HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7228.80 – Steel, alloy or non-alloy; hollow drill bars and rods
HS code 7228.80 is the 6-digit subheading for steel, alloy or non-alloy, hollow drill bars and rods. It is used for hollow drill steel bars, mining drill rods, oilfield drill pipes (small diameter), rock drill rods and exploration drill rods.
What HS 7228.80 covers
This HS code specifically identifies hollow drill bars and rods made from either alloy or non-alloy steel. These specialized products are engineered with a central bore, allowing for the passage of drilling fluids, air, or cables, which is critical for various drilling operations. They are designed to withstand extreme torsional and compressive stresses, as well as fatigue, making them indispensable in demanding sectors such as mining, oil and gas exploration, quarrying, and large-scale construction. The 'hollow' characteristic is paramount, distinguishing them from solid bars and rods. Trade in these items is directly linked to global resource extraction activities and infrastructure development projects. Countries with significant mining or energy industries are primary importers, while specialized steel manufacturers with expertise in producing high-performance drilling tools are the main exporters.
- Covers
- Hollow drill steel bars
- Mining drill rods
- Oilfield drill pipes (small diameter)
- Rock drill rods
- Exploration drill rods
- Percussion drill rods
- Rotary drill rods
- Examples
- Sandvik drill rods
- Atlas Copco hollow drill steel
- Boart Longyear drill pipes
- Epiroc drilling tools
Codes often confused with 7228.80
Common mistake. Could be confused with other hollow profiles like 7304 (tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless) if the specific 'drill' application is not emphasized, or 722830/722850 if the 'hollow' aspect is missed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 722880, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 722880 in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 18% 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 Sweden $32M 29% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $14M 13% of world exports
- 3 Japan $9.5M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $111M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $35M 18% of world imports
- 2 Canada $19M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 South Africa $11M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $193M 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 7228.80
Brazil does not split HS 7228.80: its NCM code is 7228.80.00.
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 7228.80
What is HS code 722880?
HS code 722880 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Steel, alloy or non-alloy; hollow drill bars and rods. This HS code specifically identifies hollow drill bars and rods made from either alloy or non-alloy steel. These specialized products are engineered with a central bore, allowing for the passage of drilling fluids, air, or cables, which is critical for various drilling operations. They are designed to withstand extreme torsional and compressive stresses, as well as fatigue, making them indispensable in demanding sectors such as mining, oil and gas exploration, quarrying, and large-scale construction. The 'hollow' characteristic is paramount, distinguishing them from solid bars and rods. Trade in these items is directly linked to global resource extraction activities and infrastructure development projects. Countries with significant mining or energy industries are primary importers, while specialized steel manufacturers with expertise in producing high-performance drilling tools are the main exporters.
What products fall under HS code 722880?
Hollow drill steel bars, Mining drill rods, Oilfield drill pipes (small diameter), Rock drill rods, Exploration drill rods, Percussion drill rods, Rotary drill rods
What are common misclassifications for HS code 722880?
Could be confused with other hollow profiles like 7304 (tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless) if the specific 'drill' application is not emphasized, or 722830/722850 if the 'hollow' aspect is missed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 722880?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 722880 in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($32M, 29% of world exports), South Africa ($14M) and Japan ($9.5M). World exports came to about $111M, 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 722880?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 722880 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($35M, 18% of world imports), Canada ($19M) and South Africa ($11M). World imports came to about $193M, 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 722880 structured?
HS code 722880 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 (80) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 722880?
In Brazil, HS code 722880 is NCM 7228.80.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.