HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 7310.21 – Cans; which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel

HS code 7310.21 is the 6-digit subheading for cans, which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel. It is used for food cans, beverage cans, paint cans, aerosol cans (empty) and oil cans.

What HS 7310.21 covers

This HS code encompasses iron or steel cans designed to be sealed by soldering or crimping, with a capacity of less than 50 liters, and not intended for compressed or liquefied gas. These containers are fundamental to the global packaging industry, primarily used for food, beverages, and various industrial products like paints or chemicals. Major importers include food and beverage processing companies, pharmaceutical firms, and chemical manufacturers worldwide, who rely on these cans for product preservation, transport, and shelf life. Exporters are typically large-scale metal packaging manufacturers, often located in countries with robust steel industries. Key considerations in trade involve material specifications, coating types for product compatibility, and adherence to international food safety and packaging regulations. The efficiency of production and logistics for these high-volume items is crucial for competitive pricing in the global market.

Covers
  • Food cans
  • Beverage cans
  • Paint cans
  • Aerosol cans (empty)
  • Oil cans
  • Chemical cans
  • Tuna cans
  • Fruit cans
Examples
  • Coca-Cola cans
  • Campbell's Soup cans
  • Rust-Oleum paint cans
  • WD-40 empty cans
  • Red Bull cans

Codes often confused with 7310.21

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 731029 (other containers <50L) if the specific closing mechanism of soldering or crimping is not clearly identified, or with 7612 (aluminum cans) if the material is not confirmed as iron or steel.

7310.29Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or steel76.12Aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not

Top exporters and importers of HS code 731021, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 731021 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 $618M
  2. 2 Spain $324M
  3. 3 United States $233M

World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $296M
  2. 2 France $287M
  3. 3 Belgium $255M

World total: $2.9B 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 codes for 7310.21 2

Brazil splits HS 7310.21 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 7310.21.10 Food cans to be closed by soldering or crimpingPróprias para acondicionar produtos alimentícios
  2. 7310.21.90 Other cans to be closed by soldering or crimpingOutros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 73.10 →

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 7310.21

What is HS code 731021?

HS code 731021 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cans; which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel. This HS code encompasses iron or steel cans designed to be sealed by soldering or crimping, with a capacity of less than 50 liters, and not intended for compressed or liquefied gas. These containers are fundamental to the global packaging industry, primarily used for food, beverages, and various industrial products like paints or chemicals. Major importers include food and beverage processing companies, pharmaceutical firms, and chemical manufacturers worldwide, who rely on these cans for product preservation, transport, and shelf life. Exporters are typically large-scale metal packaging manufacturers, often located in countries with robust steel industries. Key considerations in trade involve material specifications, coating types for product compatibility, and adherence to international food safety and packaging regulations. The efficiency of production and logistics for these high-volume items is crucial for competitive pricing in the global market.

What products fall under HS code 731021?

Food cans, beverage cans, paint cans, aerosol cans (empty), oil cans, chemical cans, tuna cans, fruit cans

What are common misclassifications for HS code 731021?

This code can be confused with 731029 (other containers <50L) if the specific closing mechanism of soldering or crimping is not clearly identified, or with 7612 (aluminum cans) if the material is not confirmed as iron or steel.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 731021?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 731021 in UN Comtrade data were China ($618M, 22% of world exports), Spain ($324M) and the United States ($233M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 731021?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 731021 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($296M, 10% of world imports), France ($287M) and Belgium ($255M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 731021 structured?

HS code 731021 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 731021?

Brazil splits HS code 731021 into 2 NCM codes: 7310.21.10 (Food cans to be closed by soldering or crimping), 7310.21.90 (Other cans to be closed by soldering or crimping). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.