HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7210.20 – Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate
HS code 7210.20 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate. It is used for lead-coated steel sheets, terne-plate steel coils, lead-plated steel strips, corrosion-resistant steel panels and automotive fuel tank steel.
What HS 7210.20 covers
This HS code covers flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel, at least 600mm wide, specifically plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate. These specialized steel products are crucial in industries requiring corrosion resistance and specific forming properties, often where lead's unique characteristics are beneficial, despite its environmental considerations. Key importers are typically manufacturers in the automotive, construction, and chemical processing sectors, particularly those producing fuel tanks, roofing materials, or containers for corrosive substances. Exporters are major steel-producing nations with advanced coating capabilities. The trade in these goods is influenced by environmental regulations regarding lead usage, driving demand towards alternatives in some regions while maintaining niche applications in others. Understanding the specific coating type and application is vital for accurate classification and trade compliance, especially given the CBAM implications.
- Covers
- Lead-coated steel sheets
- Terne-plate steel coils
- Lead-plated steel strips
- Corrosion-resistant steel panels
- Automotive fuel tank steel
- Roofing terne sheets
- Chemical storage tank steel
- Examples
- Tata Steel terne-plate
- ArcelorMittal lead-coated steel
- Nippon Steel terne sheets
- POSCO lead-plated steel
Codes often confused with 7210.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other coated flat-rolled steel products like 721070 (painted/plastic coated) or 721090 (other coatings), but the defining characteristic here is the lead or terne-plate coating.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 721020, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 721020 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 70% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.1M 42% of world exports
- 2 United States $2.8M 29% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $329K 3.4% of world exports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $9.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $94M 70% of world imports
- 2 Spain $22M 16% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $2.7M 2.0% of world imports
World total: $134M 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 7210.20
Brazil does not split HS 7210.20: its NCM code is 7210.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.10 →
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 7210.20
What is HS code 721020?
HS code 721020 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate. This HS code covers flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel, at least 600mm wide, specifically plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate. These specialized steel products are crucial in industries requiring corrosion resistance and specific forming properties, often where lead's unique characteristics are beneficial, despite its environmental considerations. Key importers are typically manufacturers in the automotive, construction, and chemical processing sectors, particularly those producing fuel tanks, roofing materials, or containers for corrosive substances. Exporters are major steel-producing nations with advanced coating capabilities. The trade in these goods is influenced by environmental regulations regarding lead usage, driving demand towards alternatives in some regions while maintaining niche applications in others. Understanding the specific coating type and application is vital for accurate classification and trade compliance, especially given the CBAM implications.
What products fall under HS code 721020?
Lead-coated steel sheets, Terne-plate steel coils, Lead-plated steel strips, Corrosion-resistant steel panels, Automotive fuel tank steel, Roofing terne sheets, Chemical storage tank steel
What are common misclassifications for HS code 721020?
This code can be confused with other coated flat-rolled steel products like 721070 (painted/plastic coated) or 721090 (other coatings), but the defining characteristic here is the lead or terne-plate coating.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 721020?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 721020 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.1M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($2.8M) and Türkiye ($329K). World exports came to about $9.6M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 721020?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 721020 in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($94M, 70% of world imports), Spain ($22M) and Indonesia ($2.7M). World imports came to about $134M, 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 721020 structured?
HS code 721020 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 721020?
In Brazil, HS code 721020 is NCM 7210.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.