Product classification
HS code for Flat-rolled steel: 7211.90
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, n.e.c. in heading no. 7211, width less than 600mm.
Classification of flat-rolled steel under HS 7211.90
HS code 7211.90 applies to flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that are less than 600mm wide and have not been further worked than specified in other subheadings. Classification in Heading 7211 requires the product to be \"flat-rolled,\" meaning it has a rectangular cross-section and does not meet the definition of \"wide flats.\" The distinction between 7211 and 7208/7209 is primarily the width; 7211 is for narrow strips (under 600mm). Subheading 7211.90 is used for products that are not specifically hot-rolled (7211.13-19) or cold-rolled (7211.23-29) in a way that fits those specific descriptions. This often includes steel that has undergone specific surface treatments or has been worked in a manner that excludes it from the more specific \"not further worked than...\" categories. The steel must be \"non-alloy,\" meaning it does not meet the minimum element thresholds defined in Chapter 72, Note 1(f).
- Covers
- Non-alloy steel strips, narrow width
- Carbon steel flat-rolled bands
- Iron strips, not cold-reduced, under 600mm
- Flat-rolled non-alloy steel, n.e.c.
- Narrow steel plates, non-alloy
- Also under 7211.90
- Custom-rolled steel for specific machinery
- prototype steel components
- specialized architectural steel elements
- niche industrial tooling blanks
- bespoke automotive prototypes.
Codes often confused with 7211.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with heading 7212, which covers flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel that is clad, plated, or coated. If the steel is galvanized or painted, it must move to 7212. It is also confused with 7211.14 or 7211.23 if the specific rolling process (hot vs cold) is clearly defined and the product has not been further worked. Additionally, if the width is 600mm or greater, it must be classified under 7208 or 7209.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721190 (the code used for flat-rolled steel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721190 (the code used for flat-rolled steel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 19% 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 721190, not only flat-rolled steel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $70M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $70M 22% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $28M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $319M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $88M 19% of world imports
- 2 Czechia $30M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Poland $30M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $457M 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 flat-rolled steel
Brazil splits HS 7211.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7211.90.10Other narrow flat steel, 0.6% carbon or more
- 7211.90.90Other narrow flat non-alloy steel, uncoated
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 flat-rolled steel
What is the HS code for Flat-rolled steel?
The HS code for Flat-rolled steel is 721190 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, n.e.c. in heading no. 7211, width less than 600mm).
How do I classify Flat-rolled steel for customs?
Flat-rolled steel is classified under HS code 721190 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, n.e.c. in heading no. 7211, width less than 600mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for narrow flat-rolled non-alloy steel?
The HS code for non-alloy flat-rolled steel less than 600mm wide, not elsewhere specified, is 7211.90.
What is the difference between 7211 and 7212?
Heading 7211 is for uncoated/unplated steel, while heading 7212 is specifically for steel that has been clad, plated, or coated (e.g., with zinc, tin, or paint).
Which countries are the top exporters of flat-rolled steel (HS 721190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721190 (the code used for flat-rolled steel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($70M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($70M) and Czechia ($28M). World exports came to about $319M, 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 flat-rolled steel (HS 721190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721190 (the code used for flat-rolled steel) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($88M, 19% of world imports), Czechia ($30M) and Poland ($30M). World imports came to about $457M, 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 Flat-rolled steel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721190 for Flat-rolled 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 flat-rolled steel in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721190 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for flat-rolled steel depends on the product's details: 7211.90.10 (Other narrow flat steel, 0.6% carbon or more), 7211.90.90 (Other narrow flat non-alloy steel, uncoated).