Product classification
HS code for Ferrosilicon: 7202.29
Ferro-alloys, ferro-silicon, containing by weight 55% or less of silicon.
Classification of ferrosilicon under HS 7202.29
Ferrosilicon containing 55% or less of silicon by weight is classified under HS code 7202.29. Ferro-alloys are defined in Note 1(c) to Chapter 72 as alloys in pigs, blocks, lumps, or similar primary forms, used as additives in the manufacture of other steels. Ferrosilicon is a primary ferro-alloy used for deoxidizing steel and as an alloying element to improve hardness and tensile strength. The Harmonized System splits ferrosilicon into two primary subheadings based on the weight percentage of silicon. Subheading 7202.21 is reserved for ferrosilicon containing more than 55% silicon, while 7202.29 covers all other ferrosilicon with 55% or less silicon. This distinction is vital because the silicon content significantly impacts the material's value and its application in the metallurgical process. Importers must provide a chemical analysis report to justify the use of 7202.29 over the higher-silicon alternative.
- Covers
- Ferrosilicon with 15% to 55% silicon content
- Low-silicon ferrosilicon lumps
- Ferrosilicon briquettes (55% or less Si)
- Ferrosilicon powder for heavy media separation
- Also under 7202.29
- Elkem FeSi 45
- Ferroglobe FeSi 50
- Rima Group standard ferrosilicon
- Erdos Ferrosilicon (lower grades)
Codes often confused with 7202.29
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 7202.21 for material that actually contains 55% or less silicon. Conversely, if the silicon content exceeds 55%, 7202.29 cannot be used. Another error is classifying the product as silicon metal under HS code 2804.61 or 2804.69. Silicon metal is a chemical element with very low iron content, whereas ferrosilicon is an alloy of iron and silicon. If the iron content is high enough to meet the definition of a ferro-alloy, it must stay in Chapter 72.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720229 (the code used for ferrosilicon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720229 (the code used for ferrosilicon) in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 720229, not only ferrosilicon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Norway $99M 25% of world exports
- 2 Canada $52M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $31M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $60M 13% of world imports
- 2 Spain $39M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Austria $33M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $449M 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 ferrosilicon
Brazil classifies ferrosilicon under NCM 7202.29.00: HS 7202.29 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 ferrosilicon
What is the HS code for Ferrosilicon?
The HS code for Ferrosilicon is 720229 (Ferro-alloys; ferro-silicon, containing by weight 55% or less of silicon). If the silicon content is 55% or less by weight, the HS code is 7202.29. If it is higher, it is 7202.21.
How do I classify Ferrosilicon for customs?
Ferrosilicon is classified under HS code 720229 — Ferro-alloys; ferro-silicon, containing by weight 55% or less of silicon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the silicon percentage verified for customs?
Customs authorities typically require a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) or an independent laboratory assay to verify the precise weight percentage of silicon and iron.
Which countries are the top exporters of ferrosilicon (HS 720229)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720229 (the code used for ferrosilicon) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($99M, 25% of world exports), Canada ($52M) and China ($31M). World exports came to about $391M, 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 ferrosilicon (HS 720229)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720229 (the code used for ferrosilicon) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($60M, 13% of world imports), Spain ($39M) and Austria ($33M). World imports came to about $449M, 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 Ferrosilicon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720229 for Ferrosilicon 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 ferrosilicon in Brazil?
In Brazil, ferrosilicon (HS 720229) is classified under NCM 7202.29.00.