Product classification
HS code for Steel turnings: 7204.41
Ferrous waste and scrap, turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles.
Classification of steel turnings under HS 7204.41
Steel turnings are classified under HS code 7204.41, which falls under the category of ferrous waste and scrap. Chapter 72 covers iron and steel, and heading 7204 is dedicated to ferrous waste and scrap, as well as remelting scrap ingots. According to Note 8(a) to Section XV, waste and scrap refers to metallic waste and scrap from the manufacture or mechanical working of metals, and metal goods definitely not usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons. Subheading 7204.41 specifically targets turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings, and stampings. These are typically the by-products of machining processes like lathing, milling, or drilling. The classification is determined by the physical form of the scrap (small fragments resulting from cutting) and its intended use (remelting for metal recovery).
- Covers
- Steel shavings from lathe operations
- Milling waste and chips from CNC machining
- Steel sawdust from industrial sawing
- Trimmings and stampings from sheet metal fabrication
- Filings from metal finishing processes
- Also under 7204.41
- CNC machining turnings
- Lathe shavings
- Punch press stampings
- Grinding swarf
- Automotive manufacturing scrap
Codes often confused with 7204.41
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 7204.10, which is for waste and scrap of cast iron. If the turnings come from carbon steel or non-alloy steel, 7204.10 is incorrect. Another frequent error is using 7204.21, which is reserved for stainless steel waste and scrap. Importers must distinguish between alloy steel and non-alloy steel turnings. Furthermore, 7204.49 is often used for general steel scrap, but since 7204.41 specifically mentions turnings and shavings, it must be used for those specific forms of waste per GRI 6.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720441 (the code used for steel turnings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720441 (the code used for steel turnings) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 720441, not only steel turnings.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $482M 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $466M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $287M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $787M 23% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $639M 19% of world imports
- 3 Italy $406M 12% of world imports
World total: $3.4B 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 steel turnings
Brazil classifies steel turnings under NCM 7204.41.00: HS 7204.41 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 turnings
What is the HS code for Steel turnings?
The HS code for Steel turnings is 720441 (Ferrous waste and scrap; turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles). The HS code for turnings, shavings, chips, and milling waste of iron or steel is 7204.41.
How do I classify Steel turnings for customs?
Steel turnings is classified under HS code 720441 — Ferrous waste and scrap; turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to stainless steel shavings?
No, shavings and turnings made of stainless steel should be classified under HS code 7204.21, which is specific to stainless steel waste and scrap.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel turnings (HS 720441)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720441 (the code used for steel turnings) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($482M, 18% of world exports), Germany ($466M) and France ($287M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 turnings (HS 720441)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720441 (the code used for steel turnings) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($787M, 23% of world imports), Pakistan ($639M) and Italy ($406M). World imports came to about $3.4B, 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 Steel turnings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720441 for Steel turnings 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 turnings in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel turnings (HS 720441) is classified under NCM 7204.41.00.