Product classification
HS code for Pig iron: 7201.20
Iron, non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus, in pigs, blocks or other primary forms.
Classification of pig iron under HS 7201.20
Pig iron is classified under HS code 720120 when it is a non-alloy pig iron containing more than 0.5% phosphorus by weight. This product is a primary form of iron, typically produced in a blast furnace, and serves as the raw material for steelmaking and foundry work. Chapter 72 of the Harmonized System covers iron and steel, and heading 7201 specifically addresses pig iron and spiegeleisen in pigs, blocks, or other primary forms. The classification under the 720120 subheading is strictly defined by the chemical composition, specifically the phosphorus content. Phosphorus is an element that significantly affects the fluidity of molten iron and the brittleness of the final steel product. Pig iron with a high phosphorus content (exceeding 0.5%) is often used in specialized casting applications where high fluidity is necessary to fill intricate molds. The material must be in a primary form, such as \"pigs\" (crude ingots), blocks, or lumps, to qualify. If the iron has been further worked or shaped into semi-finished products, it would move to subsequent headings in Chapter 72.
- Covers
- Non-alloy pig iron with >0.5% phosphorus
- High-phosphorus iron blocks
- Phosphoric pig iron in primary lumps
- Crude iron ingots (pigs) for foundries
- Basic pig iron with high phosphorus content
- Also under 7201.20
- Tata Steel high-phosphorus pig iron
- Baosteel foundry pig iron
- ArcelorMittal basic pig iron
- JFE Steel pig iron for castings
Codes often confused with 7201.20
Common mistake. Pig iron is often misclassified under HS code 720110, which is for non-alloy pig iron containing 0.5% or less of phosphorus. The distinction is purely chemical, requiring laboratory analysis to confirm the correct subheading. Another common error is classification under HS code 720150, which is reserved for alloy pig iron. Alloy pig iron must contain specific percentages of other elements like chromium, manganese, or nickel as defined in the Chapter 72 notes. Additionally, scrap iron is sometimes confused with pig iron; however, scrap is classified under 7204. Pig iron is a primary product of smelting, whereas scrap consists of waste or used iron materials intended for remelting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720120 (the code used for pig iron), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720120 (the code used for pig iron) in UN Comtrade data was Angola, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 54% 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 720120, not only pig iron.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Angola $9.4M 36% of world exports
- 2 Germany $5.7M 22% of world exports
- 3 China $3.5M 14% of world exports
World total: $26M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $14M 54% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $2.3M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$1.7M 6.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $26M 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 pig iron
Brazil classifies pig iron under NCM 7201.20.00: HS 7201.20 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 pig iron
What is the HS code for Pig iron?
The HS code for Pig iron is 720120 (Iron; non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus, in pigs, blocks or other primary forms). The HS code for non-alloy pig iron containing more than 0.5% phosphorus by weight is 720120.
How do I classify Pig iron for customs?
Pig iron is classified under HS code 720120 — Iron; non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus, in pigs, blocks or other primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines \"primary forms\" for pig iron?
Primary forms refer to the crude shapes the iron takes after smelting, such as pigs (ingots), blocks, or lumps, before any further rolling or forging occurs.
Which countries are the top exporters of pig iron (HS 720120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720120 (the code used for pig iron) in UN Comtrade data were Angola ($9.4M, 36% of world exports), Germany ($5.7M) and China ($3.5M). World exports came to about $26M, 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 pig iron (HS 720120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720120 (the code used for pig iron) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($14M, 54% of world imports), Indonesia ($2.3M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $1.7M). World imports came to about $26M, 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 Pig iron the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720120 for Pig iron 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 pig iron in Brazil?
In Brazil, pig iron (HS 720120) is classified under NCM 7201.20.00.