Product classification
HS code for Coated steel strip: 7212.50
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated, (excluding tin, zinc or plastic).
Classification of coated steel strip under HS 7212.50
The classification of coated steel strip under HS code 7212.50 is determined by the material composition, the dimensions of the product, and the nature of the surface treatment. This code specifically applies to flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that have a width of less than 600 mm. To fall under this subheading, the steel must be plated or coated with substances other than tin, zinc, or plastics. Common coatings included here are lead (terne-plate), chromium oxides, or aluminum. The narrow width distinguishes it from products in heading 7210, while the specific coating type differentiates it from other subheadings within 7212. This classification is essential for manufacturers of specialized automotive components, electrical equipment, and construction materials where narrow, treated steel strips are required for precision applications.
- Covers
- Lead-coated steel strips (terne-plate)
- Chromium-plated steel strips
- Aluminum-coated steel strips
- Copper-plated iron or non-alloy steel strips
- Nickel-plated steel strips with width under 600mm
- Also under 7212.50
- ArcelorMittal Aluzinc
- Nippon Steel aluminized steel
- JFE Steel Galvalume
- ThyssenKrupp specialized coated strips
- POSCO Al-Zn coated steel.
Codes often confused with 7212.50
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 7210.90, which covers similar plated or coated flat-rolled products but with a width of 600 mm or more. Additionally, if the strip is coated with zinc, it must be classified under 7212.20 (electrolytically plated) or 7212.30 (otherwise plated). If the coating is plastic or painted, HS code 7212.40 is the correct designation. Importers must accurately measure the width and identify the chemical nature of the coating to avoid these common errors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721250 (the code used for coated steel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721250 (the code used for coated steel strip) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 28% 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 721250, not only coated steel strip.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $173M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $107M 15% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $86M 12% of world exports
World total: $726M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $344M 28% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $154M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $84M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 coated steel strip
Brazil splits HS 7212.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7212.50.10Narrow steel with sintered bronze layer
- 7212.50.90Other narrow plated or coated flat steel
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 coated steel strip
What is the HS code for Coated steel strip?
The HS code for Coated steel strip is 721250 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated, (excluding tin, zinc or plastic)). The HS code for flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel strip, width less than 600mm, plated or coated (excluding tin, zinc, or plastic), is 7212.50.
How do I classify Coated steel strip for customs?
Coated steel strip is classified under HS code 721250 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated, (excluding tin, zinc or plastic). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include stainless steel strips?
No, stainless steel is classified under heading 7219 or 7220. HS code 7212.50 is strictly for iron or non-alloy steel.
Which countries are the top exporters of coated steel strip (HS 721250)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721250 (the code used for coated steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were China ($173M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($107M) and South Korea ($86M). World exports came to about $726M, 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 coated steel strip (HS 721250)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721250 (the code used for coated steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($344M, 28% of world imports), Indonesia ($154M) and China ($84M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Coated steel strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721250 for Coated 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 coated steel strip in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721250 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for coated steel strip depends on the product's details: 7212.50.10 (Narrow steel with sintered bronze layer), 7212.50.90 (Other narrow plated or coated flat steel).