Product classification
HS code for Beverage cans: 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.
Classification of beverage cans under HS 7310.21
Beverage cans made of iron or steel are classified under HS code 7310.21. This code is situated within Chapter 73, which covers articles of iron or steel. Heading 7310 applies to tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar containers for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, of a capacity not exceeding 300 liters. Subheading 7310.21 is specific to containers with a capacity of less than 50 liters that are intended to be closed by soldering or crimping. This is the standard classification for steel beverage cans used in the soft drink and beer industries. The classification is driven by the material composition (ferrous metal) and the specific mechanical method used to seal the container after filling. Even if the cans are imported empty, their intended closure mechanism and volume dictate their placement under this specific subheading. It is important to distinguish these from aluminum cans, which dominate the market but fall under a completely different chapter of the HS system.
- Covers
- Steel soda cans
- Tin-plated steel beverage containers
- Crimp-sealed steel juice cans
- Soldered steel cans for liquid drinks
- Empty steel beverage cans (under 50L)
- Also under 7310.21
- 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. The most common misclassification is using 7612.90, which is the code for aluminum beverage cans. Since most modern beverage cans are aluminum, this is a frequent error. Another misclassification occurs with 7310.29, which is for steel cans closed by other means (like screw caps) or 7310.10 for containers with a capacity of 50 liters or more.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731021 (the code used for beverage cans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731021 (the code used for beverage cans) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 731021, not only beverage cans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $618M 22% of world exports
- 2 Spain $324M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $233M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $296M 10% of world imports
- 2 France $287M 10% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $255M 8.9% of world imports
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 beverage cans
Brazil splits HS 7310.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7310.21.10Food cans to be closed by soldering or crimping
- 7310.21.90Other cans to be closed by soldering or crimping
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 beverage cans
What is the HS code for Beverage cans?
The HS code for Beverage cans is 731021 (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). For iron or steel beverage cans to be closed by soldering or crimping, the HS code is 7310.21.
How do I classify Beverage cans for customs?
Beverage cans is classified under HS code 731021 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover aluminum soda cans?
No, aluminum soda cans are classified under HS code 7612.90 because they are made of aluminum, not steel.
Which countries are the top exporters of beverage cans (HS 731021)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731021 (the code used for beverage cans) 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 beverage cans (HS 731021)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731021 (the code used for beverage cans) 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.
Is the HS code for Beverage cans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731021 for Beverage 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 beverage cans in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731021 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for beverage cans depends on the product's details: 7310.21.10 (Food cans to be closed by soldering or crimping), 7310.21.90 (Other cans to be closed by soldering or crimping).