Product classification
HS code for Steel granules: 7205.10
Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen, granules thereof.
Classification of steel granules under HS 7205.10
Steel granules are classified under HS code 7205.10, which specifically covers granules of pig iron, spiegeleisen, iron, or steel. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, granules are defined as materials of which less than 90% by weight passes through a sieve with a mesh aperture of 1 mm, and of which 90% or more by weight passes through a sieve with a mesh aperture of 5 mm. This classification is part of Chapter 72, which deals with the primary materials of the iron and steel industry. These granules are typically produced by the atomization of molten metal or by crushing larger pieces of steel. They are widely used in industrial applications such as shot blasting, surface cleaning, and as heavy aggregates in high-density concrete. The classification depends strictly on the physical dimensions and the metallurgical composition of the particles.
- Covers
- Steel shot for abrasive blasting
- Crushed steel grit
- Iron granules for metallurgical use
- Angular steel granules
- Spherical steel shot
- Also under 7205.10
- Granulated pig iron for foundries
- Spiegeleisen granules for steel alloying
- Iron powder for powder metallurgy
- Steel shot for abrasive blasting
Codes often confused with 7205.10
Common mistake. Steel granules are often confused with steel powders, which fall under HS code 7205.21 (alloy steel) or 7205.29 (iron/non-alloy steel). The distinction is based entirely on particle size; powders are finer than granules. Another common error is classifying steel waste or scrap under 7204; however, if the material has been processed into uniform granules for abrasive use, 7205.10 is the correct designation. Granulated slag from the manufacture of iron or steel is also different and belongs under 2618.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720510 (the code used for steel granules), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720510 (the code used for steel granules) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 7.7% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 720510, not only steel granules.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $120M 27% of world exports
- 2 China $82M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $38M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $446M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $46M 7.7% of world imports
- 2 Germany $38M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 India $35M 6.0% of world imports
Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $589M 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 steel granules
Brazil classifies steel granules under NCM 7205.10.00: HS 7205.10 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 steel granules
What is the HS code for Steel granules?
The HS code for Steel granules is 720510 (Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; granules thereof). The HS code for granules of iron or steel is 7205.10.
How do I classify Steel granules for customs?
Steel granules is classified under HS code 720510 — Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; granules thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between granules and powders for customs?
The distinction is made via a sieve test. If more than 10% of the material is retained on a 1 mm mesh sieve, it is generally classified as a granule under 7205.10 rather than a powder.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel granules (HS 720510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720510 (the code used for steel granules) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($120M, 27% of world exports), China ($82M) and the United States ($38M). World exports came to about $446M, 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 steel granules (HS 720510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720510 (the code used for steel granules) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($46M, 7.7% of world imports), Germany ($38M) and India ($35M). World imports came to about $589M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Steel granules the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720510 for Steel granules 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 steel granules in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel granules (HS 720510) is classified under NCM 7205.10.00.