Product classification
HS code for GOES: 7225.11
Steel, alloy, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, of silicon-electrical steel, grain-oriented.
Classification of GOES under HS 7225.11
Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES) is classified under HS code 7225.11 due to its specialized metallurgical properties and its dimensions. As a flat-rolled product of alloy steel with a width of 600 mm or more, it falls under heading 7225. The 'grain-oriented' characteristic is the primary technical differentiator; it refers to a manufacturing process that aligns the crystal structure of the steel in the direction of rolling. This alignment significantly enhances the magnetic permeability and reduces energy loss, making GOES essential for the cores of high-efficiency power transformers and large generators. The HS nomenclature provides a specific subheading (7225.11) for silicon-electrical steel that is grain-oriented. To qualify for this classification, the steel must meet the specific silicon content requirements (typically between 0.6% and 6% by weight) and the grain-orientation criteria defined in the legal notes to Chapter 72. The width of 600 mm or more is the final requirement to distinguish it from narrower strips.
- Covers
- Grain-oriented silicon steel sheets
- GOES coils for transformer cores
- High-permeability grain-oriented electrical steel
- Laser-treated grain-oriented electrical steel
- Conventional grain-oriented electrical steel (CGO)
- Also under 7225.11
- Nippon Steel GOES
- ArcelorMittal electrical steel
- POSCO grain-oriented silicon steel
- JFE Steel transformer core material
- ThyssenKrupp electrical steel
Codes often confused with 7225.11
Common mistake. GOES is often confused with HS code 7225.19, which is the classification for non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NGOES). While both are silicon-electrical steels, their magnetic properties and applications differ. Another common error is using 7226.11, which is the code for GOES with a width of less than 600 mm. Proper measurement of the width is critical for distinguishing between these two headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722511 (the code used for GOES), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722511 (the code used for GOES) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 722511, not only GOES.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.4B 36% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.1B 29% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$272M 7.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $706M 19% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $417M 11% of world imports
- 3 Italy $393M 11% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 GOES
Brazil classifies GOES under NCM 7225.11.00: HS 7225.11 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 GOES
What is the HS code for GOES?
The HS code for GOES is 722511 (Steel, alloy; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, of silicon-electrical steel, grain-oriented). The HS code for Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel with a width of 600 mm or more is 7225.11.
How do I classify GOES for customs?
GOES is classified under HS code 722511 — Steel, alloy; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, of silicon-electrical steel, grain-oriented. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is grain orientation important for classification?
Grain orientation determines the magnetic efficiency of the steel; the HS code 7225.11 is specifically reserved for steel where the grains are aligned to optimize performance.
Which countries are the top exporters of GOES (HS 722511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722511 (the code used for GOES) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 36% of world exports), Japan ($1.1B) and Russia (about $272M). World exports came to about $3.8B, 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 GOES (HS 722511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722511 (the code used for GOES) in UN Comtrade data were India ($706M, 19% of world imports), Mexico ($417M) and Italy ($393M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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 GOES the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722511 for GOES 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 GOES in Brazil?
In Brazil, GOES (HS 722511) is classified under NCM 7225.11.00.