Product classification
HS code for Steel ingots: 7206.10
Iron or non-alloy steel, ingots (excluding iron of heading no. 7203).
Classification of steel ingots under HS 7206.10
Steel ingots are classified under HS code 7206.10. This heading covers iron and non-alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms. Ingots are the primary shape resulting from the casting of molten steel into molds, intended for further processing such as rolling or forging. This classification is fundamental to the steel industry as it represents the first solid state of the metal after smelting and refining. Heading 7206 excludes products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore (which fall under 7203) and semi-finished products like billets or slabs (which fall under 7207). The classification 7206.10 is strictly for the ingot form. The chemical composition must meet the definition of non-alloy steel as per the Chapter 72 notes, meaning the levels of elements like manganese, silicon, and copper must stay below specified weight percentages. If the steel contains alloying elements above these limits, it would be classified under 7224.10. Ingots are typically large, heavy blocks and are not considered finished goods; they are raw materials for the subsequent stages of steel production.
- Covers
- Non-alloy steel ingots
- Iron ingots (excluding those of heading 7203)
- Primary form cast steel blocks
- Remelted scrap ingots (if meeting purity standards)
- Cast steel for further rolling
- Also under 7206.10
- ArcelorMittal steel ingots
- POSCO steel ingots
- Nippon Steel ingots
- Baowu Steel ingots
Codes often confused with 7206.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is between 7206.10 (ingots) and 7207 (semi-finished products). While ingots are primary forms cast into molds, 7207 covers products like billets, blooms, and slabs that have already undergone some initial rolling or continuous casting. Another error involves 7203, which covers "pigs" or other primary forms of iron obtained by direct reduction; these are chemically different from the refined steel ingots found in 7206. Finally, alloy steel ingots must be moved to 7224.10 to avoid customs disputes regarding material composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720610 (the code used for steel ingots), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720610 (the code used for steel ingots) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was El Salvador, with 22% 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 720610, not only steel ingots.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $43M 30% of world exports
- 2 Italy $21M 14% of world exports
- 3 Angola $14M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $146M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 El Salvador $52M 22% of world imports
- 2 Senegal $44M 19% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$24M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $235M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 ingots
Brazil classifies steel ingots under NCM 7206.10.00: HS 7206.10 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 ingots
What is the HS code for Steel ingots?
The HS code for Steel ingots is 720610 (Iron or non-alloy steel; ingots (excluding iron of heading no. 7203)). The HS code for iron or non-alloy steel ingots is 7206.10.
How do I classify Steel ingots for customs?
Steel ingots is classified under HS code 720610 — Iron or non-alloy steel; ingots (excluding iron of heading no. 7203). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are steel billets classified under 7206.10?
No, steel billets are considered semi-finished products and are classified under heading 7207.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel ingots (HS 720610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720610 (the code used for steel ingots) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 30% of world exports), Italy ($21M) and Angola ($14M). World exports came to about $146M, 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 ingots (HS 720610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720610 (the code used for steel ingots) in UN Comtrade data were El Salvador ($52M, 22% of world imports), Senegal ($44M) and Vietnam (about $24M). World imports came to about $235M, 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 Steel ingots the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720610 for Steel 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 steel ingots in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel ingots (HS 720610) is classified under NCM 7206.10.00.