Product classification
HS code for Iron powder: 7205.29
Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen, powders (excluding alloy steel).
Classification of iron powder under HS 7205.29
Iron powder is classified under HS code 7205.29 within the section for iron and steel. This code is reserved for powders of iron or non-alloy steel. The classification depends on the physical state of the metal—specifically that it has been reduced to a powder form through processes like atomization, reduction of iron oxide, or electrolysis. It excludes powders of alloy steel, which are classified under 7205.21. The particle size is also a factor; according to the Chapter 72 notes, powders are defined as products of which 90% or more by weight passes through a sieve with a mesh aperture of 1 mm. This material is widely used in powder metallurgy to create complex parts, as well as in food fortification and chemical applications. Because it is a primary form of the metal rather than a finished article or a chemical compound, it resides in the metallurgical chapters of the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Atomized iron powder
- Reduced iron powder
- Electrolytic iron powder
- Non-alloy steel powder
- Carbonyl iron powder
- Also under 7205.29
- Höganäs AB iron powder
- GKN Sinter Metals components
- BASF carbonyl iron powder
- Rio Tinto HIsmelt iron powder
Codes often confused with 7205.29
Common mistake. Iron powder is often confused with iron oxides (2821.10) or sponge iron (7203.10). While sponge iron is a primary product of direct reduction, it is not in powder form. Additionally, if the powder is made of alloy steel (containing specific percentages of elements like chromium or nickel), it must be classified under 7205.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720529 (the code used for iron powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720529 (the code used for iron powder) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 720529, not only iron powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $298M 34% of world exports
- 2 Romania $89M 10% of world exports
- 3 Germany $86M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $872M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $112M 12% of world imports
- 2 China $85M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 United States $83M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $952M 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 codes for iron powder
Brazil splits HS 7205.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7205.29.10Sponge iron powder, 98% iron or more
- 7205.29.20Thermoplastic-coated iron powder, 98% iron or more
- 7205.29.90Other iron or non-alloy steel powders
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 powder
What is the HS code for Iron powder?
The HS code for Iron powder is 720529 (Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; powders (excluding alloy steel)). The HS code for iron or non-alloy steel powder is 7205.29.
How do I classify Iron powder for customs?
Iron powder is classified under HS code 720529 — Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; powders (excluding alloy steel). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is magnetic iron powder classified here?
If it is pure iron in powder form, yes. However, if it is magnetic iron oxide (a chemical compound), it belongs in 2821.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of iron powder (HS 720529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720529 (the code used for iron powder) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($298M, 34% of world exports), Romania ($89M) and Germany ($86M). World exports came to about $872M, 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 powder (HS 720529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720529 (the code used for iron powder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($112M, 12% of world imports), China ($85M) and the United States ($83M). World imports came to about $952M, 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 powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720529 for Iron powder 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 powder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 720529 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for iron powder depends on the product's details: 7205.29.10 (Sponge iron powder, 98% iron or more), 7205.29.20 (Thermoplastic-coated iron powder, 98% iron or more), 7205.29.90 (Other iron or non-alloy steel powders).