Product classification
HS code for Remelting ingots: 7204.50
Ferrous products, remelting scrap ingots.
Classification of remelting ingots under HS 7204.50
Remelting scrap ingots are classified under HS code 7204.50. This code is situated in Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel. Heading 7204 is specifically for ferrous waste and scrap, as well as remelting scrap ingots. According to the legal notes for Chapter 72, remelting scrap ingots are products obtained by melting down ferrous waste or scrap and casting it into the form of ingots. These products are distinct from primary ingots (7206) because they are not produced from ore but from recycled materials. They are characterized by a rough, uneven surface and often contain high levels of impurities or alloying elements that are not precisely controlled, as they reflect the composition of the scrap used. They are generally used as a raw material for the production of steel or iron in electric arc furnaces or induction furnaces. The classification 7204.50 specifically excludes products that meet the definition of pig iron, spiegeleisen, or other primary forms of iron. The physical state is usually a crude cast shape intended solely for remelting and further processing.
- Covers
- Cast iron scrap ingots
- Steel scrap remelted into ingot form
- Secondary steel ingots for recycling
- Ferrous remelted blocks from waste
- Also under 7204.50
- Remelted steel blocks
- Foundry returns ingots
- Compacted scrap ingots
- Processed ferrous briquettes
Codes often confused with 7204.50
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification is 7201.10 (Non-alloy pig iron). Pig iron is a primary product of the blast furnace, whereas remelting ingots are secondary products from scrap. Another confusion arises with 7206.10 (Iron and non-alloy steel in ingots). The distinction lies in the quality and the intent; 7206 is for primary production, while 7204.50 is specifically for scrap-derived remelting forms with irregular surfaces.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720450 (the code used for remelting ingots), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720450 (the code used for remelting ingots) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 34% 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 720450, not only remelting ingots.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $20M 29% of world exports
- 2 Austria $18M 26% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $6.8M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $70M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $21M 34% of world imports
- 2 Kenya $11M 18% of world imports
- 3 Germany $6.7M 11% of world imports
World total: $61M 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 remelting ingots
Brazil classifies remelting ingots under NCM 7204.50.00: HS 7204.50 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 remelting ingots
What is the HS code for Remelting ingots?
The HS code for Remelting ingots is 720450 (Ferrous products; remelting scrap ingots). The HS code for ferrous remelting scrap ingots is 7204.50.
How do I classify Remelting ingots for customs?
Remelting ingots is classified under HS code 720450 — Ferrous products; remelting scrap ingots. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do remelting ingots differ from primary steel ingots?
Remelting ingots (7204.50) are made from melted scrap and waste, whereas primary ingots (7206) are made from refined iron ore or high-quality molten steel.
Which countries are the top exporters of remelting ingots (HS 720450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720450 (the code used for remelting ingots) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($20M, 29% of world exports), Austria ($18M) and Sweden ($6.8M). World exports came to about $70M, 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 remelting ingots (HS 720450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720450 (the code used for remelting ingots) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($21M, 34% of world imports), Kenya ($11M) and Germany ($6.7M). World imports came to about $61M, 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 Remelting ingots the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720450 for Remelting ingots 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 remelting ingots in Brazil?
In Brazil, remelting ingots (HS 720450) is classified under NCM 7204.50.00.