Product classification
HS code for Steel powder: 7205.29
Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen, powders (excluding alloy steel).
Classification of steel powder under HS 7205.29
Steel powder is classified under HS code 7205.29 according to the Harmonized System's structure for primary metal forms. Chapter 72 covers iron and steel, and heading 7205 is dedicated to granules and powders of pig iron, spiegeleisen, iron, or steel. The classification is determined by the particle size; according to Note 8(b) to Chapter 72, powders are products of which 90% or more by weight passes through a sieve with a mesh aperture of 1 mm. Subheading 7205.29 specifically covers powders of iron or non-alloy steel that do not meet the definition of alloy steel. These powders are typically produced through processes such as atomization, reduction of iron oxides, or electrolytic deposition. They are widely used in powder metallurgy to create complex parts, as well as in the production of welding electrodes and magnetic components.
- Covers
- Atomized non-alloy steel powder
- Reduced iron powder for metallurgical use
- Electrolytic iron powder
- Crushed steel powder (particle size < 1mm)
- Sponge iron powder
- Also under 7205.29
- Höganäs AB iron powder
- GKN Sinter Metals components
- BASF carbonyl iron powder
- Rio Tinto HIsmelt iron powder
Codes often confused with 7205.29
Common mistake. Steel powder is often confused with HS code 7205.21, which is the specific code for alloy steel powders. If the powder contains alloying elements above the thresholds defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72 (such as chromium, manganese, or nickel), it must be moved to 7205.21. It is also frequently confused with HS code 7205.10, which covers granules. The distinction lies in the 1 mm sieve test; if more than 10% of the weight is retained on the sieve, the product is classified as a granule under 7205.10 rather than a powder.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720529 (the code used for steel powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720529 (the code used for steel powder) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 720529, not only steel powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $298M 34% of world exports
- 2 Romania $89M 10% of world exports
- 3 Germany $86M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $872M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $112M 12% of world imports
- 2 China $85M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 United States $83M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $952M 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 codes for steel powder
Brazil splits HS 7205.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7205.29.10Sponge iron powder, 98% iron or more
- 7205.29.20Thermoplastic-coated iron powder, 98% iron or more
- 7205.29.90Other iron or non-alloy steel powders
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 powder
What is the HS code for Steel powder?
The HS code for Steel powder is 720529 (Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; powders (excluding alloy steel)). The HS code for non-alloy steel powder is 7205.29.
How do I classify Steel powder for customs?
Steel powder is classified under HS code 720529 — Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen; powders (excluding alloy steel). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is iron powder classified differently than steel powder?
Under the HS system, both iron and non-alloy steel powders are grouped together under 7205.29, provided they meet the purity and size requirements.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel powder (HS 720529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720529 (the code used for steel powder) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($298M, 34% of world exports), Romania ($89M) and Germany ($86M). World exports came to about $872M, 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 powder (HS 720529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720529 (the code used for steel powder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($112M, 12% of world imports), China ($85M) and the United States ($83M). World imports came to about $952M, 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 powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720529 for Steel powder 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 powder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 720529 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for steel powder depends on the product's details: 7205.29.10 (Sponge iron powder, 98% iron or more), 7205.29.20 (Thermoplastic-coated iron powder, 98% iron or more), 7205.29.90 (Other iron or non-alloy steel powders).