Product classification

HS code for Aluminum drums: 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 drums under HS 7612.90

Aluminum drums are classified under HS code 7612.90. Similar to aluminum boxes, these are containers with a capacity of 300 liters or less. The classification covers drums, casks, and cans used for the conveyance or packing of goods. The heading 7612 is comprehensive for aluminum packaging solutions that do not involve complex machinery or thermal equipment. The distinction between a drum (7612) and a large tank (7611) is strictly based on the 300-liter limit defined by the Harmonized System's nomenclature. These drums are widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries because they are non-reactive and provide an excellent barrier against light and moisture. The classification remains 7612.90 whether the drum is open-top or tight-head, and whether it is lined with protective coatings or unlined.

Covers
  • Aluminum shipping drums for chemicals
  • Aluminum barrels for essential oils
  • Aluminum milk cans and churns
  • Aluminum storage drums for powders
  • Aluminum tight-head drums for liquids
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 drums are often misclassified under 7310.10 or 7310.29, which are the codes for steel drums. It is vital to distinguish the base metal. They are also confused with 7611.00 if the user does not verify the capacity; any drum over 300 liters must move to 7611.00. Furthermore, if the drum is made of plastic, it falls under 3923.30. If the drum is specifically designed as a pressure vessel for gas, it belongs in 7613.00.

7310.10Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not exceeding 300l7310.29Tanks, 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 steel7611.00Aluminium; reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, for material (not compressed or liquefied gas), of a capacity over 300l, whether or not lined, not fitted with mechanical/thermal equipment3923.30Plastics; carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles, for the conveyance or packing of goods7613.00Aluminium; containers for compressed or liquefied gas

Top exporters and importers of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum drums), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum drums) 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 drums.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $850M
  2. 2 United States $827M
  3. 3 Czechia $575M

World total: $7.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Canada $605M
  2. 2 Germany $568M
  3. 3 France $417M

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 drums

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 drums

What is the HS code for Aluminum drums?

The HS code for Aluminum drums 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 HS code for aluminum drums with a capacity of 300 liters or less is 7612.90.

How do I classify Aluminum drums for customs?

Aluminum drums 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.

Can these drums be used for hazardous materials?

Yes, aluminum drums classified under 7612.90 can be used for hazardous materials, provided they meet the specific UN packaging certifications required for the substance being transported.

Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum drums (HS 761290)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum drums) 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 drums (HS 761290)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 761290 (the code used for aluminum drums) 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 drums the same in all countries?

The base HS code 761290 for Aluminum drums 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 drums in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 761290 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for aluminum drums 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).