Product classification
HS code for Clad steel strip: 7212.60
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, clad.
Classification of clad steel strip under HS 7212.60
HS code 7212.60 is designated for flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that have a width of less than 600 mm and have been clad. Cladding is a metallurgical process where two or more different metals are bonded together, typically through high-pressure rolling, explosive bonding, or welding, to combine the structural strength of steel with the corrosion resistance or conductivity of another metal. Under Chapter 72, the distinction between "plated or coated" and "clad" is vital for correct classification. Cladding involves a substantial layer of metal being bonded to the substrate, whereas plating usually involves a much thinner electrolytic or chemical deposit. The width constraint of less than 600 mm distinguishes these "strips" or "narrow strips" from wider sheets. To fall under 7212.60, the base metal must be iron or non-alloy steel. If the base metal is stainless steel or another alloy steel, the product would be classified under headings 7220 or 7226 respectively. The classification process requires a detailed mill test report (MTR) to verify the chemical composition of the base metal and the thickness of the cladding layer. This material is widely used in the automotive, electronics, and chemical processing industries where specific surface properties are required without the cost of using a solid expensive metal.
- Covers
- Copper-clad non-alloy steel strips
- Nickel-clad iron strips
- Aluminum-clad steel narrow strips
- Stainless steel clad onto non-alloy steel (width < 600mm)
- Silver-clad steel strips for electrical components
- Also under 7212.60
- POSCO clad steel
- Nippon Steel clad products
- ArcelorMittal clad solutions
- Outokumpu clad materials
Codes often confused with 7212.60
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 7210.90, which covers clad steel with a width of 600 mm or more. Additionally, products that are merely zinc-plated (galvanized) are often confused with clad products; these should be classified under 7212.20 or 7212.30 depending on the plating method. HS code 7211 is also used for strips that are not clad, plated, or coated.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721260 (the code used for clad steel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721260 (the code used for clad steel strip) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 721260, not only clad steel strip.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $81M 30% of world exports
- 2 China $45M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $34M 13% of world exports
World total: $268M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $50M 19% of world imports
- 2 India $38M 15% of world imports
- 3 Austria $18M 6.9% of world imports
Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $264M 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 clad steel strip
Brazil classifies clad steel strip under NCM 7212.60.00: HS 7212.60 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 clad steel strip
What is the HS code for Clad steel strip?
The HS code for Clad steel strip is 721260 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, clad). The HS code for clad steel strip made of iron or non-alloy steel with a width of less than 600 mm is 7212.60.
How do I classify Clad steel strip for customs?
Clad steel strip is classified under HS code 721260 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, clad. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is cladding different from plating in HS classification?
Cladding involves bonding a thick layer of metal to the base, whereas plating (7212.20/30) involves a thin coating applied via electrolysis or chemical means.
Which countries are the top exporters of clad steel strip (HS 721260)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721260 (the code used for clad steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($81M, 30% of world exports), China ($45M) and Germany ($34M). World exports came to about $268M, 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 clad steel strip (HS 721260)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721260 (the code used for clad steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were China ($50M, 19% of world imports), India ($38M) and Austria ($18M). World imports came to about $264M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.2B of its chapter 72 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Clad steel strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721260 for Clad steel strip 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 clad steel strip in Brazil?
In Brazil, clad steel strip (HS 721260) is classified under NCM 7212.60.00.