Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Pellets
Pellets produced by direct reduction of iron ore in lump or pellet form, typically containing 90-94% iron with minimal impurities. Classified under HTS 7203.90.00.00 as 'other' ferrous products from direct reduction processes, excluding high-purity electrolytic iron. Used primarily as feedstock in electric arc furnaces for steelmaking.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If produced via blast furnace
Pig iron from traditional smelting processes falls under Chapter 72 heading 7201, not direct reduction products.
If non-agglomerated iron ore fines
Unreduced iron ore in fines or lumps is classified as mineral products in Chapter 26, not reduced ferrous products.
If containing alloying elements exceeding base iron specifications
Alloyed remelted iron products are classified under heading 7204 as ferrosilicon or other ferroalloys.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify iron content and reduction process certification to confirm classification under direct reduction, not pig iron (HTS 7201)
• Provide mill test certificates (MTC) detailing chemical composition, as CBP requires proof of non-high-purity status (>99.94%)
• Avoid misclassification as scrap metal; ensure proper packaging labels indicate 'DRI pellets' to prevent inspection delays
Related Products under HTS 7203.90.00.00
HBI (Hot Briquetted Iron) Lumps
Hot briquetted iron in lump form made from direct reduced iron, compacted while hot to prevent reoxidation, with iron content around 90-92%. Falls under HTS 7203.90.00.00 as 'other spongy ferrous products' in lumps from direct reduction of iron ore. Commonly shipped internationally for EAF steel production.
Sponge Iron Pellets
Porous sponge iron pellets from direct reduction processes like MIDREX or HYL, exhibiting high porosity for easy melting. HTS 7203.90.00.00 covers these as 'spongy ferrous products' in pellet form with iron purity below 99.94%. Key raw material for mini-mills and secondary steelmaking.
HDRI (Hot Direct Reduced Iron) Lumps
Hot direct reduced iron lumps delivered at high temperature directly from shaft furnace to briquetting or melting. Classified in HTS 7203.90.00.00 as other ferrous products from direct ore reduction in lump form. Reduces energy costs in steel production when used immediately.
CDRI (Cold Direct Reduced Iron) Pellets Grade HBI
Cold direct reduced iron pellets, cooled and stored after gas-based reduction, standardized to HBI grade specs. HTS 7203.90.00.00 includes these as pellet-form spongy ferrous products from iron ore. Widely traded for global steel industry feedstock needs.
Iron Sponge Fines from Direct Reduction
Fine sponge iron particles recovered from direct reduction plant off-gases or screening, in similar pellet/lump forms. Covered by HTS 7203.90.00.00 as other spongy ferrous products. Recycled within steel plants to maximize yield.
DRI Modules (Pre-reduced Iron Ore Pellets)
Modular direct reduced iron ore pellets partially reduced for transport stability. HTS 7203.90.00.00 for other forms from direct reduction processes. Used in remote steelmaking operations.