HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 7216.31 – Iron or non-alloy steel; U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more

HS code 7216.31 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more. It is used for large steel channels, hot-rolled U-beams, structural U-sections, heavy steel channels and C-beams.

What HS 7216.31 covers

This HS code covers substantial U-shaped structural sections, also known as channels, made from iron or non-alloy steel. These profiles are produced via hot-rolling, hot-drawing, or extrusion, and are specifically characterized by a height of 80mm or more. They are fundamental in heavy construction, infrastructure projects, and the manufacturing of large machinery and vehicles, providing robust structural support and framing. Importers are typically large construction firms, infrastructure developers, and heavy equipment manufacturers. Exporters are major integrated steel mills globally. Trade in these products is characterized by high volume, adherence to international standards (e.g., ASTM, EN), and significant logistical considerations due to their size and weight, making them critical for large-scale engineering.

Covers
  • Large steel channels
  • Hot-rolled U-beams
  • Structural U-sections
  • Heavy steel channels
  • C-beams
  • Parallel flange channels
  • Standard steel channels.
Examples
  • Bridge components
  • building frames
  • truck chassis
  • railway car frames
  • heavy machinery bases
  • industrial platforms.

Codes often confused with 7216.31

Common mistake. Often confused with smaller U-sections under 721610 if the height dimension (80mm or more) is not accurately measured. Also, I or H sections (721632, 721633) are distinct shapes.

7216.10Iron or non-alloy steel; U, I or H sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of less than 80mm7216.32Iron or non-alloy steel; I sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more7216.33Iron or non-alloy steel; H sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more

Top exporters and importers of HS code 721631, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 721631 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 5.8% 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. 1 China $298M
  2. 2 Türkiye $231M
  3. 3 Spain $160M

World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$91M
  2. 2 Malaysia $80M
  3. 3 France $61M

World total: $1.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 7216.31

Brazil does not split HS 7216.31: its NCM code is 7216.31.00.

  1. 7216.31.00 U sections, hot-rolled, 80 mm high or morePerfis em U

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.16 →

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 7216.31

What is HS code 721631?

HS code 721631 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more. This HS code covers substantial U-shaped structural sections, also known as channels, made from iron or non-alloy steel. These profiles are produced via hot-rolling, hot-drawing, or extrusion, and are specifically characterized by a height of 80mm or more. They are fundamental in heavy construction, infrastructure projects, and the manufacturing of large machinery and vehicles, providing robust structural support and framing. Importers are typically large construction firms, infrastructure developers, and heavy equipment manufacturers. Exporters are major integrated steel mills globally. Trade in these products is characterized by high volume, adherence to international standards (e.g., ASTM, EN), and significant logistical considerations due to their size and weight, making them critical for large-scale engineering.

What products fall under HS code 721631?

Large steel channels, hot-rolled U-beams, structural U-sections, heavy steel channels, C-beams, parallel flange channels, standard steel channels.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 721631?

Often confused with smaller U-sections under 721610 if the height dimension (80mm or more) is not accurately measured. Also, I or H sections (721632, 721633) are distinct shapes.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 721631?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 721631 in UN Comtrade data were China ($298M, 20% of world exports), Türkiye ($231M) and Spain ($160M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 721631?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 721631 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $91M, 5.8% of world imports), Malaysia ($80M) and France ($61M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 721631 structured?

HS code 721631 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 721631?

In Brazil, HS code 721631 is NCM 7216.31.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.