Product classification
HS code for Cold-rolled steel strip: 7211.29
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, cold-rolled, of a width less than 600mm, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon.
Classification of cold-rolled steel strip under HS 7211.29
The classification of cold-rolled steel strip under HS code 7211.29 is determined by the material composition, the manufacturing process, and the physical dimensions of the product. This specific code falls under Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel. Heading 7211 is reserved for flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that have a width of less than 600 mm and have not been clad, plated, or coated. The subheading 7211.29 specifically identifies products that have been cold-rolled (cold-reduced) and contain by weight 0.25% or more of carbon. The cold-rolling process involves passing the steel through rollers at room temperature, which increases its strength and improves surface finish compared to hot-rolling. The carbon content is a critical factor here, as it distinguishes this high-carbon or medium-carbon steel from low-carbon varieties found in other subheadings. To qualify for this code, the strip must not be further worked than cold-rolled and must maintain a width below the 600 mm threshold.
- Covers
- High-carbon cold-rolled steel strips
- Medium-carbon steel narrow strips
- Precision cold-rolled steel bands
- Non-alloy steel strips for spring manufacturing
- Cold-reduced steel coils under 600mm width
- Also under 7211.29
- Sandvik high carbon strip steel
- Uddeholm tool steel blanks
- voestalpine high strength cold-rolled steel
- Acerinox precision high carbon strips
- SSAB high strength narrow strips.
Codes often confused with 7211.29
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 7209, which covers cold-rolled flat products with a width of 600 mm or more. The primary differentiator is the width of the material. Additionally, it may be misclassified under 7212 if the steel has been clad, plated, or coated with metals like zinc or tin. Another common error involves HS code 7226, which is reserved for alloy steel strips; if the steel contains alloying elements above the thresholds defined in Chapter Note 1(f), it must be moved from 7211 to 7226 regardless of carbon content.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721129 (the code used for cold-rolled steel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721129 (the code used for cold-rolled steel strip) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 6.9% 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 721129, not only cold-rolled steel strip.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $305M 37% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $102M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $87M 11% of world exports
World total: $831M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $58M 6.9% of world imports
- 2 Germany $54M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 France $49M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $844M 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-rolled steel strip
Brazil splits HS 7211.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7211.29.10Narrow cold-rolled steel, 0.25% to under 0.6% C
- 7211.29.20Narrow cold-rolled steel, 0.6% carbon 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-rolled steel strip
What is the HS code for Cold-rolled steel strip?
The HS code for Cold-rolled steel strip is 721129 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, cold-rolled, of a width less than 600mm, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon). The HS code for cold-rolled steel strip of non-alloy steel, with a width less than 600mm and containing 0.25% or more carbon by weight, is 7211.29.
How do I classify Cold-rolled steel strip for customs?
Cold-rolled steel strip is classified under HS code 721129 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, cold-rolled, of a width less than 600mm, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does carbon content affect the classification of steel strips?
Carbon content determines the specific subheading; steel with less than 0.25% carbon is classified under 7211.23, while steel with 0.25% or more falls under 7211.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of cold-rolled steel strip (HS 721129)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721129 (the code used for cold-rolled steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($305M, 37% of world exports), South Korea ($102M) and Italy ($87M). World exports came to about $831M, 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 strip (HS 721129)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721129 (the code used for cold-rolled steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($58M, 6.9% of world imports), Germany ($54M) and France ($49M). World imports came to about $844M, 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 strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721129 for Cold-rolled 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 cold-rolled steel strip in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721129 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cold-rolled steel strip depends on the product's details: 7211.29.10 (Narrow cold-rolled steel, 0.25% to under 0.6% C), 7211.29.20 (Narrow cold-rolled steel, 0.6% carbon or more).