Product classification
HS code for Iron ingots: 7206.10
Iron or non-alloy steel, ingots (excluding iron of heading no. 7203).
Classification of iron ingots under HS 7206.10
Iron ingots are classified under HS code 720610. This classification is governed by Chapter 72 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses iron and steel. Heading 7206 specifically addresses iron and non-alloy steel in primary forms, excluding iron of heading 7203 (such as sponge iron). Ingots are defined as products obtained by casting molten metal into molds, resulting in a solid form intended for further processing, such as rolling, forging, or extrusion. The classification under 720610 requires that the material be either pure iron or non-alloy steel, as defined in Note 1 to Chapter 72. This means the carbon content and the presence of other alloying elements must fall below specific thresholds (e.g., manganese less than 1.65%, silicon less than 0.6%). The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that because the product is in its first solid state after smelting and has not been semi-finished into billets or slabs, it must be classified as a primary form. The physical appearance of an ingot is typically a large, tapered block or rectangular mass, often featuring a rough surface from the casting mold. This code is critical for the metallurgical industry as it tracks the global trade of raw steel and iron before it enters the manufacturing stages of construction or automotive components.
- Covers
- Non-alloy steel ingots
- Pure iron ingots
- Cast iron blocks in primary forms
- Remelted iron ingots for foundry use
- Rectangular or square cross-section primary cast forms
- Also under 7206.10
- ArcelorMittal steel ingots
- POSCO steel ingots
- Nippon Steel ingots
- Baowu Steel ingots
Codes often confused with 7206.10
Common mistake. Iron ingots are often confused with HS code 7201, which covers pig iron and spiegeleisen. Pig iron is the immediate product of the blast furnace and contains high carbon (usually >2%), whereas 720610 is for refined iron or steel. Additionally, they are misclassified under 7207, which covers semi-finished products like billets and slabs. The distinction lies in the shape and the degree of processing; ingots are primary cast forms, while 7207 products have typically undergone some initial shaping or continuous casting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720610 (the code used for iron ingots), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720610 (the code used for iron ingots) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was El Salvador, with 22% 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 720610, not only iron ingots.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $43M 30% of world exports
- 2 Italy $21M 14% of world exports
- 3 Angola $14M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $146M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 El Salvador $52M 22% of world imports
- 2 Senegal $44M 19% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$24M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $235M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 ingots
Brazil classifies iron ingots under NCM 7206.10.00: HS 7206.10 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 ingots
What is the HS code for Iron ingots?
The HS code for Iron ingots is 720610 (Iron or non-alloy steel; ingots (excluding iron of heading no. 7203)). The HS code for iron or non-alloy steel ingots is 720610.
How do I classify Iron ingots for customs?
Iron ingots is classified under HS code 720610 — Iron or non-alloy steel; ingots (excluding iron of heading no. 7203). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can alloy steel ingots be classified here?
No, alloy steel ingots are classified under heading 7218 (stainless steel) or 7224 (other alloy steel), depending on their chemical composition.
Which countries are the top exporters of iron ingots (HS 720610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720610 (the code used for iron ingots) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 30% of world exports), Italy ($21M) and Angola ($14M). World exports came to about $146M, 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 ingots (HS 720610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720610 (the code used for iron ingots) in UN Comtrade data were El Salvador ($52M, 22% of world imports), Senegal ($44M) and Vietnam (about $24M). World imports came to about $235M, 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 Iron ingots the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720610 for Iron ingots 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 ingots in Brazil?
In Brazil, iron ingots (HS 720610) is classified under NCM 7206.10.00.