Product classification
HS code for Forged grinding balls: 7326.11
Iron or steel, grinding balls and similar articles for mills, forged or stamped, but not further worked.
Classification of forged grinding balls under HS 7326.11
The classification of forged grinding balls under HS code 7326.11 is determined by both the material composition and the specific manufacturing process. As articles of iron or steel, they fall within Chapter 73. Heading 7326 is a residual heading for other articles of iron or steel that are not specified or included in more specific headings of the nomenclature. Within this heading, subheading 7326.11 is explicitly reserved for grinding balls and similar articles for mills that have been forged or stamped. The defining characteristic for this classification is that the articles must not be "further worked" beyond the forging or stamping stage, other than minor processes like removal of burrs or heat treatment for hardening. If these balls were produced by casting, they would be excluded from this code and moved to heading 7325. The use of these items is primarily in industrial grinding mills, such as those found in the mining, cement, and power generation industries, where they serve as the media for crushing raw materials. To qualify for 7326.11, the balls must be made of iron or steel; ceramic or stone grinding media are classified in Chapters 68 or 69. Furthermore, the forging process involves heating the steel to a plastic state and then using a hammer or press to shape it, which results in a denser and more durable product compared to casting. This distinction is critical for customs purposes because forged balls often carry different duty rates than cast ones. Importers must provide technical documentation confirming the manufacturing method to ensure correct application of this code.
- Covers
- Forged steel grinding balls for ball mills
- Stamped steel grinding media
- High-carbon forged steel balls
- Alloy steel forged balls for SAG mills
- Forged grinding cylinders (cylpebs)
- Also under 7326.11
- Moly-Cop (forged grinding balls)
- Magotteaux (forged grinding media)
- Scaw Metals (forged grinding balls)
- Metso Outotec (forged grinding solutions)
- AIA Engineering (some forged products)
Codes often confused with 7326.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 7325.91, which covers cast grinding balls. While they serve the same function, the manufacturing process (casting vs. forging) dictates the code. Another common error is using 8474.90, which covers parts of machinery for grinding or crushing; however, grinding media are considered consumable articles of the material they are made of rather than machine parts.
Top exporters and importers of HS 732611 (the code used for forged grinding balls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 732611 (the code used for forged grinding balls) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 71% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 17% 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 732611, not only forged grinding balls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 71% of world exports
- 2 Chile $118M 7.5% of world exports
- 3 United States $53M 3.4% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Chile $278M 17% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $154M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Kazakhstan $144M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 forged grinding balls
Brazil classifies forged grinding balls under NCM 7326.11.00: HS 7326.11 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 forged grinding balls
What is the HS code for Forged grinding balls?
The HS code for Forged grinding balls is 732611 (Iron or steel; grinding balls and similar articles for mills, forged or stamped, but not further worked). The specific HS code for forged or stamped iron or steel grinding balls is 7326.11.
How do I classify Forged grinding balls for customs?
Forged grinding balls is classified under HS code 732611 — Iron or steel; grinding balls and similar articles for mills, forged or stamped, but not further worked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between forged and cast balls for customs?
Forged balls (7326.11) are shaped by compressive force, while cast balls (7325.91) are made by pouring molten metal into a mold. Mill test certificates usually specify the method.
Which countries are the top exporters of forged grinding balls (HS 732611)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 732611 (the code used for forged grinding balls) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 71% of world exports), Chile ($118M) and the United States ($53M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 forged grinding balls (HS 732611)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 732611 (the code used for forged grinding balls) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($278M, 17% of world imports), Brazil ($154M) and Kazakhstan ($144M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Forged grinding balls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 732611 for Forged grinding balls 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 forged grinding balls in Brazil?
In Brazil, forged grinding balls (HS 732611) is classified under NCM 7326.11.00.