7204.49.00.20 - No. 1 heavy melting

This HTS classification, 7204.49.00.20, specifically covers "No. 1 heavy melting" ferrous waste and scrap. This material is characterized by its relatively clean composition and size, typically consisting of shredded or baled iron and steel pieces that are suitable for direct melting in a furnace without significant pre-processing. It generally excludes items with excessive contamination, non-ferrous metals, or extreme bulkiness.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 7204.49.00.40 ("No. 2 heavy melting"), is crucial. While both fall under the umbrella of heavy melting scrap, "No. 1 heavy melting" implies a higher grade of scrap with stricter limitations on contaminants and a more uniform size distribution, leading to more efficient melting. "No. 2 heavy melting" typically allows for a broader range of sizes and may contain a slightly higher tolerance for certain impurities.

As this node is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification within 7204.49.00.20 relies on meeting the specific criteria defining "No. 1 heavy melting" scrap, often guided by industry standards and specific import/export regulations that dictate acceptable levels of contamination and physical characteristics for this particular grade.