Product classification
HS code for Flat washers: 7318.22
Iron or steel, non-threaded washers, excluding spring and lock.
Classification of flat washers under HS 7318.22
Flat washers made of iron or steel are classified under HS code 7318.22. This code is situated within Chapter 73, which covers articles of iron or steel, and heading 7318, which includes screws, bolts, nuts, and similar fasteners. Subheading 7318.22 specifically identifies non-threaded washers that do not have a spring or locking mechanism. The primary function of these components is to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or nut, over a larger surface area or to act as a spacer. The classification is strictly based on the material (iron or steel) and the physical form (flat, non-threaded, non-spring). If the washer were made of a different material, such as copper or plastic, it would be classified in a different chapter entirely, regardless of its flat shape.
- Covers
- Standard flat washers (Type A and Type B)
- Fender washers with oversized outer diameters
- Penny washers for thin material protection
- Structural flat washers for heavy-duty construction
- Small-pattern washers for tight clearances
- Hardened steel flat washers for high-strength bolts
- Also under 7318.22
- Fastenal flat washers
- Würth plain washers
- Böllhoff structural washers
- ITW Buildex fender washers
Codes often confused with 7318.22
Common mistake. Flat washers are often confused with spring washers or lock washers, which are classified under 7318.21. Spring washers are designed to prevent loosening due to vibration, whereas flat washers (7318.22) are for load distribution. Another common error is classifying washers made of other metals here; for instance, copper washers belong in 7415.21 and aluminum washers in 7616.10. If the washer is threaded, it would be classified as a nut under 7318.16 rather than a non-threaded washer.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731822 (the code used for flat washers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731822 (the code used for flat washers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 731822, not only flat washers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $616M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $336M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $328M 13% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $284M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $256M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $223M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $2.8B 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 flat washers
Brazil classifies flat washers under NCM 7318.22.00: HS 7318.22 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 flat washers
What is the HS code for Flat washers?
The HS code for Flat washers is 731822 (Iron or steel; non-threaded washers, excluding spring and lock). The HS code for iron or steel flat washers (non-threaded and non-spring) is 7318.22.
How do I classify Flat washers for customs?
Flat washers is classified under HS code 731822 — Iron or steel; non-threaded washers, excluding spring and lock. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are stainless steel flat washers included in this code?
Yes, as long as they are made of steel and are non-threaded and non-spring, stainless steel flat washers fall under 7318.22.
Which countries are the top exporters of flat washers (HS 731822)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731822 (the code used for flat washers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($616M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($336M) and Germany ($328M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 flat washers (HS 731822)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731822 (the code used for flat washers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($284M, 10% of world imports), China ($256M) and Germany ($223M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 washers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731822 for Flat washers 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 washers in Brazil?
In Brazil, flat washers (HS 731822) is classified under NCM 7318.22.00.