HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7209.16 – Iron or non-alloy steel; in coils, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness exceeding 1mm but less than 3mm
HS code 7209.16 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, in coils, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness exceeding 1mm but less than 3mm. It is used for cold-rolled steel coils for automotive panels, CR steel for appliance casings, structural cold-rolled steel, deep drawing quality CR steel and high-strength low-alloy CR steel.
What HS 7209.16 covers
This HS code encompasses cold-rolled flat products of non-alloy steel, supplied in coils, with a width of 600mm or more and a thickness between 1mm and 3mm. These materials are highly valued in international trade for their superior surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and enhanced mechanical properties compared to hot-rolled steel. Major importers are typically manufacturing industries, including automotive, appliance, and construction sectors, which require high-quality steel for stamping, forming, and fabrication. Key exporters are large integrated steel mills in countries with advanced steel production capabilities. Understanding the specific grade, temper, and surface treatment is crucial for trade, as these factors significantly impact application and value. The global supply chain for these coils is robust, driven by demand for durable and aesthetically pleasing end-products.
- Covers
- Cold-rolled steel coils for automotive panels
- CR steel for appliance casings
- Structural cold-rolled steel
- Deep drawing quality CR steel
- High-strength low-alloy CR steel
- General purpose CR coils
- Examples
- ArcelorMittal cold-rolled coils
- POSCO CR steel
- Nippon Steel CR sheets
- ThyssenKrupp cold-rolled products
- JFE Steel CR coils
Codes often confused with 7209.16
Common mistake. Often confused with hot-rolled steel (7208) due to similar dimensions, but cold-rolled has superior surface finish and tighter tolerances. Also, alloy steel versions (7225) are distinct.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720916, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720916 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.4% 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 South Korea $862M 20% of world exports
- 2 China $716M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $274M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $430M 8.4% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $351M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $301M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $5.1B 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 7209.16
Brazil does not split HS 7209.16: its NCM code is 7209.16.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.09 →
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 7209.16
What is HS code 720916?
HS code 720916 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; in coils, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness exceeding 1mm but less than 3mm. This HS code encompasses cold-rolled flat products of non-alloy steel, supplied in coils, with a width of 600mm or more and a thickness between 1mm and 3mm. These materials are highly valued in international trade for their superior surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and enhanced mechanical properties compared to hot-rolled steel. Major importers are typically manufacturing industries, including automotive, appliance, and construction sectors, which require high-quality steel for stamping, forming, and fabrication. Key exporters are large integrated steel mills in countries with advanced steel production capabilities. Understanding the specific grade, temper, and surface treatment is crucial for trade, as these factors significantly impact application and value. The global supply chain for these coils is robust, driven by demand for durable and aesthetically pleasing end-products.
What products fall under HS code 720916?
Cold-rolled steel coils for automotive panels, CR steel for appliance casings, structural cold-rolled steel, deep drawing quality CR steel, high-strength low-alloy CR steel, general purpose CR coils
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720916?
Often confused with hot-rolled steel (7208) due to similar dimensions, but cold-rolled has superior surface finish and tighter tolerances. Also, alloy steel versions (7225) are distinct.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720916?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720916 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($862M, 20% of world exports), China ($716M) and Germany ($274M). World exports came to about $4.4B, 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 720916?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720916 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($430M, 8.4% of world imports), Mexico ($351M) and Türkiye ($301M). World imports came to about $5.1B, 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.
How is HS code 720916 structured?
HS code 720916 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (16) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720916?
In Brazil, HS code 720916 is NCM 7209.16.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.