Product classification
HS code for Mill scale: 2619.00
Slag, dross, (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel.
Classification of mill scale under HS 2619.00
Mill scale is classified under HS code 2619.00. This code covers slag, dross, scalings, and other waste resulting from the manufacture of iron or steel. Mill scale is a byproduct of the steelmaking process, specifically the flaky surface of hot-rolled steel, consisting largely of iron oxides such as magnetite and hematite. It is classified in Chapter 26 because it is a residue from the metallurgical industry. Unlike granulated slag, which has its own specific code, mill scale is grouped with other non-granulated waste products. The classification depends on its origin as a byproduct of iron or steel production and its composition as a metallic oxide waste. Under the Harmonized System, residues that are fit for the recovery of metal or for use in the manufacture of chemical compounds are typically placed in Chapter 26. Mill scale is frequently recycled back into the sintering process or used as a raw material in the production of iron oxide pigments and negative electrodes for batteries. Its status as a secondary industrial material rather than a primary ore or a finished metal product is the key factor in its 2619.00 designation.
- Covers
- Iron oxide mill scale
- Hammer scale from forging
- Roll scale from hot rolling mills
- Ferrous scalings from steel reheating
- Also under 2619.00
- POSCO (steel producer)
- Nippon Steel (steel producer)
- thyssenkrupp (steel producer)
- various aggregate suppliers (e.g., CRH plc)
Codes often confused with 2619.00
Common mistake. Mill scale is often misclassified under HS code 2618.00, which is reserved specifically for granulated slag (slag sand) from the manufacture of iron or steel. It may also be confused with 2620.19, which covers other residues containing mainly zinc. The distinction lies in the ferrous nature of mill scale and its physical form as a scaling rather than a granulated or ash-like residue.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261900 (the code used for mill scale), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261900 (the code used for mill scale) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 30% 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 261900, not only mill scale.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $69M 13% of world exports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$43M 8.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $42M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $511M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $147M 30% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $57M 12% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $32M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $489M 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 mill scale
Brazil classifies mill scale under NCM 2619.00.00: HS 2619.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mill scale
What is the HS code for Mill scale?
The HS code for Mill scale is 261900 (Slag, dross; (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel). The HS code for mill scale is 2619.00, covering waste from iron or steel manufacture.
How do I classify Mill scale for customs?
Mill scale is classified under HS code 261900 — Slag, dross; (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is mill scale considered an ore?
While it contains high levels of iron, it is classified as a waste or scaling (2619.00) rather than a primary iron ore (2601) because it is a byproduct of processing.
Which countries are the top exporters of mill scale (HS 261900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261900 (the code used for mill scale) in UN Comtrade data were India ($69M, 13% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $43M) and Belgium ($42M). World exports came to about $511M, 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 mill scale (HS 261900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261900 (the code used for mill scale) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($147M, 30% of world imports), Indonesia ($57M) and the Philippines ($32M). World imports came to about $489M, 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 Mill scale the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261900 for Mill scale 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 mill scale in Brazil?
In Brazil, mill scale (HS 261900) is classified under NCM 2619.00.00.