Product classification
HS code for ECCS steel: 7210.50
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with chromium oxides or with chromium and chromium oxides.
Classification of ECCS steel under HS 7210.50
ECCS (Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel) is classified under HS code 7210.50 because it consists of flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel with a width of 600 mm or more that has been specifically coated with chromium oxides or a combination of chromium and chromium oxides. This material, often referred to as Tin-Free Steel (TFS), is distinct from tin-plated steel. The classification is governed by the coating material and the width of the substrate. Under the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, the precise chemical nature of the coating (chromium vs. zinc or tin) dictates the subheading. Since ECCS is primarily used in the packaging industry for its lacquer adhesion properties and corrosion resistance, it is grouped with other plated flat-rolled products in Chapter 72. The 600 mm width threshold is a critical legal note for Heading 7210; narrower products fall elsewhere.
- Covers
- Tin-Free Steel (TFS) in coils
- Chromium-plated steel sheets for food canning
- Lacquered ECCS used for crown corks
- Electrolytic chromium-coated steel for industrial packaging
- ECCS sheets for heat shields
- Also under 7210.50
- JFE Tin-Free Steel
- ArcelorMittal ECCS
- Nippon Steel TFS
- POSCO Chromium Coated Steel
Codes often confused with 7210.50
Common mistake. ECCS is most commonly misclassified under 7210.11 or 7210.12, which are reserved for tin-plated steel (tinplate). While they look similar and serve similar industries, the chemical coating is the defining factor. It is also confused with 7212.50 if the width is less than 600 mm. Another error involves 7210.30, which is for zinc-plated (galvanized) steel, though the surface finish and application of chromium-coated steel are technically distinct.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721050 (the code used for ECCS steel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721050 (the code used for ECCS steel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 721050, not only ECCS steel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $470M 33% of world exports
- 2 Japan $217M 15% of world exports
- 3 Canada $176M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $419M 26% of world imports
- 2 Italy $161M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $147M 9.0% 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 code for ECCS steel
Brazil classifies ECCS steel under NCM 7210.50.00: HS 7210.50 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 ECCS steel
What is the HS code for ECCS steel?
The HS code for ECCS steel is 721050 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with chromium oxides or with chromium and chromium oxides). The HS code for ECCS steel with a width of 600 mm or more is 7210.50.
How do I classify ECCS steel for customs?
ECCS steel is classified under HS code 721050 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with chromium oxides or with chromium and chromium oxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ECCS the same as tinplate for customs purposes?
No, tinplate is classified under 7210.11/12, while ECCS is specifically 7210.50 due to its chromium oxide coating.
Which countries are the top exporters of ECCS steel (HS 721050)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721050 (the code used for ECCS steel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($470M, 33% of world exports), Japan ($217M) and Canada ($176M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 ECCS steel (HS 721050)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721050 (the code used for ECCS steel) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($419M, 26% of world imports), Italy ($161M) and Mexico ($147M). 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 ECCS steel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721050 for ECCS steel 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 ECCS steel in Brazil?
In Brazil, ECCS steel (HS 721050) is classified under NCM 7210.50.00.