Product classification
HS code for Stainless steel scrap: 7204.21
Ferrous waste and scrap, of stainless steel.
Classification of stainless steel scrap under HS 7204.21
HS code 720421 is designated for ferrous waste and scrap specifically derived from stainless steel. This classification is vital for the recycling industry and international trade statistics. Under the Harmonized System, waste and scrap refers to metal goods which are unfit for use as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons, and are generally fit only for the recovery of metal or for use in the manufacture of chemicals. The subheading 21 specifically isolates stainless steel from other types of alloy steel or carbon steel scrap. This distinction is necessary because stainless steel scrap has a significantly higher value due to its nickel and chromium content. The classification applies regardless of the shape or form of the scrap, provided it meets the metallurgical definition of stainless steel (at least 10.5% chromium). This includes industrial offcuts, shavings, and discarded finished goods that have been crushed or bundled for recycling. It is important to note that primary ingots or other unwrought forms produced by melting down scrap are not classified here; they are classified under heading 7218. The scrap must be in a state that clearly indicates it is intended for remelting or chemical processing rather than repair or reuse in its current form. Proper documentation of the alloy grade (e.g., 304 or 316) is often required by customs to verify the classification under the stainless steel subheading.
- Covers
- Stainless steel industrial offcuts and clippings
- Discarded stainless steel machinery parts for recycling
- Used stainless steel piping and tubing scrap
- Stainless steel turnings, shavings, and chips
- Crushed or bundled stainless steel consumer goods
- Also under 7204.21
- 304 stainless steel scrap
- 316 stainless steel scrap
- 430 stainless steel scrap
- Duplex stainless steel scrap
Codes often confused with 7204.21
Common mistake. Stainless steel scrap is often misclassified under 720429, which is the code for other alloy steel scrap. This occurs when the chromium content is not verified. It is also confused with 720449, which covers general ferrous scrap. If the scrap contains less than 10.5% chromium, it cannot be classified under 720421. Furthermore, if the material is not truly scrap but rather second-quality usable goods, it should be classified under the specific heading for that product (e.g., 7219 for sheets).
Top exporters and importers of HS 720421 (the code used for stainless steel scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720421 (the code used for stainless steel scrap) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 31% 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 720421, not only stainless steel scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.4B 22% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $642M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $341M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $6.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $2.0B 31% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $1.2B 19% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $466M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $6.4B 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 stainless steel scrap
Brazil classifies stainless steel scrap under NCM 7204.21.00: HS 7204.21 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 stainless steel scrap
What is the HS code for Stainless steel scrap?
The HS code for Stainless steel scrap is 720421 (Ferrous waste and scrap; of stainless steel). The HS code for ferrous waste and scrap of stainless steel is 720421.
How do I classify Stainless steel scrap for customs?
Stainless steel scrap is classified under HS code 720421 — Ferrous waste and scrap; of stainless steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include stainless steel turnings and shavings?
Yes, turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, and saw dust of stainless steel are all included under the 720421 classification as part of the waste and scrap category.
Which countries are the top exporters of stainless steel scrap (HS 720421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720421 (the code used for stainless steel scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.4B, 22% of world exports), the Netherlands ($642M) and the United States ($341M). World exports came to about $6.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of stainless steel scrap (HS 720421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720421 (the code used for stainless steel scrap) in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.0B, 31% of world imports), Belgium ($1.2B) and South Korea ($466M). World imports came to about $6.4B, 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 Stainless steel scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720421 for Stainless steel scrap 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 stainless steel scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, stainless steel scrap (HS 720421) is classified under NCM 7204.21.00.