Product classification
HS code for Aluminum cans: 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 cans under HS 7612.90
HS code 761290 is designated for "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 classification covers a broad range of aluminum containers, including typical beverage and food cans, provided they meet specific criteria: made of aluminum, capacity of 300 liters or less, designed for materials other than compressed or liquefied gas, and lacking integrated mechanical or thermal equipment. The "other" subheading (90) implies it covers items not specifically detailed in other subheadings of 7612, such as collapsible tubular containers, thus encompassing most common rigid aluminum cans.
- Covers
- Aluminum beverage cans (e.g., for soda, beer)
- Aluminum food cans (e.g., for processed foods, pet food)
- Aluminum aerosol cans (empty, without valves or propellants)
- Small aluminum drums or boxes (capacity <= 300L)
- Aluminum containers for cosmetics or chemicals (capacity <= 300L)
- Aluminum monobloc cans for various products
- 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. Misclassification often occurs when distinguishing between different types of aluminum containers or those with specialized functions. A primary point of confusion is with HS code 761210, which is specifically for "Aluminium; collapsible tubular containers." Standard rigid aluminum cans, like beverage cans, do not fall under this. Another significant distinction is with HS code 761300, which covers "Aluminium; containers for compressed or liquefied gas." If the aluminum container is specifically designed and certified for holding compressed or liquefied gas, it is classified under 761300. The intended content (gas vs. other materials) is the key differentiator. Furthermore, if a container incorporates mechanical or thermal equipment (e.g., a heating element or a pump), it would likely be classified as machinery in Chapter 84, not as a simple container in Chapter 76.
Top exporters and importers of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum cans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum cans) 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 cans.
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 cans
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 cans
What is the HS code for Aluminum cans?
The HS code for Aluminum cans 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).
How do I classify Aluminum cans for customs?
Aluminum cans 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.
What is the HS code for standard aluminum beverage cans?
The HS code for standard aluminum beverage cans, which are designed for materials other than compressed or liquefied gas and have a capacity of 300 liters or less, is 761290. This code applies to the empty or filled cans, provided they do not contain compressed or liquefied gas.
Does the HS code change if an aluminum can is lined or insulated?
No, HS code 761290 explicitly states "whether or not lined or heat-insulated." These features do not alter the classification, provided all other criteria (material, capacity, content type, absence of mechanical/thermal equipment) are met. The lining or insulation is considered an integral part of the container's basic function.
Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum cans (HS 761290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum cans) 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 cans (HS 761290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum cans) 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 cans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 761290 for Aluminum cans 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 cans in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 761290 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for aluminum cans 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).