Product classification
HS code for GI steel sheet: 7210.49
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically).
Classification of GI steel sheet under HS 7210.49
GI steel sheets, or galvanized iron sheets, are classified under HS code 7210.49 based on their material composition, physical dimensions, and the specific method of zinc application. This code is designated for flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that have a width of 600 mm or more. The term 'GI' refers to the galvanization process, where a protective zinc coating is applied to the steel to prevent oxidation and corrosion. Under heading 7210, the subheadings are organized by the specific type of coating and the surface geometry. Subheading 7210.49 specifically covers products that are 'otherwise' plated or coated with zinc, which in trade practice refers to the hot-dip galvanization method. This distinguishes them from products that are electrolytically coated. Furthermore, this code is reserved for sheets that are not corrugated; if the sheet has been fluted or corrugated, it would fall under a different subheading. The classification requires that the base metal is non-alloy steel, as alloyed galvanized sheets are classified in heading 7225.
- Covers
- Hot-dip galvanized steel coils (width 600mm+)
- Zinc-coated non-alloy steel sheets
- Galvanized flat-rolled steel in cut lengths
- Commercial quality (CQ) galvanized steel sheets
- Structural quality (SQ) galvanized steel sheets
- Also under 7210.49
- ArcelorMittal Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel
- POSCO GI Steel
- Nippon Steel Galvanized Sheets
- SSAB Galvanized Steel
Codes often confused with 7210.49
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 7210.30, which is specifically for steel that has been electrolytically plated with zinc (electro-galvanized). Importers also frequently confuse 7210.49 with 7210.41, which is the specific code for corrugated galvanized sheets. Additionally, if the width of the sheet is less than 600 mm, it must be classified under heading 7212 rather than 7210.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721049 (the code used for GI steel sheet), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721049 (the code used for GI steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.8% 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 721049, not only GI steel sheet.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $6.1B 26% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $2.6B 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $2.2B 9.3% of world exports
World total: $23.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $2.0B 7.8% of world imports
- 2 Spain $1.4B 5.6% of world imports
- 3 Poland $1.3B 5.3% of world imports
World total: $25.1B 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 GI steel sheet
Brazil splits HS 7210.49 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7210.49.10Galvanised flat steel, uncorrugated, under 4.75 mm
- 7210.49.90Uncorrugated galvanised steel, 4.75 mm or more
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 GI steel sheet
What is the HS code for GI steel sheet?
The HS code for GI steel sheet is 721049 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)). The HS code for flat-rolled GI steel sheet with a width of 600 mm or more and not corrugated is 7210.49.
How do I classify GI steel sheet for customs?
GI steel sheet is classified under HS code 721049 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is hot-dip galvanized steel different from electro-galvanized in HS codes?
Yes, hot-dip galvanized steel is classified under 7210.49, while electro-galvanized steel is classified under 7210.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of GI steel sheet (HS 721049)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721049 (the code used for GI steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.1B, 26% of world exports), South Korea ($2.6B) and Germany ($2.2B). World exports came to about $23.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of GI steel sheet (HS 721049)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721049 (the code used for GI steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.0B, 7.8% of world imports), Spain ($1.4B) and Poland ($1.3B). World imports came to about $25.1B, 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 GI steel sheet the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721049 for GI steel sheet 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 GI steel sheet in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721049 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for GI steel sheet depends on the product's details: 7210.49.10 (Galvanised flat steel, uncorrugated, under 4.75 mm), 7210.49.90 (Uncorrugated galvanised steel, 4.75 mm or more).