Product classification
HS code for Cold-drawn steel pipes: 7304.31
Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron), seamless, cold-drawn or cold-rolled, tubes, pipes and hollow profiles of circular cross-section.
Classification of cold-drawn steel pipes under HS 7304.31
HS code 7304.31 is used for seamless, cold-drawn, or cold-rolled tubes and pipes made of iron or non-alloy steel. This classification is found in Chapter 73 (Articles of iron or steel) and Heading 7304 (Seamless tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles). The "non-alloy" designation refers to steel that does not meet the chemical composition thresholds for alloy steel defined in the Chapter 72 notes; it is typically referred to as carbon steel. The "cold-drawn" or "cold-rolled" specification indicates that the pipe has been processed after the initial hot-forming to achieve specific dimensions and surface characteristics. This process, often referred to as "cold finishing," is common for precision tubes used in mechanical applications, automotive parts, and hydraulic systems. The product must have a circular cross-section to fit this specific subheading. If the pipe were hot-finished rather than cold-drawn, it would be classified under 7304.39. If the pipe were welded rather than seamless, it would fall under Heading 7305 (for large diameters) or 7306 (for smaller diameters). Accurate classification depends on verifying the absence of a weld seam and confirming the steel's chemical composition through technical documentation. The cold-drawing process provides a superior surface finish and tighter dimensional tolerances compared to hot-rolling, which is why the HS system distinguishes between these two manufacturing methods.
- Covers
- Seamless cold-drawn carbon steel pipes
- Cold-finished non-alloy mechanical tubing
- Seamless cold-drawn boiler tubes (non-alloy)
- Precision cold-drawn steel pipes for hydraulic systems
- Cold-rolled seamless non-alloy circular tubes
- Also under 7304.31
- Sandvik seamless precision tubes
- Benteler automotive tubing
- ArcelorMittal cold-drawn pipes
- Sumitomo seamless mechanical tubes
- Salzgitter Mannesmann precision tubes
Codes often confused with 7304.31
Common mistake. A common error is using 7304.39, which is for hot-finished seamless non-alloy pipes. Another mistake is classifying alloy steel pipes under this code; alloy steel (non-stainless) belongs in 7304.51. Furthermore, any pipe with a longitudinal or spiral weld must be classified under 7305 or 7306, as 7304 is strictly for seamless products.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730431 (the code used for cold-drawn steel pipes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730431 (the code used for cold-drawn steel pipes) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.4% 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 730431, not only cold-drawn steel pipes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $349M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $308M 20% of world exports
- 3 Italy $136M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $135M 8.4% of world imports
- 2 Italy $104M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $86M 5.3% 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 codes for cold-drawn steel pipes
Brazil splits HS 7304.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7304.31.10Uncoated cold-drawn/rolled seamless non-alloy tube
- 7304.31.90Other cold-drawn/rolled seamless non-alloy tubes
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 cold-drawn steel pipes
What is the HS code for Cold-drawn steel pipes?
The HS code for Cold-drawn steel pipes is 730431 (Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron); seamless, cold-drawn or cold-rolled, tubes, pipes and hollow profiles of circular cross-section). The HS code for seamless, cold-drawn or cold-rolled iron or non-alloy steel pipes of circular cross-section is 7304.31.
How do I classify Cold-drawn steel pipes for customs?
Cold-drawn steel pipes is classified under HS code 730431 — Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron); seamless, cold-drawn or cold-rolled, tubes, pipes and hollow profiles of circular cross-section. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can welded pipes be classified under HS 7304.31?
No, HS 7304 is exclusively for seamless pipes. Welded pipes of non-alloy steel are typically classified under 7306.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of cold-drawn steel pipes (HS 730431)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730431 (the code used for cold-drawn steel pipes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($349M, 23% of world exports), China ($308M) and Italy ($136M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 cold-drawn steel pipes (HS 730431)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730431 (the code used for cold-drawn steel pipes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($135M, 8.4% of world imports), Italy ($104M) and Saudi Arabia ($86M). 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 Cold-drawn steel pipes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730431 for Cold-drawn steel pipes 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 cold-drawn steel pipes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 730431 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cold-drawn steel pipes depends on the product's details: 7304.31.10 (Uncoated cold-drawn/rolled seamless non-alloy tube), 7304.31.90 (Other cold-drawn/rolled seamless non-alloy tubes).