Product classification
HS code for Cold-finished steel profiles: 7216.69
Iron or non-alloy steel, angles, shapes and sections, cold-formed or cold-finished, (not obtained from flat-rolled products).
Classification of cold-finished steel profiles under HS 7216.69
The classification of cold-finished steel profiles under HS code 7216.69 is determined by the material composition, the specific shape of the cross-section, and the manufacturing technique employed. This code specifically covers angles, shapes, and sections of iron or non-alloy steel that have been cold-formed or cold-finished. Unlike hot-rolled products, which are shaped while the metal is above its recrystallization temperature, cold-finished items are processed at ambient temperatures. This secondary processing, often involving cold-drawing, rolling, or pressing, results in significantly tighter dimensional tolerances, improved mechanical properties, and a much smoother surface finish. To qualify for this heading, the steel must meet the definition of non-alloy steel as per Chapter 72 Note 1(f), which stipulates that the content of specific elements like manganese, silicon, or copper must remain below defined weight percentages. Furthermore, the "sections" must have a cross-section that does not conform to the definitions of bars, rods, wire, or flat-rolled products. This code is a residual category for cold-finished shapes that do not fall under more specific subheadings like L or T sections. It is vital for customs purposes to distinguish these from products obtained from flat-rolled products, which are classified elsewhere.
- Covers
- Cold-drawn C-channels of non-alloy steel
- Cold-formed Z-sections
- Non-alloy steel U-sections, cold-finished
- Cold-finished structural angles not hot-rolled
- Cold-formed omega sections
- Also under 7216.69
- Ovako cold-drawn bars
- Nucor cold-finished special sections
- Valbruna cold-drawn profiles
- Macsteel cold-finished bars
- Carpenter Technology cold-finished shapes
Codes often confused with 7216.69
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS codes 7216.10 through 7216.50, which are reserved for hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded products. It is also often misclassified with 7301, which covers sheet piling, or 7216.61, which specifically covers L or T sections that have been cold-formed or cold-finished. Additionally, if the profile is obtained from a flat-rolled product, it may fall under 7216.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721669 (the code used for cold-finished steel profiles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721669 (the code used for cold-finished steel profiles) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.5% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 98% of its exports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 84% of its imports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 721669, not only cold-finished steel profiles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $33M 21% of world exports
- 2 Italy $20M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $13M 8.5% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 98% of its exports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $158M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $20M 9.5% of world imports
- 2 France $13M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $13M 6.2% of world imports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 84% of its imports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $205M 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-finished steel profiles
Brazil splits HS 7216.69 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7216.69.10Other cold-formed sections, under 80 mm high
- 7216.69.90Other cold-formed sections, 80 mm high or more
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-finished steel profiles
What is the HS code for Cold-finished steel profiles?
The HS code for Cold-finished steel profiles is 721669 (Iron or non-alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, cold-formed or cold-finished, (not obtained from flat-rolled products)). The HS code for cold-finished or cold-formed profiles of iron or non-alloy steel (other than L or T sections) is 7216.69.
How do I classify Cold-finished steel profiles for customs?
Cold-finished steel profiles is classified under HS code 721669 — Iron or non-alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, cold-formed or cold-finished, (not obtained from flat-rolled products). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 7216.61 and 7216.69?
HS code 7216.61 is specifically for L or T sections that are cold-finished, while 7216.69 is a residual category for all other cold-finished shapes and sections.
Which countries are the top exporters of cold-finished steel profiles (HS 721669)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721669 (the code used for cold-finished steel profiles) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($33M, 21% of world exports), Italy ($20M) and China ($13M). World exports came to about $158M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 98% of its exports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of cold-finished steel profiles (HS 721669)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721669 (the code used for cold-finished steel profiles) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($20M, 9.5% of world imports), France ($13M) and Thailand ($13M). World imports came to about $205M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 84% of its imports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Cold-finished steel profiles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721669 for Cold-finished steel profiles 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-finished steel profiles in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721669 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cold-finished steel profiles depends on the product's details: 7216.69.10 (Other cold-formed sections, under 80 mm high), 7216.69.90 (Other cold-formed sections, 80 mm high or more).