Product classification
HS code for Aluminum boxes: 7612.90
Aluminium, casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or less, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, no mechanical or thermal equipment.
Classification of aluminum boxes under HS 7612.90
Aluminum boxes are classified under HS code 7612.90 because they are containers made of aluminum with a capacity not exceeding 300 liters. This heading specifically addresses casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar containers used for the transport or packing of goods. The classification is determined by the material composition (aluminum) and the volume capacity. Since these boxes do not contain mechanical or thermal equipment and are not designed for compressed or liquefied gas, they fall squarely within this category. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) dictate that products are classified based on their constituent material and their primary function as storage or transport vessels. For a product to remain in this category, it must be a finished container or a container body that is clearly identifiable as such. The absence of thermal insulation or mechanical fittings is a prerequisite for this specific code, as those features would shift the classification to machinery or specialized industrial equipment chapters.
- Covers
- Aluminum storage boxes for tools
- Aluminum shipping crates
- Aluminum food and beverage cans
- Aluminum cosmetic containers
- Aluminum medicine boxes
- Aluminum protective cases for electronics
- Also under 7612.90
- Coca-Cola cans
- Red Bull cans
- empty aerosol cans for deodorants
- small aluminium drums for specialty chemicals
- tuna cans
Codes often confused with 7612.90
Common mistake. Aluminum boxes are frequently misclassified under HS code 7611.00, which is reserved for containers with a capacity exceeding 300 liters. Another common error is using HS code 4202, which covers trunks, suitcases, and vanity cases; however, 4202 is only applicable if the box is covered with leather, plastic sheeting, or textile materials. If the box is purely aluminum, 7612.90 is correct. Additionally, boxes made of steel are classified under 7310, and those with mechanical cooling elements are classified under 8418.
Top exporters and importers of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum boxes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum boxes) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 8.0% 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 761290, not only aluminum boxes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $850M 11% of world exports
- 2 United States $827M 11% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $575M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $7.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $605M 8.0% of world imports
- 2 Germany $568M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 France $417M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $7.6B 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 aluminum boxes
Brazil splits HS 7612.90 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7612.90.11Aluminium aerosol containers, 700 cm³ or less
- 7612.90.12Liquid-nitrogen cryogenic aluminium containers
- 7612.90.19Other rigid aluminium tubular containers
- 7612.90.20Aluminium coffee capsules for beverage machines
- 7612.90.90Other aluminium casks, drums, cans and boxes
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 aluminum boxes
What is the HS code for Aluminum boxes?
The HS code for Aluminum boxes is 761290 (Aluminium; casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or less, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, no mechanical or thermal equipment). The primary HS code for aluminum boxes with a capacity of 300 liters or less is 7612.90.
How do I classify Aluminum boxes for customs?
Aluminum boxes is classified under HS code 761290 — Aluminium; casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or less, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, no mechanical or thermal equipment. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are aluminum toolboxes with wheels classified here?
No, if the aluminum box is designed as a mobile tool chest with wheels and handles, it may be classified under 8716 as a non-mechanical vehicle or 7326/7616 as other articles of metal depending on its specific construction and intended use.
Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum boxes (HS 761290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum boxes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($850M, 11% of world exports), the United States ($827M) and Czechia ($575M). 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.
Which countries are the top importers of aluminum boxes (HS 761290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum boxes) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($605M, 8.0% of world imports), Germany ($568M) and France ($417M). World imports came to about $7.6B, 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 Aluminum boxes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 761290 for Aluminum boxes 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 aluminum boxes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 761290 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for aluminum boxes depends on the product's details: 7612.90.11 (Aluminium aerosol containers, 700 cm³ or less), 7612.90.12 (Liquid-nitrogen cryogenic aluminium containers), 7612.90.19 (Other rigid aluminium tubular containers), 7612.90.20 (Aluminium coffee capsules for beverage machines), 7612.90.90 (Other aluminium casks, drums, cans and boxes).