HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7228.70 – Steel, alloy; angles, shapes and sections
HS code 7228.70 is the 6-digit subheading for steel, alloy, angles, shapes and sections. It is used for alloy steel angles, alloy steel channels, alloy steel I-beams, alloy steel H-beams and alloy steel Z-sections.
What HS 7228.70 covers
This HS code covers alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections, which are fundamental structural components used across various industries. These products are typically hot-rolled into specific profiles like L-shapes (angles), U-shapes (channels), I-beams, or H-beams, offering superior strength-to-weight ratios and excellent resistance to deformation. Their alloy content provides enhanced properties such as higher strength, improved corrosion resistance, or better performance at elevated temperatures compared to non-alloy steel. They are extensively utilized in heavy construction, infrastructure projects (bridges, buildings), shipbuilding, railway rolling stock, and the manufacturing of industrial machinery. International trade is largely influenced by global construction booms and industrial expansion, with major steel-producing nations exporting to countries undergoing significant development or requiring specialized structural materials. The demand for these sections is a key indicator of industrial activity.
- Covers
- Alloy steel angles
- Alloy steel channels
- Alloy steel I-beams
- Alloy steel H-beams
- Alloy steel Z-sections
- Alloy steel T-sections
- Structural alloy steel profiles
- Examples
- ArcelorMittal structural sections
- Nucor alloy steel shapes
- Tata Steel structural angles
- SSAB high-strength sections
Codes often confused with 7228.70
Common mistake. Can be confused with 730120 (welded iron or steel angles, shapes and sections) if the manufacturing process (rolled vs. welded) is not specified, or 7216 (non-alloy steel angles, shapes and sections) if the 'alloy' aspect is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 722870, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 722870 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.4% 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 $110M 21% of world exports
- 2 China $102M 19% of world exports
- 3 Italy $62M 12% of world exports
World total: $528M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $60M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Canada $48M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $46M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $635M 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 7228.70
Brazil does not split HS 7228.70: its NCM code is 7228.70.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.28 →
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 7228.70
What is HS code 722870?
HS code 722870 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Steel, alloy; angles, shapes and sections. This HS code covers alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections, which are fundamental structural components used across various industries. These products are typically hot-rolled into specific profiles like L-shapes (angles), U-shapes (channels), I-beams, or H-beams, offering superior strength-to-weight ratios and excellent resistance to deformation. Their alloy content provides enhanced properties such as higher strength, improved corrosion resistance, or better performance at elevated temperatures compared to non-alloy steel. They are extensively utilized in heavy construction, infrastructure projects (bridges, buildings), shipbuilding, railway rolling stock, and the manufacturing of industrial machinery. International trade is largely influenced by global construction booms and industrial expansion, with major steel-producing nations exporting to countries undergoing significant development or requiring specialized structural materials. The demand for these sections is a key indicator of industrial activity.
What products fall under HS code 722870?
Alloy steel angles, Alloy steel channels, Alloy steel I-beams, Alloy steel H-beams, Alloy steel Z-sections, Alloy steel T-sections, Structural alloy steel profiles
What are common misclassifications for HS code 722870?
Can be confused with 730120 (welded iron or steel angles, shapes and sections) if the manufacturing process (rolled vs. welded) is not specified, or 7216 (non-alloy steel angles, shapes and sections) if the 'alloy' aspect is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 722870?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 722870 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($110M, 21% of world exports), China ($102M) and Italy ($62M). World exports came to about $528M, 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 722870?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 722870 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($60M, 9.4% of world imports), Canada ($48M) and the United Kingdom ($46M). World imports came to about $635M, 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 722870 structured?
HS code 722870 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (28) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (70) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 722870?
In Brazil, HS code 722870 is NCM 7228.70.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.