Product classification

HS code for Unwrought nickel: 7502.10

Nickel, unwrought, not alloyed.

Classification of unwrought nickel under HS 7502.10

Unwrought nickel that is not alloyed is classified under HS code 7502.10. Chapter 75 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to nickel and articles thereof. The classification 7502.10 specifically applies to pure nickel in its primary forms, such as cathodes, pellets, or ingots, provided they have not been alloyed with other elements. To qualify as not alloyed, the nickel content must meet specific purity standards defined in the Chapter 75 notes, generally requiring at least 99% nickel plus cobalt by weight, provided that the cobalt content does not exceed 1.5%. This code is used by customs authorities to track the trade of primary nickel used in stainless steel production, electroplating, and the manufacture of nickel-based superalloys. The term unwrought implies that the material has been produced by electrolysis, casting, or sintering and has not been subjected to further mechanical working like rolling, drawing, or forging.

Covers
  • Nickel cathodes
  • Nickel ingots (non-alloyed)
  • Nickel pellets and briquettes
  • Nickel shots
  • Unwrought nickel slabs
Also under 7502.10
  • LME-grade nickel cathodes
  • Norilsk Nickel briquettes
  • Vale pure nickel pellets
  • Sumitomo Metal Mining cathodes

Codes often confused with 7502.10

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between 7502.10 (non-alloyed) and 7502.20 (nickel alloys). If the nickel contains other elements exceeding the limits set in the chapter notes, it must be moved to 7502.20. Additionally, nickel mattes and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy are classified under 7501.10, while nickel powders and flakes are classified under 7504.00. Finished articles or semi-manufactured forms like nickel wire (7505) or nickel plates (7506) are also frequently confused with unwrought forms.

7502.20Nickel; unwrought, alloys7501.10Nickel; nickel mattes7504.00Nickel; powders and flakes75.05Nickel; bars, rods, profiles and wire75.06Nickel; plates, sheets, strip and foil

Top exporters and importers of HS 750210 (the code used for unwrought nickel), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 750210 (the code used for unwrought nickel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% 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 750210, not only unwrought nickel.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.6B
  2. 2 Canada $1.8B
  3. 3 Russia* ~$1.7B

World total: $12.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $3.6B
  2. 2 Singapore $1.3B
  3. 3 United States $1.3B

World total: $12.3B 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 nickel

Brazil splits HS 7502.10 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 nickel

What is the HS code for Unwrought nickel?

The HS code for Unwrought nickel is 750210 (Nickel; unwrought, not alloyed). Unwrought nickel is classified under 7502.10 if it is non-alloyed and 7502.20 if it is a nickel alloy.

How do I classify Unwrought nickel for customs?

Unwrought nickel is classified under HS code 750210 — Nickel; unwrought, not alloyed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does 7502.10 include nickel plating anodes?

Unwrought nickel in the form of cathodes or pellets used for plating is included, but finished anodes with hooks or specific shapes may fall under 7508.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of unwrought nickel (HS 750210)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 750210 (the code used for unwrought nickel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.6B, 20% of world exports), Canada ($1.8B) and Russia (about $1.7B). World exports came to about $12.8B, 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 nickel (HS 750210)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 750210 (the code used for unwrought nickel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.6B, 30% of world imports), Singapore ($1.3B) and the United States ($1.3B). World imports came to about $12.3B, 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 nickel the same in all countries?

The base HS code 750210 for Unwrought nickel 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 nickel in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 750210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for unwrought nickel depends on the product's details: 7502.10.10 (Unalloyed nickel cathodes), 7502.10.90 (Other unwrought unalloyed nickel).