HS Code for Spiegeleisen

Spiegeleisen is a specific type of pig iron characterized by its high manganese content, traditionally used in the steelmaking process as a deoxidizer and to add manganese to the melt. It is classified under Chapter 72 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses iron and steel. Heading 7201 is dedicated to pig iron and spiegeleisen in pigs, blocks, or other primary forms. Subheading 7201.50 specifically identifies alloy pig iron and spiegeleisen. According to the legal notes in Chapter 72, spiegeleisen is defined as an iron-carbon alloy containing by weight more than 6% but not more than 30% of manganese. This precise chemical threshold is critical for classification. The name "spiegeleisen" (German for "mirror iron") refers to the lustrous, reflective crystalline fractures visible in the metal. Because it is a primary form of iron, it is classified at the very beginning of the iron and steel chapter, reflecting its status as a raw material for further metallurgical processing.

Products Included

• Spiegeleisen in pigs
• Spiegeleisen in blocks
• Spiegeleisen in other primary forms (e.g., lumps)
• Alloy pig iron containing 6% to 30% manganese

Common Misclassification

Spiegeleisen is often confused with ferromanganese, which is classified under heading 7202. The distinction lies in the manganese and carbon content; ferromanganese typically contains more than 30% manganese by weight. Another common misclassification is with non-alloy pig iron under subheading 7201.10, which lacks the required manganese percentage. It is also important not to confuse spiegeleisen with steel scrap (7204) or other ferro-alloys that contain different alloying elements like silicon or chromium.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Spiegeleisen?

The HS code for spiegeleisen in primary forms is 7201.50.

What is the required manganese content for Spiegeleisen?

To be classified as spiegeleisen, the alloy must contain more than 6% but not more than 30% manganese by weight.