HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7212.60 – Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, clad
HS code 7212.60 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, clad. It is used for clad steel sheets, bimetallic strips, corrosion-resistant panels, decorative steel strips and heat exchanger plates.
What HS 7212.60 covers
This HS code covers flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, specifically those less than 600mm in width and clad. Cladding involves bonding a layer of different metal onto the base steel, typically to enhance properties like corrosion resistance, aesthetics, or wear resistance without the cost of a solid alloy. These specialized materials are crucial in industries requiring durable and often decorative surfaces, such as automotive, construction, appliance manufacturing, and architectural applications. Major importers include countries with robust manufacturing sectors and high demand for specialized steel products, while exporters are typically large steel-producing nations with advanced processing capabilities. Understanding the specific cladding material and its application is key for trade compliance and market analysis.
- Covers
- Clad steel sheets
- Bimetallic strips
- Corrosion-resistant panels
- Decorative steel strips
- Heat exchanger plates
- Automotive body panels
- Architectural cladding
- Examples
- POSCO clad steel
- Nippon Steel clad products
- ArcelorMittal clad solutions
- Outokumpu clad materials
Codes often confused with 7212.60
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 7210 (flat-rolled products, clad, width 600mm or more) due to the width distinction, or 721250 (other coated/plated flat-rolled) if the specific 'clad' bonding method is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 721260, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 721260 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $81M 30% of world exports
- 2 China $45M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $34M 13% of world exports
World total: $268M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $50M 19% of world imports
- 2 India $38M 15% of world imports
- 3 Austria $18M 6.9% of world imports
Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $264M 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 7212.60
Brazil does not split HS 7212.60: its NCM code is 7212.60.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.12 →
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 7212.60
What is HS code 721260?
HS code 721260 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, clad. This HS code covers flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, specifically those less than 600mm in width and clad. Cladding involves bonding a layer of different metal onto the base steel, typically to enhance properties like corrosion resistance, aesthetics, or wear resistance without the cost of a solid alloy. These specialized materials are crucial in industries requiring durable and often decorative surfaces, such as automotive, construction, appliance manufacturing, and architectural applications. Major importers include countries with robust manufacturing sectors and high demand for specialized steel products, while exporters are typically large steel-producing nations with advanced processing capabilities. Understanding the specific cladding material and its application is key for trade compliance and market analysis.
What products fall under HS code 721260?
Clad steel sheets, bimetallic strips, corrosion-resistant panels, decorative steel strips, heat exchanger plates, automotive body panels, architectural cladding
What are common misclassifications for HS code 721260?
This code can be confused with 7210 (flat-rolled products, clad, width 600mm or more) due to the width distinction, or 721250 (other coated/plated flat-rolled) if the specific 'clad' bonding method is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 721260?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 721260 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($81M, 30% of world exports), China ($45M) and Germany ($34M). World exports came to about $268M, 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 721260?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 721260 in UN Comtrade data were China ($50M, 19% of world imports), India ($38M) and Austria ($18M). World imports came to about $264M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 721260 structured?
HS code 721260 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 721260?
In Brazil, HS code 721260 is NCM 7212.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.