HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 73.09 – Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers; for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated
What HS 73.09 covers
Heading 7309 covers reservoirs, tanks, vats, and similar containers, of iron or steel, with a capacity exceeding 300 liters, designed for any material other than compressed or liquefied gas. These large-capacity vessels are crucial for industrial storage across various sectors, including petrochemicals, agriculture, food and beverage, water treatment, and manufacturing. The key parameters for this classification are the material (iron or steel), the capacity threshold (over 300 liters), and the exclusion of containers specifically for compressed or liquefied gas (which fall under 7311). These containers may or may not be lined or heat-insulated, depending on their intended use. Sub-categories often distinguish between vertical and horizontal tanks, single-wall or double-wall designs, and specific applications like crude oil storage, water reservoirs, or chemical vats. Accurate classification is paramount for trade compliance, as these items are often high-value, custom-engineered products subject to specific safety regulations, environmental standards, and import duties. Historically, the demand for such large storage solutions has grown in tandem with industrial expansion and the global supply chain for bulk commodities. As part of Chapter 73, this heading highlights the versatility of iron and steel in fabricating essential industrial equipment.
- Covers
- Industrial water storage tanks (over 300L)
- Chemical storage vats (stainless steel)
- Crude oil storage reservoirs
- Grain silos (steel, over 300L)
- Wine fermentation tanks (steel)
- Brewery fermenters
- Bulk liquid storage tanks
- Fuel storage tanks (diesel, gasoline)
- Wastewater treatment tanks
- Elevated water tanks (steel)
- Molasses storage tanks
- Bitumen storage tanks
- Acid storage tanks
- Fire suppression water tanks
- Food-grade stainless steel vats (large)
- Pharmaceutical mixing tanks
- Industrial process tanks
- Pulp and paper industry tanks
- Oil refinery storage tanks
- Large-scale rainwater harvesting tanks
- Chemical reaction vessels (unpressurized)
- Storage tanks for lubricants
- Industrial waste storage tanks
- Large septic tanks (steel).
- Examples
A Brazilian petrochemical company imports large stainless steel chemical storage tanks (5,000L capacity) from Germany for a new plant expansion, requiring specialized transport from Hamburg to Santos due to their size. In another instance, an American agricultural cooperative imports massive steel grain silos (500,000L capacity) from China for a new storage facility in the Midwest, arriving via bulk carrier from Shanghai to New Orleans. Furthermore, a South African municipal water utility procures modular steel water reservoirs (50,000L capacity each) from India to improve water supply infrastructure, with shipments typically traveling from Mumbai to Durban.
Subheadings under 73.09 1
Codes often confused with 73.09
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing these large storage containers (7309) with those designed for compressed or liquefied gas (7311). The key distinction is the intended content: 7309 is for liquids or solids, not gas under pressure. Another error is classifying smaller containers (under 300 liters) under this heading; these would fall under 7310. Additionally, specialized pressure vessels that are integral parts of complex machinery (e.g., reactors within a chemical plant classified under Section XVI) might be incorrectly placed here if their primary function isn't general storage but rather a specific industrial process.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 7309, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 7309 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.9% 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 China $1.0B 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $360M 7.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $335M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $479M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $311M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $247M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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.
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 73.09
What is HS code 7309?
HS code 7309 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers; for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated. Heading 7309 covers reservoirs, tanks, vats, and similar containers, of iron or steel, with a capacity exceeding 300 liters, designed for any material other than compressed or liquefied gas. These large-capacity vessels are crucial for industrial storage across various sectors, including petrochemicals, agriculture, food and beverage, water treatment, and manufacturing. The key parameters for this classification are the material (iron or steel), the capacity threshold (over 300 liters), and the exclusion of containers specifically for compressed or liquefied gas (which fall under 7311). These containers may or may not be lined or heat-insulated, depending on their intended use. Sub-categories often distinguish between vertical and horizontal tanks, single-wall or double-wall designs, and specific applications like crude oil storage, water reservoirs, or chemical vats. Accurate classification is paramount for trade compliance, as these items are often high-value, custom-engineered products subject to specific safety regulations, environmental standards, and import duties. Historically, the demand for such large storage solutions has grown in tandem with industrial expansion and the global supply chain for bulk commodities. As part of Chapter 73, this heading highlights the versatility of iron and steel in fabricating essential industrial equipment.
What products fall under HS code 7309?
Industrial water storage tanks (over 300L), chemical storage vats (stainless steel), crude oil storage reservoirs, grain silos (steel, over 300L), wine fermentation tanks (steel), brewery fermenters, bulk liquid storage tanks, fuel storage tanks (diesel, gasoline), wastewater treatment tanks, elevated water tanks (steel), molasses storage tanks, bitumen storage tanks, acid storage tanks, fire suppression water tanks, food-grade stainless steel vats (large), pharmaceutical mixing tanks, industrial process tanks, pulp and paper industry tanks, oil refinery storage tanks, large-scale rainwater harvesting tanks, chemical reaction vessels (unpressurized), storage tanks for lubricants, industrial waste storage tanks, large septic tanks (steel).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 7309?
A common misclassification involves confusing these large storage containers (7309) with those designed for compressed or liquefied gas (7311). The key distinction is the intended content: 7309 is for liquids or solids, not gas under pressure. Another error is classifying smaller containers (under 300 liters) under this heading; these would fall under 7310. Additionally, specialized pressure vessels that are integral parts of complex machinery (e.g., reactors within a chemical plant classified under Section XVI) might be incorrectly placed here if their primary function isn't general storage but rather a specific industrial process.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 7309?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7309 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 20% of world exports), Italy ($360M) and Germany ($335M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 7309?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7309 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($479M, 9.9% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($311M) and Germany ($247M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 7309 structured?
HS code 7309 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 73 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.