Product classification
HS code for Galvanized steel strip: 7212.30
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically).
Classification of galvanized steel strip under HS 7212.30
Galvanized steel strip is classified under HS code 7212.30 based on its dimensions and surface treatment. According to the Harmonized System's Chapter 72 notes, flat-rolled products with a width of less than 600 mm are categorized under heading 7212. This specific subheading, 7212.30, is reserved for iron or non-alloy steel strips that have been plated or coated with zinc using methods other than electrolysis. The classification logic follows a hierarchical path: first identifying the material as iron or non-alloy steel, then determining the width (less than 600 mm), and finally identifying the coating type (zinc) and method (non-electrolytic). This distinction is vital because narrow strips are often produced through slitting wider coils or through specialized narrow-strip mills, and they serve different industrial purposes than wider sheets. The classification ensures that these smaller-dimension products are taxed and tracked separately from bulkier steel plates. By adhering to the 600 mm rule, customs authorities can maintain consistency in the classification of flat-rolled steel products across different jurisdictions and ensure appropriate duty rates are applied.
- Covers
- Narrow galvanized steel strips
- Zinc-coated steel hoop and band
- Slit galvanized coils under 600mm width
- Hot-dip galvanized narrow flat-rolled steel
- Also under 7212.30
- BlueScope Steel galvanized strips
- Nucor hot-dip galvanized steel
- Tata Steel HDG coils
- JSW Steel galvanized sheets
- ThyssenKrupp hot-dip zinc coated steel.
Codes often confused with 7212.30
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with 7210.49, which is used for products 600 mm or wider. Additionally, 7212.20 is often mistakenly used for strips that have been electrolytically coated with zinc rather than hot-dipped.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721230 (the code used for galvanized steel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721230 (the code used for galvanized steel strip) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 8.5% 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 721230, not only galvanized steel strip.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $976M 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $396M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $193M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $220M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 Germany $208M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 France $190M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 galvanized steel strip
Brazil classifies galvanized steel strip under NCM 7212.30.00: HS 7212.30 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 galvanized steel strip
What is the HS code for Galvanized steel strip?
The HS code for Galvanized steel strip is 721230 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)). The HS code for galvanized steel strip with a width of less than 600mm, coated with zinc (not electrolytically), is 7212.30.
How do I classify Galvanized steel strip for customs?
Galvanized steel strip is classified under HS code 721230 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the 600mm width rule apply to all flat-rolled steel?
Yes, the 600mm width is the primary threshold in the Harmonized System that separates heading 7210 (wide) from heading 7212 (narrow) for flat-rolled steel.
Which countries are the top exporters of galvanized steel strip (HS 721230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721230 (the code used for galvanized steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were China ($976M, 32% of world exports), Germany ($396M) and Italy ($193M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 galvanized steel strip (HS 721230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721230 (the code used for galvanized steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($220M, 8.5% of world imports), Germany ($208M) and France ($190M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 Galvanized steel strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721230 for Galvanized steel strip 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 galvanized steel strip in Brazil?
In Brazil, galvanized steel strip (HS 721230) is classified under NCM 7212.30.00.