HS 720221 Ferro-silicon
Quick Answer: Ferro-silicon imported under HS 720221 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 5.70% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from 1.5% to 11.5% ad valorem, with numerous preferential free trade agreements noted. This Harmonized System code specifically covers ferro-silicon, an alloy of iron and silicon, primarily used in the production of steel and cast iron as a deoxidizer and alloying element. Importers and customs brokers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparities across major trading blocs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-of-origin preferential rates for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7202210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7202210000 | 5.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 720221 | — | — | — |
| 7202215000 | 1.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg","Si kg"] |
| 7202211000 | 1.1% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg","Si kg"] |
| 7202217500 | 1.9% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg","Si kg"] |
| 7202219000 | 5.8% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg","Si kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 7202.21?
Imports of Ferro-silicon may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 16 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 720221 cover?
This subheading covers ferro-silicon, which is a ferroalloy containing silicon as the main alloying element. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, ferro-silicon is produced by reducing silica or sand with a carbonaceous reducing agent in an electric furnace. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to ferro-silicon with a silicon content exceeding 8% by weight. This typically includes products used in the production of steel and cast iron.
What falls outside HS 720221?
The following products are excluded from HS 720221: silicon metal (classified under HS 7204.50.0000), which has a silicon content of 98% or more by weight, and other ferro-alloys not primarily containing silicon, such as ferro-manganese or ferro-chromium. Additionally, waste and scrap of ferro-silicon, if not further processed into a usable alloy form, would generally be classified under HS Chapter 7204. Products containing silicon but not primarily defined as ferro-silicon are also excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 720221?
A common error is misclassifying ferro-silicon based solely on its appearance or intended use without verifying the silicon content. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System dictates that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly classify products with lower silicon content (e.g., below 8%) or products that are primarily silicon metal under this subheading, leading to incorrect duty assessments.
How should importers classify products under HS 720221?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 720221 involves obtaining a detailed chemical analysis certificate from the manufacturer. This certificate must clearly state the silicon content by weight, which should exceed 8%. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm the specific wording and any additional notes for Heading 7202. Verification of the product's composition is paramount.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 720221?
A shipment of ferro-silicon with a silicon content of 75% weighing 10,000 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD would attract a US duty of $300.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($15,000 USD × 0.03 = $450.00). However, if the product were classified under a specific tariff item with a per-kilogram duty, the calculation would differ. For example, if a specific item had a rate of $0.03 per kg, the duty would be $300.00 (10,000 kg × $0.03/kg). This example uses the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 720221?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 720221, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of "Free" for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially "Free," for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA certification of origin or a CPTPP Certificate of Origin is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for Ferro-silicon (HS 720221) into the United States?
The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Ferro-silicon (HS 720221) into the United States is currently 0.00%. However, importers should be aware of potential Section 301 tariffs on certain goods from China, which could apply depending on the origin. Always verify the latest tariff schedule and any applicable trade actions on the US International Trade Commission (USITC) website.
How is Ferro-silicon (HS 720221) classified, and what are the key criteria?
HS code 720221 specifically covers Ferro-silicon. Classification hinges on the product being an alloy of iron and silicon. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (WCO) clarify that ferro-alloys are generally produced by smelting processes and contain, by weight, 10% or more of silicon, manganese or chromium, or 8% or more of phosphorus, or 20% or more of barium. For HS 720221, the defining characteristic is the presence of silicon as the principal alloying element.
What documentation is typically required for importing Ferro-silicon (HS 720221) into the EU?
When importing Ferro-silicon (HS 720221) into the European Union, standard import documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and specific trade agreements, a proof of origin (e.g., EUR.1 certificate or origin declaration) may be required to claim preferential duty rates. Importers should consult the EU's TARIC database for the most up-to-date requirements and potential licensing or specific import controls.
How are duties calculated for Ferro-silicon (HS 720221) if a specific duty rate applies, for example, 5.70% ad valorem?
An ad valorem duty is calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods. For example, if Ferro-silicon (HS 720221) has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 5.70% ad valorem, the duty amount would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.0570 (Duty Rate) = $570.00. The customs value is typically the transaction value, including the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight to the port of entry. Always confirm the exact basis for customs valuation with the relevant customs authority.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for Ferro-silicon (HS 720221) into the UK, and what do 'Free (A*,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' indicate?
The notation 'Free (A*,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' indicates that Ferro-silicon (HS 720221) may be imported into the UK duty-free under various preferential trade agreements. The letters represent specific partner countries or blocs (e.g., AU for Australia, CL for Chile, KR for South Korea, SG for Singapore). To claim these preferential rates, importers must provide valid proof of origin as stipulated by each agreement, which can be found on the UK Trade Tariff. It is crucial to verify eligibility and the specific origin criteria for each trade agreement.