Product classification
HS code for Scrap ingots: 7204.50
Ferrous products, remelting scrap ingots.
Classification of scrap ingots under HS 7204.50
HS code 7204.50 is designated for remelting scrap ingots of iron or steel. These products are distinct from standard primary ingots because they are produced by melting down ferrous waste and scrap without significant refining or alloying to meet precise industrial specifications. The classification is based on the product's physical characteristics and its intended industrial application. Remelting scrap ingots are typically characterized by a rough, uneven surface, irregular dimensions, and the presence of surface defects like blowholes or slag inclusions. They do not meet the strict chemical composition standards required for ingots classified under heading 72.06. Under the Harmonized System, these are treated as a form of ferrous waste that has been cast into a shape solely for the convenience of storage and transport. The primary requirement for this classification is that the ingots must be destined for remelting in a furnace to recover the metal content for the production of steel or cast iron.
- Covers
- Cast iron remelting ingots
- Alloy steel scrap ingots for remelting
- Roughly cast ferrous blocks from scrap
- Non-standard iron blocks for foundry use
- Secondary steel ingots with high impurity levels
- Also under 7204.50
- Remelted steel blocks
- Foundry returns ingots
- Compacted scrap ingots
- Processed ferrous briquettes
Codes often confused with 7204.50
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 72.06, which covers iron and non-alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms. The distinction lies in the quality and purpose; 72.06 is for high-quality primary production, while 7204.50 is for secondary recovery. Another confusion arises with 72.01 (pig iron), which is a primary product of iron ore reduction, whereas remelting scrap ingots are derived from recycled scrap.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720450 (the code used for scrap ingots), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720450 (the code used for scrap 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 scrap 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 scrap ingots
Brazil classifies scrap 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 scrap ingots
What is the HS code for Scrap ingots?
The HS code for Scrap ingots is 720450 (Ferrous products; remelting scrap ingots). The HS code for remelting scrap ingots of ferrous metal is 7204.50.
How do I classify Scrap ingots for customs?
Scrap ingots is classified under HS code 720450 — Ferrous products; remelting scrap ingots. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do scrap ingots differ from pig iron?
Pig iron (72.01) is produced from iron ore in a blast furnace, while scrap ingots (7204.50) are produced by melting recycled ferrous waste.
Which countries are the top exporters of scrap ingots (HS 720450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720450 (the code used for scrap 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 scrap ingots (HS 720450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720450 (the code used for scrap 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 Scrap ingots the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720450 for Scrap 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 scrap ingots in Brazil?
In Brazil, scrap ingots (HS 720450) is classified under NCM 7204.50.00.