Product classification
HS code for Iron granules: 7205.10
Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen, granules thereof.
Classification of iron granules under HS 7205.10
Iron granules are classified under HS code 7205.10. This classification is found within Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel. Heading 7205 is specifically dedicated to granules and powders of pig iron, spiegeleisen, iron, or steel. The classification is determined by the physical dimensions of the particles as defined in the Chapter 72 Subheading Note 1(b). Granules are defined as products of which less than 90% by weight passes through a sieve with a mesh aperture of 1 mm and of which 90% or more by weight passes through a sieve with a mesh aperture of 5 mm. This technical distinction is vital for distinguishing granules from powders (which are finer) and from larger fragments or scrap. Iron granules are often produced by atomizing molten iron or by crushing solid iron and are used extensively in industrial applications such as abrasive blasting, metallurgy, and chemical processes.
- Covers
- Cast iron granules
- Steel shot and grit
- Iron granules for abrasive blasting
- Pig iron granules
- Spiegeleisen granules
- Also under 7205.10
- Granulated pig iron for foundries
- Spiegeleisen granules for steel alloying
- Iron powder for powder metallurgy
- Steel shot for abrasive blasting
Codes often confused with 7205.10
Common mistake. Iron granules are often confused with iron powders, which are classified under HS codes 7205.21 (alloy steel) or 7205.29 (other). The distinction depends entirely on the sieve test mentioned in the chapter notes. Another common misclassification is HS code 7203.10, which covers ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore (sponge iron). While sponge iron can be granular in appearance, it is a primary product of reduction rather than a manufactured granule of iron or steel. Additionally, waste and scrap (7204) are sometimes confused with granules, but scrap consists of discarded metal rather than intentionally sized granules.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720510 (the code used for iron granules), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720510 (the code used for iron granules) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 7.7% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 720510, not only iron granules.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $120M 27% of world exports
- 2 China $82M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $38M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $446M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $46M 7.7% of world imports
- 2 Germany $38M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 India $35M 6.0% of world imports
Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $589M 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 iron granules
Brazil classifies iron granules under NCM 7205.10.00: HS 7205.10 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 iron granules
What is the HS code for Iron granules?
The HS code for Iron granules is 720510 (Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; granules thereof). The HS code for granules of iron, steel, pig iron, or spiegeleisen is 7205.10.
How do I classify Iron granules for customs?
Iron granules is classified under HS code 720510 — Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; granules thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are granules different from powders in the HS system?
Granules are larger; they are defined as having less than 90% of their weight pass through a 1 mm sieve, whereas powders are finer particles that exceed that 90% threshold.
Which countries are the top exporters of iron granules (HS 720510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720510 (the code used for iron granules) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($120M, 27% of world exports), China ($82M) and the United States ($38M). World exports came to about $446M, 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 iron granules (HS 720510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720510 (the code used for iron granules) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($46M, 7.7% of world imports), Germany ($38M) and India ($35M). World imports came to about $589M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Iron granules the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720510 for Iron granules 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 iron granules in Brazil?
In Brazil, iron granules (HS 720510) is classified under NCM 7205.10.00.