HS Code 73.10 – Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated

HS code 7310 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated. Heading 7310 covers tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar containers, of iron or steel, with a capacity not exceeding 300 liters. These containers are designed for any material other than compressed or liquefied gas and may or may not be lined or heat-insulated. This broad category encompasses a vast range of everyday and industrial packaging solutions, from small food cans to medium-sized industrial drums. The defining characteristics are the material (iron or steel), the capacity limit (up to 300 liters), and the exclusion of containers for compressed or liquefied gas (which fall under 7311). Sub-categories often differentiate based on shape, closure type, and specific application, such as food packaging, chemical transport, or general storage. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance as it affects import duties, product safety regulations (especially for food contact or hazardous materials), and packaging standards. Historically, the evolution of these containers has been central to the development of global trade and consumer goods distribution, offering durable and protective packaging. As part of Chapter 73, this heading underscores the versatility and importance of iron and steel in providing practical and robust containment solutions for a myriad of products, distinguishing them from similar containers made of other materials.

Steel drums (200L oil drums), steel pails (20L), metal food cans (e.g., soup cans, fruit cans), paint cans (1L, 5L), empty aerosol cans (before gas fill), steel jerrycans (20L), steel barrels, chemical storage cans, grease pails, steel tool boxes (empty), biscuit tins, tea caddies, steel cash boxes, steel first-aid boxes (empty), metal containers for industrial lubricants, steel waste bins (under 300L), steel storage bins (small), steel buckets, metal fuel cans, steel kegs for beverages (empty), metal tins for confectionery, steel containers for solvents, steel lunchboxes, metal cookie jars.

A frequent misclassification involves confusing these containers with those designed for compressed or liquefied gas (7311), especially empty aerosol cans or small gas cartridges before filling. While an empty aerosol can is 7310, once filled with gas, it becomes 7311. Another common error is classifying containers exceeding 300 liters under this heading; those would fall under 7309. Additionally, containers made of other materials, such as plastic (3923) or aluminum (7612), are often mistakenly classified here, failing to adhere to the 'of iron or steel' material requirement.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7310 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 16% of world exports), the United States ($826M) and Germany ($618M). World exports came to about $7.7B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7310 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($609M, 8.4% of world imports), France ($592M) and the United States ($432M). World imports came to about $7.3B, 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.

HS code 7310 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 73 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.