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.5B 44% of world imports
- 2 United States $325M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $223M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $3.3B 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 ferroniobium
Brazil classifies ferroniobium under NCM 7202.93.00: HS 7202.93 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 ferroniobium
What is the HS code for Ferroniobium?
The HS code for Ferroniobium is 720293 (Ferro-alloys; ferro-niobium). The specific HS code for Ferroniobium is 7202.93, which falls under the heading for ferro-alloys.
How do I classify Ferroniobium for customs?
Ferroniobium is classified under HS code 720293 — Ferro-alloys; ferro-niobium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Ferroniobium considered a hazardous material for shipping?
In its common lump form, it is generally classified as non-hazardous for transport, though dust or fine powders may require specific safety handling according to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Which countries are the top exporters of ferroniobium (HS 720293)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720293 (the code used for ferroniobium) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($2.7B, 80% of world exports), Canada ($268M) and Singapore ($240M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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 ferroniobium (HS 720293)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720293 (the code used for ferroniobium) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 44% of world imports), the United States ($325M) and South Korea ($223M). World imports came to about $3.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Ferroniobium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720293 for Ferroniobium 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 ferroniobium in Brazil?
In Brazil, ferroniobium (HS 720293) is classified under NCM 7202.93.00.