HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7215.10 – Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, of free-cutting steel, cold-formed or cold-finished, n.e.c. in chapter 72
HS code 7215.10 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, bars and rods, of free-cutting steel, cold-formed or cold-finished, n.e.c. in chapter 72. It is used for free-cutting steel bars, cold-drawn free-cutting rods, hexagonal free-cutting bars, round free-cutting rods and square free-cutting bars.
What HS 7215.10 covers
This HS code covers iron or non-alloy steel bars and rods that are specifically of "free-cutting" steel, and have undergone cold-forming or cold-finishing processes. These products are highly valued in international trade for their superior machinability, allowing for faster production speeds and better surface finishes in subsequent manufacturing. Key importers are industries involved in precision engineering, automotive component manufacturing, and fastener production, where tight tolerances and efficient machining are paramount. Exporters are typically specialized steel mills and processors capable of producing these specific grades and finishes. Understanding the 'free-cutting' characteristic, often achieved through additives like lead or sulfur, is crucial for correct classification and trade compliance, as it significantly impacts the material's application and value.
- Covers
- Free-cutting steel bars
- Cold-drawn free-cutting rods
- Hexagonal free-cutting bars
- Round free-cutting rods
- Square free-cutting bars
- Bright free-cutting steel.
- Examples
- Macsteel 12L14
- Nucor 11SMnPb30
- ArcelorMittal 1215
- Ovako 11SMnPb30
- SSAB 12L14.
Codes often confused with 7215.10
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 721550 (non-free-cutting cold-formed bars) due to similar cold-finishing, but the 'free-cutting' property is the distinguishing factor. It can also be mistaken for 7214 (hot-rolled bars) if the cold-finishing process is not recognized.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 721510, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 721510 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 Italy $122M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $118M 21% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $63M 11% of world exports
World total: $561M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $105M 16% of world imports
- 2 France $93M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $43M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $653M 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 7215.10
Brazil does not split HS 7215.10: its NCM code is 7215.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.15 →
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 7215.10
What is HS code 721510?
HS code 721510 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, of free-cutting steel, cold-formed or cold-finished, n.e.c. in chapter 72. This HS code covers iron or non-alloy steel bars and rods that are specifically of "free-cutting" steel, and have undergone cold-forming or cold-finishing processes. These products are highly valued in international trade for their superior machinability, allowing for faster production speeds and better surface finishes in subsequent manufacturing. Key importers are industries involved in precision engineering, automotive component manufacturing, and fastener production, where tight tolerances and efficient machining are paramount. Exporters are typically specialized steel mills and processors capable of producing these specific grades and finishes. Understanding the 'free-cutting' characteristic, often achieved through additives like lead or sulfur, is crucial for correct classification and trade compliance, as it significantly impacts the material's application and value.
What products fall under HS code 721510?
Free-cutting steel bars, cold-drawn free-cutting rods, hexagonal free-cutting bars, round free-cutting rods, square free-cutting bars, bright free-cutting steel.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 721510?
This code is often confused with 721550 (non-free-cutting cold-formed bars) due to similar cold-finishing, but the 'free-cutting' property is the distinguishing factor. It can also be mistaken for 7214 (hot-rolled bars) if the cold-finishing process is not recognized.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 721510?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 721510 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($122M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($118M) and Switzerland ($63M). World exports came to about $561M, 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 721510?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 721510 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($105M, 16% of world imports), France ($93M) and the United States ($43M). World imports came to about $653M, 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 721510 structured?
HS code 721510 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 721510?
In Brazil, HS code 721510 is NCM 7215.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.