Product classification
HS code for Alloy steel slabs: 7224.90
Steel, alloy, semi-finished products.
Classification of alloy steel slabs under HS 7224.90
Alloy steel slabs are classified under HS code 7224.90 because they represent semi-finished products of alloy steel as defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72. These products are of solid section, not further worked than hot-rolled or roughly shaped by forging. To qualify as alloy steel, the material must meet specific chemical composition thresholds defined in Note 1(f), such as containing more than 0.3% aluminum, 0.0008% boron, or 0.3% chromium. Slabs are typically rectangular in cross-section with a width considerably greater than the thickness. They serve as the primary feedstock for the production of flat-rolled products like plates and sheets. The classification follows General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these are intermediate products of alloy steel that have not yet reached their final shape or form, heading 7224 is the most appropriate designation.
- Covers
- Rectangular alloy steel slabs
- Blooms of alloy steel
- Billets of alloy steel
- Roughly forged pieces of alloy steel
- Semi-finished products with a cross-section exceeding 1,225 square millimeters
- Also under 7224.90
- SSAB high-strength steel billets
- Carpenter Technology alloy steel slabs
- Daido Steel special alloy blooms
- Voestalpine semi-finished tool steel
- Baosteel alloy steel blanks
Codes often confused with 7224.90
Common mistake. Alloy steel slabs are frequently confused with non-alloy steel slabs, which are classified under heading 7207. The distinction depends entirely on the chemical analysis of the steel; if the alloying elements do not meet the minimum percentages specified in Chapter Note 1(f), the product must be moved to 7207. Additionally, stainless steel slabs are excluded from this code and must be classified under 7218.10, as stainless steel is defined separately by its chromium content (minimum 10.5%). Another common error involves classifying slabs that have been further worked (e.g., cold-rolled) under this heading, whereas they should be classified as flat-rolled products in headings 7225 or 7226.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722490 (the code used for alloy steel slabs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722490 (the code used for alloy steel slabs) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 44% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 722490, not only alloy steel slabs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $819M 27% of world exports
- 2 Germany $380M 13% of world exports
- 3 India $194M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.6B 44% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $335M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 France $224M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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.
Brazil NCM code for alloy steel slabs
Brazil classifies alloy steel slabs under NCM 7224.90.00: HS 7224.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 alloy steel slabs
What is the HS code for Alloy steel slabs?
The HS code for Alloy steel slabs is 722490 (Steel, alloy; semi-finished products). The primary HS code for semi-finished products of other alloy steel, including slabs, is 7224.90.
How do I classify Alloy steel slabs for customs?
Alloy steel slabs is classified under HS code 722490 — Steel, alloy; semi-finished products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is alloy steel distinguished from non-alloy steel in the HS system?
Alloy steel is distinguished by the presence of specific elements such as manganese, silicon, or chromium in quantities exceeding the limits set in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72.
Which countries are the top exporters of alloy steel slabs (HS 722490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722490 (the code used for alloy steel slabs) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($819M, 27% of world exports), Germany ($380M) and India ($194M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 alloy steel slabs (HS 722490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722490 (the code used for alloy steel slabs) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 44% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($335M) and France ($224M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Alloy steel slabs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722490 for Alloy steel slabs is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alloy steel slabs in Brazil?
In Brazil, alloy steel slabs (HS 722490) is classified under NCM 7224.90.00.