Product classification
HS code for Food cans: 7310.21
Cans, which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel.
Classification of food cans under HS 7310.21
HS code 731021 is utilized for the classification of iron or steel cans with a capacity of less than 50 liters, specifically those designed to be closed by soldering or crimping. This classification is part of Chapter 73, which pertains to articles of iron or steel. The distinction for 731021 lies in the manufacturing process of the closure. These containers are typically used in the food industry for preserving perishable goods through vacuum sealing or airtight crimping. The code excludes containers for compressed or liquefied gas. The technical requirement for this code is that the walls of the container must be made of iron or steel, often tin-plated (tinplate) to prevent corrosion from the food contents. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 7310 covers containers of sheet or plate iron or steel, of a capacity not exceeding 300 liters, which are used for the conveyance or packing of goods. Subheading 731021 specifically targets the smaller, hermetically sealed cans common in retail food packaging.
- Covers
- Tin-plated steel soup cans
- Canned vegetable containers
- Steel meat product cans
- Soldered tinplate cans for dry goods
- Crimped steel beverage cans (if not aluminum)
- Also under 7310.21
- Coca-Cola cans
- Campbell's Soup cans
- Rust-Oleum paint cans
- WD-40 empty cans
- Red Bull cans
Codes often confused with 7310.21
Common mistake. Food cans are often misclassified under HS code 7612, which is the designation for aluminum cans. While they look similar, the base metal is the deciding factor. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 731029, which is a residual category for other steel cans that are not closed by soldering or crimping, such as those with screw-top lids or friction-fit lids.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731021 (the code used for food cans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731021 (the code used for food cans) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 731021, not only food cans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $618M 22% of world exports
- 2 Spain $324M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $233M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $296M 10% of world imports
- 2 France $287M 10% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $255M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 food cans
Brazil splits HS 7310.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7310.21.10Food cans to be closed by soldering or crimping
- 7310.21.90Other cans to be closed by soldering or crimping
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 food cans
What is the HS code for Food cans?
The HS code for Food cans is 731021 (Cans; which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel). The HS code for iron or steel food cans closed by soldering or crimping is 731021.
How do I classify Food cans for customs?
Food cans is classified under HS code 731021 — Cans; which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include aluminum soda cans?
No, aluminum cans are classified under HS code 761290. HS code 731021 is exclusively for iron or steel containers.
Which countries are the top exporters of food cans (HS 731021)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731021 (the code used for food cans) in UN Comtrade data were China ($618M, 22% of world exports), Spain ($324M) and the United States ($233M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of food cans (HS 731021)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731021 (the code used for food cans) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($296M, 10% of world imports), France ($287M) and Belgium ($255M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 Food cans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731021 for Food cans 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 food cans in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731021 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for food cans depends on the product's details: 7310.21.10 (Food cans to be closed by soldering or crimping), 7310.21.90 (Other cans to be closed by soldering or crimping).