HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 7208.53 – Iron 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 3mm or more but less than 4.75mm

HS code 7208.53 is the 6-digit subheading for iron 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 3mm or more but less than 4.75mm. It is used for hot-rolled steel plates (3-4.75mm), mild steel sheets (3.5mm), structural steel plates (4mm), ship building plates (3.2mm) and boiler quality plates (4.5mm).

What HS 7208.53 covers

This specific HS code identifies hot-rolled, flat-rolled products of non-alloy iron or steel, supplied in straight lengths (not in coils), with a width of 600mm or more, and a thickness ranging from 3mm up to, but not including, 4.75mm, and lacking any patterns in relief. These steel plates are widely used in construction, shipbuilding, general fabrication, and manufacturing of heavy machinery due to their strength and formability. International trade involves steel mills exporting to fabricators, construction companies, and other industrial end-users globally. Key factors influencing trade include steel grade specifications, surface finish, flatness, and mechanical properties, which must meet stringent industry standards. The market is highly competitive and sensitive to global economic conditions, infrastructure spending, and raw material costs. Buyers often seek specific certifications and adherence to international standards like ASTM or EN.

Covers
  • Hot-rolled steel plates (3-4.75mm)
  • Mild steel sheets (3.5mm)
  • Structural steel plates (4mm)
  • Ship building plates (3.2mm)
  • Boiler quality plates (4.5mm)
  • General engineering plates
  • Floor plates (without patterns)
Examples
  • SSAB hot-rolled plates
  • Nucor steel plates
  • JFE Steel plates
  • Tata Steel hot-rolled sheets

Codes often confused with 7208.53

Common mistake. This code is often confused with similar hot-rolled flat products of different thicknesses (e.g., 720854 for <3mm or 720852 for 4.75mm to 10mm) or those in coils (72083X), requiring precise measurement for correct classification.

7208.54Iron 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 3mm7208.52Iron 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 4.75mm or more but not exceeding 10mm

Top exporters and importers of HS code 720853, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720853 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 $165M
  2. 2 Netherlands $103M
  3. 3 Belgium $101M

World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $128M
  2. 2 Czechia $78M
  3. 3 France $78M

World total: $1.0B 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 7208.53

Brazil does not split HS 7208.53: its NCM code is 7208.53.00.

  1. 7208.53.00 Non-coiled hot-rolled steel, 3 to under 4.75 mmDe espessura igual ou superior a 3 mm, mas inferior a 4,75 mm

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 7208.53

What is HS code 720853?

HS code 720853 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, without patterns in relief, of a thickness of 3mm or more but less than 4.75mm. This specific HS code identifies hot-rolled, flat-rolled products of non-alloy iron or steel, supplied in straight lengths (not in coils), with a width of 600mm or more, and a thickness ranging from 3mm up to, but not including, 4.75mm, and lacking any patterns in relief. These steel plates are widely used in construction, shipbuilding, general fabrication, and manufacturing of heavy machinery due to their strength and formability. International trade involves steel mills exporting to fabricators, construction companies, and other industrial end-users globally. Key factors influencing trade include steel grade specifications, surface finish, flatness, and mechanical properties, which must meet stringent industry standards. The market is highly competitive and sensitive to global economic conditions, infrastructure spending, and raw material costs. Buyers often seek specific certifications and adherence to international standards like ASTM or EN.

What products fall under HS code 720853?

Hot-rolled steel plates (3-4.75mm), Mild steel sheets (3.5mm), Structural steel plates (4mm), Ship building plates (3.2mm), Boiler quality plates (4.5mm), General engineering plates, Floor plates (without patterns)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 720853?

This code is often confused with similar hot-rolled flat products of different thicknesses (e.g., 720854 for <3mm or 720852 for 4.75mm to 10mm) or those in coils (72083X), requiring precise measurement for correct classification.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720853?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720853 in UN Comtrade data were China ($165M, 16% of world exports), the Netherlands ($103M) and Belgium ($101M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 720853?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720853 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($128M, 13% of world imports), Czechia ($78M) and France ($78M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 720853 structured?

HS code 720853 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 (53) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720853?

In Brazil, HS code 720853 is NCM 7208.53.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.