DRI Direct Reduced Iron Pellets
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) pellets are ferrous products produced by reducing iron ore pellets in shaft furnaces using natural gas or coal. The resulting spongy, porous structure retains high metallic iron content and is primarily used as a feedstock for electric arc furnaces in steelmaking. These pellets fall under tariff item 7203.10.00 as ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the product is not obtained by direct reduction of iron ore but is another form of ferrous product
This sibling tariff item covers other ferrous products not specifically obtained by direct reduction.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the pellets meet the definition of ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, as per Chapter 72 Note 1
• Provide a certificate of analysis showing metallic iron content and reduction degree to support classification
• Verify whether the goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under a free trade agreement, as duty rates may vary
Related Products under Tariff item 7203.10.00
HBI Hot Briquetted Iron
Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) is produced by direct reduction of iron ore into lumps or fines, which are then compacted at high temperature into briquettes. This process preserves the metallic iron content and creates a dense, stable product suitable for shipping and use in electric arc furnaces. HBI is classified under tariff item 7203.10.00 as a ferrous product obtained by direct reduction of iron ore.
High-Carbon DRI Briquettes
High-carbon DRI briquettes are produced by direct reduction of iron ore with a controlled carbon deposition process, resulting in briquettes with elevated carbon content. These briquettes are used in foundry and steelmaking applications where additional carbon is beneficial. They fall under tariff item 7203.10.00 as ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, regardless of carbon content.
MIDREX DRI Pellets
MIDREX DRI pellets are premium direct reduced iron produced using the MIDREX shaft furnace process, which employs reformed natural gas as the reducing agent. The pellets are uniform in size and composition, making them ideal for continuous charging in electric arc furnaces. These pellets are classified under tariff item 7203.10.00 as ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore.
SL/RN Sponge Iron
SL/RN sponge iron is produced through the SL/RN (Stelco-Lurgi/Republic Steel-Nippon Steel) rotary kiln direct reduction process, yielding high-carbon sponge iron in lump form. This product is used as a scrap substitute in electric arc furnaces and foundries. It is classified under tariff item 7203.10.00 as a ferrous product obtained by direct reduction of iron ore.
Sponge Iron Lumps
Sponge iron lumps are produced by direct reduction of iron ore in rotary kilns or tunnel furnaces, resulting in porous, spongy lumps with high metallic iron content. These lumps are commonly used as a substitute for scrap in steelmaking and foundry operations. They fall under tariff item 7203.10.00 as ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore.
Taconite DRI Pellets
Taconite DRI pellets are produced by beneficiating low-grade taconite iron ore and then subjecting it to direct reduction, resulting in high-grade pellets for steelmaking. The pellets are uniform and suitable for use in electric arc furnaces. They are classified under tariff item 7203.10.00 as ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore.