Product classification
HS code for Grain-oriented electrical steel strip: 7226.11
Steel, alloy, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, of silicon-electrical steel, grain-oriented.
Classification of grain-oriented electrical steel strip under HS 7226.11
Grain-oriented electrical steel strip is classified under HS code 7226.11 because it meets the specific criteria for flat-rolled products of alloy steel with a width of less than 600 mm. The classification is determined by the metallurgical composition, specifically the presence of silicon, which enhances the magnetic properties of the steel. The term "grain-oriented" refers to the specific crystal structure of the steel, which is engineered to provide low core loss and high permeability in the direction of rolling. This makes it an essential material for the manufacturing of energy-efficient transformer cores. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, products are classified based on their material composition and dimensions. Since this product is an alloy steel containing at least 0.6% but not more than 6% of silicon, and its width is restricted to less than 600 mm, it falls squarely within heading 7226. The subheading 11 is reserved specifically for the grain-oriented variety, distinguishing it from non-oriented types which have different magnetic characteristics and industrial applications.
- Covers
- Cold-rolled grain-oriented (CRGO) steel strips
- Silicon-electrical steel strips for transformer laminations
- Magnetic steel strips with Goss texture
- High-permeability electrical steel strips under 600mm width
- Slit-to-width grain-oriented electrical steel coils
- Also under 7226.11
- Nippon Steel HI-B
- POSCO Hyper NO
- ArcelorMittal M3
- ThyssenKrupp PowerCore
- JFE Steel JFE-Core
Codes often confused with 7226.11
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 7225.11. The primary difference lies in the width of the material; 7225.11 applies to flat-rolled products with a width of 600 mm or more. Importers often fail to measure the actual width of the strip before applying the code. Additionally, it may be misclassified under 7226.19, which is designated for non-grain-oriented electrical steel. The distinction is critical because grain-oriented steel undergoes a specialized rolling and annealing process to align its grains, a feature not present in the non-oriented variety. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duty applications and delays in customs clearance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722611 (the code used for grain-oriented electrical steel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722611 (the code used for grain-oriented electrical steel strip) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.0% 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 722611, not only grain-oriented electrical steel strip.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $81M 14% of world exports
- 2 France $78M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $71M 13% of world exports
World total: $564M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $60M 9.0% of world imports
- 2 Spain $57M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 China $46M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $664M 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 grain-oriented electrical steel strip
Brazil classifies grain-oriented electrical steel strip under NCM 7226.11.00: HS 7226.11 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 grain-oriented electrical steel strip
What is the HS code for Grain-oriented electrical steel strip?
The HS code for Grain-oriented electrical steel strip is 722611 (Steel, alloy; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, of silicon-electrical steel, grain-oriented). The specific HS code for grain-oriented electrical steel strip with a width of less than 600 mm is 7226.11.
How do I classify Grain-oriented electrical steel strip for customs?
Grain-oriented electrical steel strip is classified under HS code 722611 — Steel, alloy; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, of silicon-electrical steel, grain-oriented. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does grain-oriented steel differ from non-oriented steel in classification?
Grain-oriented steel (7226.11) has a crystal structure aligned in the rolling direction to optimize magnetic flux, whereas non-oriented steel (7226.19) has a random grain structure suitable for rotating machinery like motors.
Which countries are the top exporters of grain-oriented electrical steel strip (HS 722611)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722611 (the code used for grain-oriented electrical steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($81M, 14% of world exports), France ($78M) and China ($71M). World exports came to about $564M, 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 grain-oriented electrical steel strip (HS 722611)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722611 (the code used for grain-oriented electrical steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($60M, 9.0% of world imports), Spain ($57M) and China ($46M). World imports came to about $664M, 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 Grain-oriented electrical steel strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722611 for Grain-oriented electrical 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 grain-oriented electrical steel strip in Brazil?
In Brazil, grain-oriented electrical steel strip (HS 722611) is classified under NCM 7226.11.00.