Product classification
HS code for Electro-galvanized steel: 7212.20
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, of a width less than 600mm, electrolytically plated or coated with zinc.
Classification of electro-galvanized steel under HS 7212.20
Electro-galvanized steel of a width less than 600mm is classified under HS code 7212.20. This classification is governed by the material composition and the specific dimensions of the product. Heading 7212 applies to flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, clad, plated, or coated. The subheading 7212.20 specifically identifies products that have been electrolytically plated or coated with zinc. This process, known as electro-galvanization, involves the use of an electric current to deposit a thin layer of zinc onto the steel surface to provide corrosion resistance. The distinction between heading 7210 and 7212 is primarily based on the width of the steel; products 600mm or wider fall under 7210, while those narrower than 600mm fall under 7212. Furthermore, the method of zinc application is critical, as 7212.20 is reserved for electrolytic processes, whereas other methods like hot-dip galvanization are classified elsewhere within the same heading structure. This level of specificity ensures that trade data accurately reflects the manufacturing process and the physical dimensions of the steel products being traded globally.
- Covers
- Electro-galvanized steel strips less than 600mm wide
- Zinc-plated non-alloy steel coils in narrow widths
- Electrolytically coated steel tape
- Cold-rolled steel strips with electrolytic zinc coating
- Narrow flat-rolled steel for automotive or appliance components
- Also under 7212.20
- POSCO electro-galvanized steel
- Nippon Steel EG steel
- ArcelorMittal electro-zinc coated strips
- SSAB automotive grade EG steel
- JFE Steel EG sheets.
Codes often confused with 7212.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7210.30. While 7210.30 also covers electrolytically zinc-coated steel, it is strictly for products with a width of 600mm or more. Another common error is using HS code 7212.30, which is for steel products that are otherwise plated or coated with zinc, such as those produced via the hot-dip galvanization process. It is vital to distinguish between the electrolytic process (7212.20) and the hot-dip process (7212.30) to ensure compliance with customs regulations and to avoid potential duty discrepancies.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721220 (the code used for electro-galvanized steel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721220 (the code used for electro-galvanized steel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 8.7% 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 721220, not only electro-galvanized steel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $60M 25% of world exports
- 2 Germany $55M 23% of world exports
- 3 United States $14M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $236M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $27M 8.7% of world imports
- 2 Poland $25M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 France $21M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $309M 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 electro-galvanized steel
Brazil splits HS 7212.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7212.20.10Narrow electrogalvanised steel, under 4.75 mm
- 7212.20.90Narrow electrogalvanised steel, 4.75 mm 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 electro-galvanized steel
What is the HS code for Electro-galvanized steel?
The HS code for Electro-galvanized steel is 721220 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, of a width less than 600mm, electrolytically plated or coated with zinc). For flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel with a width of less than 600mm that is electrolytically coated with zinc, the HS code is 7212.20.
How do I classify Electro-galvanized steel for customs?
Electro-galvanized steel is classified under HS code 721220 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, of a width less than 600mm, electrolytically plated or coated with zinc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does width affect the classification of galvanized steel?
Width is a primary determinant; products 600mm or wider are classified under heading 7210, while those narrower than 600mm fall under heading 7212.
Which countries are the top exporters of electro-galvanized steel (HS 721220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721220 (the code used for electro-galvanized steel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($60M, 25% of world exports), Germany ($55M) and the United States ($14M). World exports came to about $236M, 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 electro-galvanized steel (HS 721220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721220 (the code used for electro-galvanized steel) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($27M, 8.7% of world imports), Poland ($25M) and France ($21M). World imports came to about $309M, 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 Electro-galvanized steel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721220 for Electro-galvanized 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 electro-galvanized steel in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721220 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for electro-galvanized steel depends on the product's details: 7212.20.10 (Narrow electrogalvanised steel, under 4.75 mm), 7212.20.90 (Narrow electrogalvanised steel, 4.75 mm or more).