Product classification
HS code for High carbon steel billets: 7207.20
Iron or non-alloy steel, semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon.
Classification of high carbon steel billets under HS 7207.20
High carbon steel billets are classified under HS code 7207.20 because they represent semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel containing, by weight, 0.25% or more of carbon. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 72 notes, semi-finished products are continuous cast products or forged items that have not yet been rolled or worked into finished shapes like bars, rods, or sheets. The classification specifically targets the carbon content threshold; once the carbon content reaches or exceeds 0.25%, the product moves from the low-carbon subheadings into 7207.20. These billets serve as the primary feedstock for the production of high-strength wires, springs, and structural components. The metallurgical composition must be strictly non-alloy, meaning no other elements (like chromium or manganese) exceed the specific weight percentages defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72.
- Covers
- Continuous cast high carbon steel billets
- Forged steel blooms with carbon content exceeding 0.25%
- Rectangular or square semi-finished steel slabs
- High carbon steel rounds for seamless tube production
- Semi-finished billets intended for high-tensile wire drawing
- Also under 7207.20
- ThyssenKrupp high carbon billets
- Voestalpine tool steel blooms
- Sandvik specialty steel sections
- Ovako spring steel stock
Codes often confused with 7207.20
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing high carbon steel billets (7207.20) with low carbon steel billets, which fall under 7207.11 (rectangular cross-section) or 7207.12 (other cross-sections) if the carbon content is below 0.25%. Additionally, if the steel contains alloying elements above the thresholds defined in the Harmonized System (e.g., more than 0.3% aluminum or 1.65% manganese), it must be classified under 7224.90 as alloy steel. Importers also occasionally mistake billets for finished bars (7214), but billets are distinguished by their rough surface and lack of specific finishing work.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel billets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel billets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 23% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 48% of its exports here ($274M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 53% of its imports here ($320M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 720720, not only high carbon steel billets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0B 51% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$267M 6.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $248M 6.4% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 48% of its exports here ($274M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $867M 23% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $340M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $327M 8.5% of world imports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 53% of its imports here ($320M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.9B 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 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 high carbon steel billets
Brazil classifies high carbon steel billets under NCM 7207.20.00: HS 7207.20 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 high carbon steel billets
What is the HS code for High carbon steel billets?
The HS code for High carbon steel billets is 720720 (Iron or non-alloy steel; semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon). The primary HS code for semi-finished products of non-alloy steel with 0.25% or more carbon is 7207.20.
How do I classify High carbon steel billets for customs?
High carbon steel billets is classified under HS code 720720 — Iron or non-alloy steel; semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is a billet distinguished from a bloom in this HS code?
While both fall under 7207.20, a billet typically has a smaller square cross-section (usually less than 155mm x 155mm), whereas a bloom is larger and more rectangular, though the HS code treats them similarly based on carbon content.
Which countries are the top exporters of high carbon steel billets (HS 720720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel billets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 51% of world exports), Vietnam (about $267M) and Japan ($248M). World exports came to about $3.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 48% of its exports here ($274M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of high carbon steel billets (HS 720720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel billets) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($867M, 23% of world imports), Indonesia ($340M) and Thailand ($327M). World imports came to about $3.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 53% of its imports here ($320M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for High carbon steel billets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720720 for High carbon steel billets 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 high carbon steel billets in Brazil?
In Brazil, high carbon steel billets (HS 720720) is classified under NCM 7207.20.00.