Product classification
HS code for Expanded metal mesh: 7314.50
Iron or steel, expanded metal.
Classification of expanded metal mesh under HS 7314.50
Expanded metal mesh is classified under HS code 7314.50 because it is an article of iron or steel produced through a specific mechanical process of slitting and stretching. Unlike woven wire or welded mesh, expanded metal is formed from a single solid sheet or strip of metal, which is cut and expanded into a lattice or diamond-shaped pattern. This process ensures that the material remains a single piece without joints or welds, maintaining structural integrity. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, and Heading 7314 specifically includes cloth, grill, netting, and fencing. Subheading 7314.50 is the specific international designation for expanded metal, distinguishing it from products that are woven, knitted, or welded at the intersections. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the mesh is raised or flattened after the expansion process, provided the base material is iron or steel.
- Covers
- Raised expanded steel mesh
- Flattened expanded steel mesh
- Diamond-patterned iron mesh
- Expanded stainless steel security screens
- Aluminum-coated expanded steel sheets
- Heavy-duty expanded metal walkways
- Micro-mesh expanded steel
- Also under 7314.50
- McNichols Co. expanded metal
- Nucor expanded metal
- Expanded Metal Company
- Grating Pacific expanded metal
- Metalex expanded metal
Codes often confused with 7314.50
Common mistake. Expanded metal mesh is frequently misclassified under HS code 7314.12 or 7314.14, which are reserved for woven cloth or wire. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 7314.20, which covers grill, netting, and fencing welded at the intersection. The primary distinction is that expanded metal is not joined or woven but is a single continuous piece of metal. Additionally, if the mesh is made of aluminum, it must be classified under Chapter 76 (specifically 7616.91) rather than 7314.50.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731450 (the code used for expanded metal mesh), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731450 (the code used for expanded metal mesh) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 731450, not only expanded metal mesh.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $115M 32% of world exports
- 2 Italy $66M 19% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $27M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $353M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $44M 13% of world imports
- 2 France $34M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $25M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $346M 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 expanded metal mesh
Brazil classifies expanded metal mesh under NCM 7314.50.00: HS 7314.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about expanded metal mesh
What is the HS code for Expanded metal mesh?
The HS code for Expanded metal mesh is 731450 (Iron or steel; expanded metal). The international HS code for expanded metal mesh made of iron or steel is 7314.50.
How do I classify Expanded metal mesh for customs?
Expanded metal mesh is classified under HS code 731450 — Iron or steel; expanded metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the mesh is galvanized?
No, expanded metal mesh that has been galvanized, coated with plastic, or painted remains under HS code 7314.50, as the base material and manufacturing process define the classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of expanded metal mesh (HS 731450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731450 (the code used for expanded metal mesh) in UN Comtrade data were China ($115M, 32% of world exports), Italy ($66M) and Mexico ($27M). World exports came to about $353M, 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 expanded metal mesh (HS 731450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731450 (the code used for expanded metal mesh) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($44M, 13% of world imports), France ($34M) and Germany ($25M). World imports came to about $346M, 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 Expanded metal mesh the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731450 for Expanded metal mesh 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 expanded metal mesh in Brazil?
In Brazil, expanded metal mesh (HS 731450) is classified under NCM 7314.50.00.