Product classification
HS code for Low carbon ferrochromium: 7202.49
Ferro-alloys, ferro-chromium, containing by weight 4% or less of carbon.
Classification of low carbon ferrochromium under HS 7202.49
Low carbon ferrochromium is classified under HS code 7202.49. This classification is based on the chemical composition of the ferro-alloy. Heading 7202 covers ferro-alloys, which are defined as alloys in pigs, blocks, lumps, or similar primary forms used as additive materials in the manufacture of other steels. Ferrochromium is an alloy of iron and chromium. The Harmonized System differentiates ferrochromium based on its carbon content. Subheading 7202.41 is specifically for ferrochromium containing more than 4% carbon by weight. Therefore, any ferrochromium with a carbon content of 4% or less falls into the residual subheading 7202.49. This low-carbon variety is critical in the production of stainless steel where carbon levels must be kept low to prevent the formation of chromium carbides, which can lead to intergranular corrosion.
- Covers
- Ferrochromium with 0.05% carbon
- Ferrochromium with 0.10% carbon
- Ferrochromium with 1.0% carbon
- Ferrochromium with 4.0% carbon
- Extra low carbon ferrochromium (ELC FeCr)
- Also under 7202.49
- Glencore (ferro-chrome production)
- Samancor Chrome
- Merafe Resources
- Outokumpu (stainless steel production)
- Acerinox (stainless steel production)
Codes often confused with 7202.49
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 7202.41, which is only for high-carbon ferrochromium (above 4% carbon). Importers must verify the mill test certificate to ensure the carbon weight percentage is accurate. Another misclassification involves HS code 7202.49 being confused with 7202.60 (ferro-nickel) or 7202.30 (ferro-silico-chromium). If the alloy contains significant amounts of silicon (usually more than 8% or 10% depending on regional notes), it may be classified as ferro-silico-chromium under 7202.30 rather than 7202.49. Pure chromium metal is classified under 8112.21, not in the ferro-alloy section of Chapter 72.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720249 (the code used for low carbon ferrochromium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720249 (the code used for low carbon ferrochromium) in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 720249, not only low carbon ferrochromium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Kazakhstan $164M 27% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $84M 14% of world exports
- 3 India $68M 11% of world exports
World total: $602M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $165M 24% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $64M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $56M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $696M 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 low carbon ferrochromium
Brazil classifies low carbon ferrochromium under NCM 7202.49.00: HS 7202.49 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 low carbon ferrochromium
What is the HS code for Low carbon ferrochromium?
The HS code for Low carbon ferrochromium is 720249 (Ferro-alloys; ferro-chromium, containing by weight 4% or less of carbon). The HS code for low carbon ferrochromium (containing 4% or less carbon by weight) is 7202.49.
How do I classify Low carbon ferrochromium for customs?
Low carbon ferrochromium is classified under HS code 720249 — Ferro-alloys; ferro-chromium, containing by weight 4% or less of carbon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is low carbon ferrochromium distinguished from high carbon?
The distinction is based strictly on carbon content by weight; 4% is the threshold. Above 4% is 7202.41, while 4% or below is 7202.49.
Which countries are the top exporters of low carbon ferrochromium (HS 720249)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720249 (the code used for low carbon ferrochromium) in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($164M, 27% of world exports), Türkiye ($84M) and India ($68M). World exports came to about $602M, 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 low carbon ferrochromium (HS 720249)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720249 (the code used for low carbon ferrochromium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($165M, 24% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($64M) and South Korea ($56M). World imports came to about $696M, 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 Low carbon ferrochromium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720249 for Low 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 low carbon ferrochromium in Brazil?
In Brazil, low carbon ferrochromium (HS 720249) is classified under NCM 7202.49.00.