Product classification
HS code for Metal chips: 7204.41
Ferrous waste and scrap, turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles.
Classification of metal chips under HS 7204.41
Metal chips are classified under HS code 7204.41 as ferrous waste and scrap. This specific subheading is designated for turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, and filings resulting from the mechanical working of iron or steel. The classification is based on the material's status as industrial waste and its physical form. These chips are typically generated during machining processes such as lathing, milling, drilling, or grinding. Under the Harmonized System, waste and scrap are classified based on the base metal they are derived from; since these are ferrous (iron or steel), they fall under Chapter 72. The code 7204.41 specifically identifies these small-fragment byproducts, distinguishing them from larger pieces of heavy melting scrap.
- Covers
- Steel turnings from lathe operations
- Iron shavings from industrial planers
- Metal milling waste and fragments
- Ferrous sawdust from metal sawing
- Iron and steel filings from finishing processes
- Also under 7204.41
- CNC machining turnings
- Lathe shavings
- Punch press stampings
- Grinding swarf
- Automotive manufacturing scrap
Codes often confused with 7204.41
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 7204.49, which is a residual category for "other" ferrous waste and scrap. 7204.41 is more specific for small fragments like chips and shavings. Additionally, if the chips are contaminated with significant amounts of oil or chemical residues, some may attempt to classify them under 2620 (slags and ash), but if the metallic nature is preserved, 7204.41 remains correct. Non-ferrous chips, such as aluminum chips, must be classified under 7602.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720441 (the code used for metal chips), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720441 (the code used for metal chips) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 720441, not only metal chips.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $482M 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $466M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $287M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $787M 23% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $639M 19% of world imports
- 3 Italy $406M 12% of world imports
World total: $3.4B 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 metal chips
Brazil classifies metal chips under NCM 7204.41.00: HS 7204.41 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 metal chips
What is the HS code for Metal chips?
The HS code for Metal chips is 720441 (Ferrous waste and scrap; turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles). The HS code for ferrous metal chips, turnings, and shavings is 7204.41.
How do I classify Metal chips for customs?
Metal chips is classified under HS code 720441 — Ferrous waste and scrap; turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are stainless steel chips classified here?
No, stainless steel waste and scrap are specifically classified under HS code 7204.21, which takes precedence over the general ferrous scrap codes due to the alloy content.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal chips (HS 720441)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720441 (the code used for metal chips) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($482M, 18% of world exports), Germany ($466M) and France ($287M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 metal chips (HS 720441)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720441 (the code used for metal chips) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($787M, 23% of world imports), Pakistan ($639M) and Italy ($406M). World imports came to about $3.4B, 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 Metal chips the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720441 for Metal chips 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 metal chips in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal chips (HS 720441) is classified under NCM 7204.41.00.