HS 720120 Non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0,5 % of phosphorus
Quick Answer: Non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.20% ad valorem, and the US at a rate of Free, $1.11 per tonne. This classification specifically covers pig iron, a primary iron product, that is not alloyed with other elements beyond basic impurities, and crucially, contains a significant phosphorus content exceeding 0.5% by weight. Importers should be aware of these distinct tariff treatments across major markets. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these specific rates is vital for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7201200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7201200000 | 2.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7201200000 | Free | — | ["t"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 720120 cover?
This subheading covers non-alloy pig iron that contains, by weight, more than 0.5% of phosphorus. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, pig iron is defined as iron cast in a form that is suitable for remelting. This specific classification is determined by the phosphorus content exceeding the 0.5% threshold, distinguishing it from other forms of pig iron. Official definitions from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database align with this chemical composition criterion.
What falls outside HS 720120?
The following products are excluded from HS 720120: non-alloy pig iron containing 0.5% or less of phosphorus by weight, which falls under HS 720110. Additionally, ferro-alloys, such as ferrosilicon or ferromanganese, are classified under Chapter 72, but in different headings (e.g., 7202). Ingots or other primary forms of iron and steel, even if containing phosphorus, are excluded if they are not considered pig iron as per the definitions in Chapter 72, Note 1(a).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 720120?
A common error is misinterpreting the phosphorus content threshold. Importers may incorrectly classify pig iron with phosphorus content at or below 0.5% under this subheading, or fail to accurately determine the phosphorus percentage through laboratory analysis. Furthermore, confusing pig iron with other iron and steel products, such as steel ingots or ferro-alloys, can lead to misclassification, violating General Rule of Interpretation 1 (GRI 1) which prioritizes Section and Chapter Notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 720120?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 720120 involves first confirming that the material is indeed pig iron, meaning it is iron cast in a form suitable for remelting. Subsequently, a precise chemical analysis must be performed to determine the phosphorus content. If the analysis confirms that the phosphorus content exceeds 0.5% by weight, then the product correctly falls under HS 720120. Importers must retain this analytical documentation for customs verification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 720120?
A shipment of 100 metric tons of non-alloy pig iron containing 0.8% phosphorus, declared at a customs value of $40,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $4,000. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 10% ad valorem (10% × $40,000 USD = $4,000 USD). For specific quantities, if a per-unit duty applied, the calculation would be rate × quantity.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 720120?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 720120, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a preferential rate of Free may apply. Documentation required typically includes a USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, depending on the origin country and the specific trade agreement.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 720120 (Non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 720120 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the MFN rate is 0.00%. However, other countries may have different rates. For instance, the EU TARIC system might list a rate of 2.20% ad valorem for certain origins. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the applicable duty rate. Preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may also apply, potentially reducing or eliminating duties.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 720120?
The primary classification criterion for HS code 720120 is that the material must be pig iron, which is an intermediate product of iron ore smelting. Crucially, it must contain by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus. Pig iron not meeting this phosphorus threshold would be classified under HS code 720110. The material must also be non-alloy pig iron, meaning it does not contain other elements added intentionally beyond those naturally present in the process, to a degree that would qualify it as alloy pig iron (typically covered under HS chapter 72, heading 7202).
How is the import duty for HS code 720120 calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty calculation depends on the duty rate applied. If the rate is ad valorem, the duty is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. If the rate is specific, it's a fixed amount per unit of quantity (e.g., per metric ton). For example, if a country applies a 2.20% ad valorem duty rate and the declared customs value of a shipment of non-alloy pig iron (HS 720120) is $50,000, the duty would be calculated as: $50,000 (Value) × 0.0220 (Duty Rate) = $1,100. If the duty were a specific rate, such as $1.11 per metric ton, and the shipment weighed 1,000 metric tons, the duty would be: 1,000 (Tons) × $1.11/ton = $1,110.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 720120?
Standard import documentation for HS code 720120 generally includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers may also need to provide a declaration or analysis certificate confirming the phosphorus content (greater than 0.5% by weight) to substantiate the classification under 720120. It is advisable to consult the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list of required documents.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 720120?
The applicability of preferential duty rates for HS code 720120 is determined by specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between the exporting and importing countries. For example, goods originating from countries that are signatories to the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) might benefit from reduced or zero duties on pig iron if the product meets the rules of origin. Similarly, imports into the European Union from countries with which the EU has an FTA (e.g., CETA with Canada, or agreements with South Korea) could be eligible for preferential treatment. Always verify the specific rules of origin and the tariff treatment under the relevant FTA.