HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 7208.40 – Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, with patterns in relief

HS code 7208.40 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, with patterns in relief. It is used for checker plate, diamond plate, tread plate, floor plate and anti-slip steel plate.

What HS 7208.40 covers

This HS code covers hot-rolled flat products of non-alloy steel, supplied as individual sheets or plates (not in coils), with a width of 600mm or more, and distinct patterns in relief on their surface. These patterned plates are primarily used for their anti-slip properties, enhanced grip, and aesthetic appeal in industrial and public settings where safety and durability are paramount. Key importers and exporters include steel mills, specialized metal fabricators, and distributors serving the construction, shipbuilding, transportation (e.g., truck beds, railway platforms, bus floors), and industrial flooring sectors. The global trade in these products is significantly driven by infrastructure development, stringent safety regulations, and specific architectural demands for functional yet visually appealing surfaces. Buyers often look for specific pattern types (e.g., diamond, checker, tear-drop), superior durability, and adequate corrosion resistance for various environments. Understanding regional building codes, occupational safety standards, and managing the complex logistics of transporting heavy, bulky steel plates are crucial for market participants.

Covers
  • Checker plate
  • Diamond plate
  • Tread plate
  • Floor plate
  • Anti-slip steel plate
  • Patterned steel sheet
  • Tear-drop pattern plate
Examples
  • SSAB Checker Plate
  • ArcelorMittal Tread Plate
  • Nucor Diamond Plate
  • JFE Steel Floor Plate

Codes often confused with 7208.40

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 720851-720854 (flat-rolled, not in coils, without patterns), as the presence of a surface pattern is the defining characteristic for this specific classification.

7208.51Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness exceeding 10mm7208.54Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness of less than 3mm

Top exporters and importers of HS code 720840, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720840 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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. 1 China $134M
  2. 2 Slovakia $49M
  3. 3 Netherlands $28M

World total: $376M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $50M
  2. 2 France $22M
  3. 3 Egypt $19M

World total: $370M 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 7208.40

Brazil does not split HS 7208.40: its NCM code is 7208.40.00.

  1. 7208.40.00 Non-coiled hot-rolled steel with relief patternsNão enrolados, simplesmente laminados a quente, apresentando motivos em relevo

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.08 →

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 7208.40

What is HS code 720840?

HS code 720840 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, with patterns in relief. This HS code covers hot-rolled flat products of non-alloy steel, supplied as individual sheets or plates (not in coils), with a width of 600mm or more, and distinct patterns in relief on their surface. These patterned plates are primarily used for their anti-slip properties, enhanced grip, and aesthetic appeal in industrial and public settings where safety and durability are paramount. Key importers and exporters include steel mills, specialized metal fabricators, and distributors serving the construction, shipbuilding, transportation (e.g., truck beds, railway platforms, bus floors), and industrial flooring sectors. The global trade in these products is significantly driven by infrastructure development, stringent safety regulations, and specific architectural demands for functional yet visually appealing surfaces. Buyers often look for specific pattern types (e.g., diamond, checker, tear-drop), superior durability, and adequate corrosion resistance for various environments. Understanding regional building codes, occupational safety standards, and managing the complex logistics of transporting heavy, bulky steel plates are crucial for market participants.

What products fall under HS code 720840?

Checker plate, diamond plate, tread plate, floor plate, anti-slip steel plate, patterned steel sheet, tear-drop pattern plate

What are common misclassifications for HS code 720840?

This code can be confused with 720851-720854 (flat-rolled, not in coils, without patterns), as the presence of a surface pattern is the defining characteristic for this specific classification.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720840?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720840 in UN Comtrade data were China ($134M, 36% of world exports), Slovakia ($49M) and the Netherlands ($28M). World exports came to about $376M, 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 720840?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720840 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($50M, 14% of world imports), France ($22M) and Egypt ($19M). World imports came to about $370M, 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 720840 structured?

HS code 720840 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720840?

In Brazil, HS code 720840 is NCM 7208.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.