Product classification
HS code for High carbon ferrochromium: 7202.41
Ferro-alloys, ferro-chromium, containing by weight more than 4% of carbon.
Classification of high carbon ferrochromium under HS 7202.41
High carbon ferrochromium is classified under HS code 7202.41. This classification is strictly governed by the chemical composition of the ferro-alloy as defined in Note 1(c) to Chapter 72. To fall under this specific subheading, the alloy must contain chromium and iron, and most importantly, it must contain more than 4% carbon by weight. Ferro-alloys are used as intermediary materials in the production of steel and are characterized by being in primary forms such as pigs, blocks, or lumps. High carbon ferrochromium is produced through the carbothermic reduction of chromite ore in electric arc furnaces. The high carbon content is a defining characteristic that dictates its use in the production of specific grades of stainless steel and alloy steels where carbon addition is either required or managed during the refining process.
- Covers
- Charge chrome with carbon content > 4%
- High carbon ferrochromium lumps
- Ferrochromium granules containing more than 4% carbon
- Crushed high carbon ferrochromium for alloying
- Also under 7202.41
- Merafe Resources charge chrome
- Samancor Chrome high-carbon ferrochrome
- Glencore ferrochrome
- Tata Steel Mining ferrochrome
Codes often confused with 7202.41
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7202.49, which covers ferrochromium with a carbon content of 4% or less (low and medium carbon ferrochromium). Accurate laboratory analysis of the carbon weight is required to distinguish between these two codes. It is also sometimes confused with ferro-silico-chromium (7202.30), which contains significant amounts of silicon. Importers must ensure that the carbon percentage is clearly stated on the mill test certificate to avoid disputes with customs authorities regarding the 4% threshold.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720241 (the code used for high carbon ferrochromium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720241 (the code used for high carbon ferrochromium) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% 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 720241, not only high carbon ferrochromium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $1.7B 31% of world exports
- 2 Kazakhstan $1.6B 29% of world exports
- 3 India $527M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $5.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.7B 45% of world imports
- 2 Japan $790M 13% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $517M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $6.0B 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 high carbon ferrochromium
Brazil classifies high carbon ferrochromium under NCM 7202.41.00: HS 7202.41 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 high carbon ferrochromium
What is the HS code for High carbon ferrochromium?
The HS code for High carbon ferrochromium is 720241 (Ferro-alloys; ferro-chromium, containing by weight more than 4% of carbon). The HS code for ferrochromium containing more than 4% carbon by weight is 7202.41.
How do I classify High carbon ferrochromium for customs?
High carbon ferrochromium is classified under HS code 720241 — Ferro-alloys; ferro-chromium, containing by weight more than 4% of carbon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is high carbon ferrochromium distinguished from low carbon?
The distinction is based entirely on carbon content; if the carbon content is 4% or less, it is classified under 7202.49.
Which countries are the top exporters of high carbon ferrochromium (HS 720241)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720241 (the code used for high carbon ferrochromium) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($1.7B, 31% of world exports), Kazakhstan ($1.6B) and India ($527M). World exports came to about $5.6B, 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 high carbon ferrochromium (HS 720241)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720241 (the code used for high carbon ferrochromium) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.7B, 45% of world imports), Japan ($790M) and South Korea ($517M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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 High carbon ferrochromium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720241 for High carbon ferrochromium 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 high carbon ferrochromium in Brazil?
In Brazil, high carbon ferrochromium (HS 720241) is classified under NCM 7202.41.00.