HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7213.20 – Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of free-cutting steel
HS code 7213.20 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of free-cutting steel. It is used for free-cutting steel wire rod, automatic lathe steel coils, easy-machining steel bars in coils, leaded steel wire rod and sulfurized steel coils.
What HS 7213.20 covers
This HS code covers hot-rolled bars and rods of non-alloy free-cutting steel, presented in irregularly wound coils. Free-cutting steel is specifically engineered for superior machinability, allowing for faster processing, longer tool life, and better surface finish in high-speed machining operations. This makes it invaluable for manufacturing precision components, fasteners, and parts for the automotive, machinery, and electronics industries. Importers are typically manufacturers requiring efficient production of complex metal parts, while exporters are specialized steel producers. The trade in these materials is driven by the global demand for high-quality, cost-effective manufactured goods and efficient industrial processes.
- Covers
- Free-cutting steel wire rod
- Automatic lathe steel coils
- Easy-machining steel bars in coils
- Leaded steel wire rod
- Sulfurized steel coils
- High-speed machining wire
- Examples
- Ovako free-cutting steel
- JFE Steel free-cutting wire rod
- SSAB free-cutting solutions
- Hyundai Steel free-cutting products
Codes often confused with 7213.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with other non-alloy steel bars in coils (e.g., 721391, 721399) if the 'free-cutting' characteristic is not identified, or with 721430 (free-cutting bars, not in coils).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 721320, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 721320 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 24% 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 Spain $109M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $85M 17% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $77M 16% of world exports
World total: $488M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $138M 24% of world imports
- 2 Germany $64M 11% of world imports
- 3 Dominican Republic $54M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $572M 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 7213.20
Brazil does not split HS 7213.20: its NCM code is 7213.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.13 →
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 7213.20
What is HS code 721320?
HS code 721320 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of free-cutting steel. This HS code covers hot-rolled bars and rods of non-alloy free-cutting steel, presented in irregularly wound coils. Free-cutting steel is specifically engineered for superior machinability, allowing for faster processing, longer tool life, and better surface finish in high-speed machining operations. This makes it invaluable for manufacturing precision components, fasteners, and parts for the automotive, machinery, and electronics industries. Importers are typically manufacturers requiring efficient production of complex metal parts, while exporters are specialized steel producers. The trade in these materials is driven by the global demand for high-quality, cost-effective manufactured goods and efficient industrial processes.
What products fall under HS code 721320?
Free-cutting steel wire rod, automatic lathe steel coils, easy-machining steel bars in coils, leaded steel wire rod, sulfurized steel coils, high-speed machining wire
What are common misclassifications for HS code 721320?
Can be confused with other non-alloy steel bars in coils (e.g., 721391, 721399) if the 'free-cutting' characteristic is not identified, or with 721430 (free-cutting bars, not in coils).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 721320?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 721320 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($109M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($85M) and Switzerland ($77M). World exports came to about $488M, 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 721320?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 721320 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($138M, 24% of world imports), Germany ($64M) and the Dominican Republic ($54M). World imports came to about $572M, 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 721320 structured?
HS code 721320 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (13) 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 721320?
In Brazil, HS code 721320 is NCM 7213.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.