Product classification
HS code for Pure nickel ingot: 7502.10
Nickel, unwrought, not alloyed.
Classification of pure nickel ingot under HS 7502.10
Pure nickel ingot is classified under HS code 7502.10 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. Chapter 75 of the Harmonized System covers nickel and articles thereof, with heading 7502 specifically designated for unwrought nickel. The term "unwrought" refers to metal in its primary form, such as ingots, pigs, or pellets, which have been obtained by casting or sintering and have not been further worked (rolled, extruded, or forged). Subheading 7502.10 is reserved for nickel that is "not alloyed." To meet this definition, the metal must contain at least 99% nickel plus cobalt by weight, provided the cobalt content does not exceed 1.5%. This classification is strictly based on the chemical purity and the physical state of the metal as a raw material for further manufacturing.
- Covers
- Electrolytic nickel ingots
- Nickel cathodes and broken cathodes
- Nickel pellets and shot
- Nickel briquettes and rounds
- Unwrought nickel slabs and blocks
- Also under 7502.10
- LME-grade nickel cathodes
- Norilsk Nickel briquettes
- Vale pure nickel pellets
- Sumitomo Metal Mining cathodes
Codes often confused with 7502.10
Common mistake. Pure nickel is frequently confused with nickel alloys classified under HS code 7502.20. The distinction lies in the chemical composition; if the nickel content is less than 99% or if other elements exceed the specific weight thresholds defined in Chapter Note 1 to Chapter 75, it must be classified as an alloy. Additionally, nickel waste and scrap are classified under 7503.00, while semi-manufactured forms like nickel bars or rods fall under 7505.11. Misclassifying an ingot as a bar (7505) can occur if the product has been rolled or drawn after casting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 750210 (the code used for pure nickel ingot), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 750210 (the code used for pure nickel ingot) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 750210, not only pure nickel ingot.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.6B 20% of world exports
- 2 Canada $1.8B 14% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$1.7B 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $12.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.6B 30% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $1.3B 10% of world imports
- 3 United States $1.3B 10% of world imports
World total: $12.3B 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 codes for pure nickel ingot
Brazil splits HS 7502.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7502.10.10Unalloyed nickel cathodes
- 7502.10.90Other unwrought unalloyed nickel
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pure nickel ingot
What is the HS code for Pure nickel ingot?
The HS code for Pure nickel ingot is 750210 (Nickel; unwrought, not alloyed). The HS code for pure, non-alloyed nickel in unwrought forms like ingots is 7502.10.
How do I classify Pure nickel ingot for customs?
Pure nickel ingot is classified under HS code 750210 — Nickel; unwrought, not alloyed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the 99% purity requirement include cobalt?
Yes, for the purposes of HS code 7502.10, the purity is calculated as the sum of nickel and cobalt, as long as the cobalt does not exceed 1.5% of the total weight.
Which countries are the top exporters of pure nickel ingot (HS 750210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 750210 (the code used for pure nickel ingot) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.6B, 20% of world exports), Canada ($1.8B) and Russia (about $1.7B). World exports came to about $12.8B, 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 pure nickel ingot (HS 750210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 750210 (the code used for pure nickel ingot) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.6B, 30% of world imports), Singapore ($1.3B) and the United States ($1.3B). World imports came to about $12.3B, 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 Pure nickel ingot the same in all countries?
The base HS code 750210 for Pure nickel ingot 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 pure nickel ingot in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 750210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for pure nickel ingot depends on the product's details: 7502.10.10 (Unalloyed nickel cathodes), 7502.10.90 (Other unwrought unalloyed nickel).