7201.50 - Alloy pig iron; spiegeleisen:

This HTS category, 7201.50, specifically covers alloy pig iron and spiegeleisen. Alloy pig iron is a type of pig iron that contains deliberate additions of one or more alloying elements, such as manganese, silicon, chromium, or nickel, to impart specific properties. Spiegeleisen, a specific type of alloy pig iron with a high manganese content (typically 15% or more) and significant carbon, is also classified here. These materials are characterized by their primary form, typically pigs, blocks, or other rudimentary shapes, produced directly from smelting iron ore with coke and other additives in a blast furnace.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, 7201.10 and 7201.20, is crucial. Those sibling categories pertain exclusively to *nonalloy* pig iron, differing based on their phosphorus content. In contrast, 7201.50 focuses on pig iron where alloying elements are intentionally present, or on the specific material known as spiegeleisen. The presence and type of alloying elements are the defining characteristics for classification within 7201.50, rather than just the phosphorus level.

Within the 7201.50 classification, two distinct subcategories exist to further refine the classification: 7201.50.30.00 for alloy pig iron, and 7201.50.60.00 for spiegeleisen. This subdivision allows for precise identification based on the specific composition and characteristics of the iron product, recognizing the unique metallurgical properties and applications of spiegeleisen compared to other forms of alloy pig iron.