Product classification
HS code for Chromium coated steel: 7210.50
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with chromium oxides or with chromium and chromium oxides.
Classification of chromium coated steel under HS 7210.50
Chromium coated steel, often referred to as Tin Free Steel (TFS) or Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel (ECCS), is classified under HS code 7210.50. Chapter 72 covers iron and steel. Heading 7210 applies to flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, with a width of 600 mm or more, that are clad, plated, or coated. Subheading 7210.50 specifically covers those plated or coated with chromium oxides or with chromium and chromium oxides. This material is widely used in the packaging industry, particularly for food cans, bottle caps, and ends, as an alternative to tinplate. The classification is based on the substrate (non-alloy steel), the width (600mm+), and the specific metallic coating (chromium).
- Covers
- Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel (ECCS) sheets
- Tin Free Steel (TFS) in coils
- Chromium-plated flat-rolled steel
- Chromium oxide coated steel for canning
- Lacquered chromium-coated steel (if the chromium is the primary coating)
- Also under 7210.50
- JFE Tin-Free Steel
- ArcelorMittal ECCS
- Nippon Steel TFS
- POSCO Chromium Coated Steel
Codes often confused with 7210.50
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 7210.11 or 7210.12, which are for tin-plated steel (tinplate). While they look similar and serve similar industries, the chemical nature of the coating is the deciding factor. Another error involves HS code 7212.50, which also covers chromium-coated steel but is restricted to products with a width of less than 600 mm. If the steel is alloyed (such as stainless steel), it must be moved to Chapter 7219 or 7220. Finally, if the steel is only painted or plastic-coated without a chromium layer underneath, it falls under 7210.70.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721050 (the code used for chromium coated steel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721050 (the code used for chromium coated steel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 721050, not only chromium coated steel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $470M 33% of world exports
- 2 Japan $217M 15% of world exports
- 3 Canada $176M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $419M 26% of world imports
- 2 Italy $161M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $147M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 code for chromium coated steel
Brazil classifies chromium coated steel under NCM 7210.50.00: HS 7210.50 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 chromium coated steel
What is the HS code for Chromium coated steel?
The HS code for Chromium coated steel is 721050 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with chromium oxides or with chromium and chromium oxides). For flat-rolled products with a width of 600mm or more, the HS code is 7210.50.
How do I classify Chromium coated steel for customs?
Chromium coated steel is classified under HS code 721050 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with chromium oxides or with chromium and chromium oxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between ECCS and TFS in the HS system?
There is no difference in classification; both Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel (ECCS) and Tin Free Steel (TFS) are trade names for the products classified under 7210.50.
Which countries are the top exporters of chromium coated steel (HS 721050)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721050 (the code used for chromium coated steel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($470M, 33% of world exports), Japan ($217M) and Canada ($176M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 chromium coated steel (HS 721050)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721050 (the code used for chromium coated steel) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($419M, 26% of world imports), Italy ($161M) and Mexico ($147M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Chromium coated steel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721050 for Chromium coated steel 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 chromium coated steel in Brazil?
In Brazil, chromium coated steel (HS 721050) is classified under NCM 7210.50.00.