Product classification
HS code for Ferrotungsten: 7202.80
Ferro-alloys, ferro-tungsten and ferro-silico-tungsten.
Classification of ferrotungsten under HS 7202.80
Ferrotungsten is classified under HS code 7202.80. This classification falls under Chapter 72, which encompasses iron and steel products. Heading 7202 specifically addresses ferro-alloys. As defined in the Harmonized System, ferro-alloys are primary forms of alloys used primarily as additives in the production of steel to introduce specific alloying elements. Ferrotungsten is a critical alloy of iron and tungsten, usually containing between 70% and 85% tungsten. It is utilized in the production of high-speed steels, tool steels, and other specialty alloys that require high heat resistance and hardness. The classification under 7202.80 is mandatory because the product is a ferro-alloy where tungsten is the characterizing alloying element. The Harmonized System distinguishes these alloys from pure metals or other chemical compounds based on their iron content and their intended use in the metallurgical industry. The material is typically traded in the form of small lumps or powder, but its classification remains under 7202.80 as long as it meets the chemical requirements of a ferro-alloy. The production process, whether via electric furnace or aluminothermic reduction, does not change the primary classification.
- Covers
- Ferrotungsten in primary forms (lumps, grains, or powder)
- Ferro-silico-tungsten alloys
- Tungsten-iron master alloys for steel production
- Standard grade ferrotungsten (70-85% W)
- Also under 7202.80
- Xiamen Tungsten's ferro-tungsten
- Ganzhou Grand Sea Group's ferro-tungsten
- Global Tungsten & Powders' ferro-tungsten
- China Minmetals' ferro-tungsten
Codes often confused with 7202.80
Common mistake. Ferrotungsten is often confused with HS code 8101, which covers tungsten and articles thereof, including unwrought tungsten. However, if the material contains iron and is intended as an additive for steelmaking, it must stay in Chapter 72. Additionally, it may be misclassified under 7202.99 (other ferro-alloys), but 7202.80 is the specific and correct subheading for tungsten-based ferro-alloys.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720280 (the code used for ferrotungsten), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720280 (the code used for ferrotungsten) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 25% 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 720280, not only ferrotungsten.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $99M 58% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $27M 16% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $19M 11% of world exports
World total: $170M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $43M 25% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $27M 16% of world imports
- 3 Germany $23M 14% of world imports
World total: $168M 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 ferrotungsten
Brazil classifies ferrotungsten under NCM 7202.80.00: HS 7202.80 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 ferrotungsten
What is the HS code for Ferrotungsten?
The HS code for Ferrotungsten is 720280 (Ferro-alloys; ferro-tungsten and ferro-silico-tungsten). The HS code for ferrotungsten and ferro-silico-tungsten is 7202.80.
How do I classify Ferrotungsten for customs?
Ferrotungsten is classified under HS code 720280 — Ferro-alloys; ferro-tungsten and ferro-silico-tungsten. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is ferrotungsten added to steel?
It is added to increase the melting point, hardness, and wear resistance of steel, making it essential for high-speed cutting tools.
Which countries are the top exporters of ferrotungsten (HS 720280)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720280 (the code used for ferrotungsten) in UN Comtrade data were China ($99M, 58% of world exports), the Netherlands ($27M) and Belgium ($19M). World exports came to about $170M, 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 ferrotungsten (HS 720280)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720280 (the code used for ferrotungsten) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($43M, 25% of world imports), the Netherlands ($27M) and Germany ($23M). World imports came to about $168M, 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 Ferrotungsten the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720280 for Ferrotungsten 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 ferrotungsten in Brazil?
In Brazil, ferrotungsten (HS 720280) is classified under NCM 7202.80.00.