HBI Hot Briquetted Iron
Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) is produced by direct reduction of iron ore in lumps or similar forms, then hot briquetted to preserve metallic iron content for steelmaking. It falls under HTS 7203.10.00.00 as a ferrous product obtained by direct reduction of iron ore in pellet-like or lump forms with high iron purity.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If ferro-silicon content exceeds 3% by weight
Products containing 3% or more ferro-silicon are classified under heading 7204 for specific alloyed DRI.
If non-agglomerated and not direct reduced
Non-reduced iron ore pellets fall under Chapter 26 as mineral products, not Chapter 72 ferrous metals.
If melted and cast into similar forms
Once iron is melted and recast, it becomes flat-rolled products under 7208, not direct reduced products.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify iron content and direct reduction certification via mill test reports to confirm classification under 7203.10
• Ensure proper ventilation in containers to prevent reoxidation during ocean transport; use nitrogen blanketing if needed
• Avoid misclassification as scrap by providing production process documentation distinguishing DRI from melted products
Related Products under HTS 7203.10.00.00
DRI Direct Reduced Iron Pellets
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) pellets are ferrous products made by reducing iron ore pellets in shaft furnaces using natural gas, retaining a spongy structure ideal for electric arc furnaces. Classified under HTS 7203.10.00.00 due to direct reduction process yielding high-purity iron in pellet form without melting.
Sponge Iron Lumps
Sponge iron lumps are produced via direct reduction of iron ore in rotary kilns or tunnels, forming porous lumps used as a scrap substitute in steel production. This product matches HTS 7203.10.00.00 as 'other spongy ferrous products' from direct reduction in lump forms.
MIDREX DRI Pellets
MIDREX DRI pellets are premium direct reduced iron produced via the MIDREX shaft furnace process using reformed natural gas, in standard pellet form for EAF charging. Falls under HTS 7203.10.00.00 as ferrous products from direct ore reduction in pellets.
Taconite DRI Pellets
Taconite DRI pellets are made from low-grade taconite iron ore via direct reduction, forming beneficiated pellets for steel production. Classified in HTS 7203.10.00.00 for direct reduced ferrous products in pellet form from iron ore.
SL/RN Sponge Iron
SL/RN sponge iron is rotary kiln direct reduced iron from the Stelco-Lurgi/Republic Steel-Nippon Steel process, producing high-carbon sponge in lump form. HTS 7203.10.00.00 covers this spongy ferrous product from direct ore reduction.
High-Carbon DRI Briquettes
High-carbon DRI briquettes result from direct reduction with excess carbon deposition, compacted into briquette form for foundry and steel applications. Fits HTS 7203.10.00.00 as directly reduced ferrous products in similar forms to pellets/lumps.