HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7206.90 – Iron or non-alloy steel; primary forms (excluding ingots and iron of heading no. 7203)
HS code 7206.90 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, primary forms (excluding ingots and iron of heading no. 7203). It is used for steel billets, steel blooms, steel slabs, continuous cast sections and forging stock.
What HS 7206.90 covers
This HS code encompasses primary forms of iron or non-alloy steel, excluding ingots and certain iron products. These are the foundational raw materials in the steel industry, representing the first solid shapes after molten steel casting, such as blooms, billets, and slabs. They are crucial intermediate products, not yet finished goods, traded extensively between steel mills, re-rollers, and foundries globally. Major steel-producing nations like China, India, Japan, and Russia are significant exporters, while countries with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly in Europe and North America, are key importers for further processing into finished steel products. Understanding the specific dimensions and chemical composition is vital for accurate classification and trade compliance, especially with evolving regulations like CBAM.
- Covers
- Steel billets
- Steel blooms
- Steel slabs
- Continuous cast sections
- Forging stock
- Semi-finished steel for re-rolling
- Examples
- ArcelorMittal steel billets
- POSCO slabs
- Nippon Steel blooms
- Tata Steel semi-finished products
Codes often confused with 7206.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 7203 (ferrous products obtained directly from iron ores) or 7207 (semi-finished products). The distinction lies in 'primary forms' being the initial solid shapes from molten steel, whereas 7207 covers more refined semi-finished products.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720690, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720690 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 62% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $173M 57% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $25M 8.2% of world exports
- 3 United States $23M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $304M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $189M 62% of world imports
- 2 India $14M 4.5% of world imports
- 3 France $13M 4.1% of world imports
World total: $307M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 7206.90
Brazil does not split HS 7206.90: its NCM code is 7206.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 7206.90
What is HS code 720690?
HS code 720690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; primary forms (excluding ingots and iron of heading no. 7203). This HS code encompasses primary forms of iron or non-alloy steel, excluding ingots and certain iron products. These are the foundational raw materials in the steel industry, representing the first solid shapes after molten steel casting, such as blooms, billets, and slabs. They are crucial intermediate products, not yet finished goods, traded extensively between steel mills, re-rollers, and foundries globally. Major steel-producing nations like China, India, Japan, and Russia are significant exporters, while countries with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly in Europe and North America, are key importers for further processing into finished steel products. Understanding the specific dimensions and chemical composition is vital for accurate classification and trade compliance, especially with evolving regulations like CBAM.
What products fall under HS code 720690?
Steel billets, Steel blooms, Steel slabs, Continuous cast sections, Forging stock, Semi-finished steel for re-rolling
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720690?
This code is often confused with 7203 (ferrous products obtained directly from iron ores) or 7207 (semi-finished products). The distinction lies in 'primary forms' being the initial solid shapes from molten steel, whereas 7207 covers more refined semi-finished products.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720690?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720690 in UN Comtrade data were India ($173M, 57% of world exports), Sweden ($25M) and the United States ($23M). World exports came to about $304M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 720690?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720690 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($189M, 62% of world imports), India ($14M) and France ($13M). World imports came to about $307M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 720690 structured?
HS code 720690 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720690?
In Brazil, HS code 720690 is NCM 7206.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.