Product classification
HS code for Cold-rolled steel profiles: 7216.91
Iron or non-alloy steel, angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216, cold-formed or cold-finished, from flat-rolled products.
Classification of cold-rolled steel profiles under HS 7216.91
Cold-rolled steel profiles are classified under HS code 7216.91 because they represent specific shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel that have undergone cold-finishing processes. The classification logic follows the progression of Chapter 72, which moves from raw materials to semi-finished products and then to finished shapes. Heading 7216 is dedicated to angles, shapes, and sections. The subheading 7216.91 is precise in its requirement that the product must be cold-formed or cold-finished specifically from flat-rolled products. This distinguishes it from profiles that are hot-rolled and then cold-drawn, or those made from wire. The metallurgical state and the method of manufacture are the primary drivers for this classification, ensuring that the tariff reflects the added value of the cold-working process. These profiles are often used in construction and automotive frameworks where high precision and surface finish are required.
- Covers
- Cold-formed C-channels from flat steel
- U-profiles cold-finished from flat-rolled products
- Z-sections used in roofing and purlins
- Cold-rolled angles of non-alloy steel
- Custom cold-formed structural sections
- Also under 7216.91
- Custom profiles from SSAB
- Voestalpine special sections
- ArcelorMittal bespoke cold-formed shapes
- thyssenkrupp custom profiles
- Tata Steel specialized sections
Codes often confused with 7216.91
Common mistake. These profiles are often misclassified under 7216.61, which covers shapes cold-formed or cold-finished but not necessarily from flat-rolled products. Another common mistake is using 7301, which is specifically for sheet piling, even if the piling is cold-formed. Additionally, if the steel is alloyed, it must move to heading 7228.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721691 (the code used for cold-rolled steel profiles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721691 (the code used for cold-rolled steel profiles) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 721691, not only cold-rolled steel profiles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $222M 21% of world exports
- 2 China $179M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $114M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $123M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $111M 10% of world imports
- 3 Romania $64M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 cold-rolled steel profiles
Brazil classifies cold-rolled steel profiles under NCM 7216.91.00: HS 7216.91 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 cold-rolled steel profiles
What is the HS code for Cold-rolled steel profiles?
The HS code for Cold-rolled steel profiles is 721691 (Iron or non-alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216, cold-formed or cold-finished, from flat-rolled products). The HS code for angles, shapes, and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, cold-formed from flat-rolled products, is 7216.91.
How do I classify Cold-rolled steel profiles for customs?
Cold-rolled steel profiles is classified under HS code 721691 — Iron or non-alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216, cold-formed or cold-finished, from flat-rolled products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a profile under this code?
A profile must be a shape or section that does not fall under the definition of flat-rolled products, bars, or rods, and must be cold-worked from a flat-rolled starting material.
Which countries are the top exporters of cold-rolled steel profiles (HS 721691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721691 (the code used for cold-rolled steel profiles) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($222M, 21% of world exports), China ($179M) and Germany ($114M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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-rolled steel profiles (HS 721691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721691 (the code used for cold-rolled steel profiles) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($123M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($111M) and Romania ($64M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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-rolled steel profiles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721691 for Cold-rolled 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-rolled steel profiles in Brazil?
In Brazil, cold-rolled steel profiles (HS 721691) is classified under NCM 7216.91.00.