Product classification
HS code for Grinding balls: 7325.91
Iron, grinding balls and similar articles for mills, other than of non-malleable cast iron.
Classification of grinding balls under HS 7325.91
Grinding balls are classified under HS code 7325.91 when they are manufactured as cast articles of iron or steel. Heading 7325 covers other cast articles of iron or steel that are not specified elsewhere in the nomenclature. Subheading 7325.91 is specifically dedicated to grinding balls and similar articles used in mills for crushing or grinding materials like ore, cement, or chemicals. The classification depends heavily on the manufacturing process; this code is strictly for cast products. These items are essential consumables in the mining and construction industries, designed to withstand high impact and abrasion within rotating ball mills or SAG mills.
- Covers
- Cast iron grinding balls for cement mills
- Cast steel grinding media for mineral processing
- Cylpebs (cylindrical grinding media) if cast
- Grinding balls for coal pulverization
- High-chrome cast iron grinding balls
- Also under 7325.91
- Magotteaux (grinding media)
- Moly-Cop (grinding balls)
- Scaw Metals (grinding media)
- Estanda (mill components)
- Metso Outotec (grinding solutions)
Codes often confused with 7325.91
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion occurs between 7325.91 and 7326.11. While 7325.91 is for cast grinding balls, 7326.11 is the correct code for grinding balls that have been forged or stamped but not further worked. Importers must verify the production method (casting vs. forging) to avoid incorrect declarations. Additionally, parts of specific grinding machinery might sometimes be incorrectly classified under 8474.90; however, as grinding media are considered consumables rather than permanent machine parts, Chapter 73 is generally more appropriate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 732591 (the code used for grinding balls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 732591 (the code used for grinding balls) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 16% 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 732591, not only grinding balls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $287M 40% of world exports
- 2 India $183M 26% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $149M 21% of world exports
World total: $709M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $121M 16% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $74M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Ghana $45M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $769M 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 grinding balls
Brazil classifies grinding balls under NCM 7325.91.00: HS 7325.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about grinding balls
What is the HS code for Grinding balls?
The HS code for Grinding balls is 732591 (Iron; grinding balls and similar articles for mills, other than of non-malleable cast iron). The HS code for cast iron or steel grinding balls is 7325.91, while forged versions are 7326.11.
How do I classify Grinding balls for customs?
Grinding balls is classified under HS code 732591 — Iron; grinding balls and similar articles for mills, other than of non-malleable cast iron. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ceramic grinding balls classified here?
No, ceramic grinding media are classified under Chapter 69, typically under 6909.12, as they are made of ceramic materials rather than iron or steel.
Which countries are the top exporters of grinding balls (HS 732591)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 732591 (the code used for grinding balls) in UN Comtrade data were China ($287M, 40% of world exports), India ($183M) and Thailand ($149M). World exports came to about $709M, 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 grinding balls (HS 732591)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 732591 (the code used for grinding balls) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($121M, 16% of world imports), Brazil ($74M) and Ghana ($45M). World imports came to about $769M, 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 Grinding balls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 732591 for 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 grinding balls in Brazil?
In Brazil, grinding balls (HS 732591) is classified under NCM 7325.91.00.