Product classification

HS code for Unwrought chromium: 8112.21

Chromium and articles thereof, unwrought chromium, powders.

Classification of unwrought chromium under HS 8112.21

Unwrought chromium is classified under HS code 8112.21 because it falls within Chapter 81, which covers other base metals and cermets. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, base metals not specifically named in Chapters 72 through 80 are grouped here. The term "unwrought" refers to the metal in its primary, unworked state, typically resulting from smelting, electrolysis, or sintering. This includes forms such as ingots, blocks, lumps, and even powders. Classification under 8112.21 is strictly reserved for chromium that has not been further processed into semi-finished shapes like plates, sheets, or rods. The metallurgical purity and the physical form are the primary determinants for this code, ensuring that raw material is distinguished from manufactured articles or waste products.

Covers
  • Chromium ingots and blocks
  • Chromium lumps and grains
  • Chromium powders
  • Electrolytic chromium flakes
  • Sintered chromium briquettes
Also under 8112.21

Glencore's ferrochrome products (though this is unwrought chromium, not ferrochrome), Samancor Chrome's chromium metal, Outokumpu's chromium raw materials

Codes often confused with 8112.21

Common mistake. Unwrought chromium is frequently misclassified with HS code 8112.22, which is specifically designated for chromium waste and scrap. While both involve chromium in a non-manufactured state, 8112.22 is reserved for materials recovered from manufacturing processes or broken articles. Another common error is using HS code 8112.29, which covers "other" chromium products, including semi-finished shapes like bars and rods, or finished articles. Importers must ensure the material has not undergone any mechanical working to remain within 8112.21.

8112.22Chromium; waste and scrap8112.29Chromium and articles thereof; wrought other than waste and scrap

Top exporters and importers of HS 811221 (the code used for unwrought chromium), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811221 (the code used for unwrought chromium) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 811221, not only unwrought chromium.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $177M
  2. 2 France $143M
  3. 3 Russia* ~$45M

World total: $437M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $138M
  2. 2 Germany $76M
  3. 3 Japan $48M

World total: $517M 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 codes for unwrought chromium

Brazil splits HS 8112.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about unwrought chromium

What is the HS code for Unwrought chromium?

The HS code for Unwrought chromium is 811221 (Chromium and articles thereof; unwrought chromium, powders). The HS code for unwrought chromium, including powders, is 8112.21.

How do I classify Unwrought chromium for customs?

Unwrought chromium is classified under HS code 811221 — Chromium and articles thereof; unwrought chromium, powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include chromium alloys?

Yes, provided that chromium is the predominant metal by weight and the alloy is in an unwrought form, it generally remains under this heading unless it qualifies as a ferro-alloy under Chapter 72.

Which countries are the top exporters of unwrought chromium (HS 811221)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811221 (the code used for unwrought chromium) in UN Comtrade data were China ($177M, 41% of world exports), France ($143M) and Russia (about $45M). World exports came to about $437M, 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 unwrought chromium (HS 811221)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 811221 (the code used for unwrought chromium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($138M, 27% of world imports), Germany ($76M) and Japan ($48M). World imports came to about $517M, 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 Unwrought chromium the same in all countries?

The base HS code 811221 for Unwrought chromium 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 unwrought chromium in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 811221 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for unwrought chromium depends on the product's details: 8112.21.10 (Unwrought chromium), 8112.21.20 (Chromium powders).