Product classification
HS code for High carbon steel slabs: 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 slabs under HS 7207.20
High carbon steel slabs 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 defined as continuous cast products or forged products that have not yet been rolled into finished shapes like plates, sheets, or bars. The classification specifically targets the carbon content threshold; steel with less than 0.25% carbon falls under different subheadings. These slabs are typically rectangular in cross-section, with a width considerably greater than the thickness, and serve as the primary feedstock for hot-rolling mills. The metallurgical properties of high carbon steel, such as increased hardness and tensile strength, necessitate this specific classification to distinguish it from mild or low-carbon variants used in general construction.
- Covers
- High carbon steel rectangular slabs
- Semi-finished blooms with carbon content ≥ 0.25%
- High carbon steel billets for wire rod production
- Forged semi-finished blocks of non-alloy high carbon steel
- Continuous cast slabs intended for further rolling
- 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 misclassifying these products under HS code 7207.11 or 7207.12, which are reserved for steel containing less than 0.25% carbon. Importers must verify the mill test certificate to confirm the carbon weight percentage. Additionally, if the steel contains alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, or molybdenum) above the thresholds defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72, it must be classified under heading 7224 as alloy steel, regardless of the carbon content. Another common mistake is using heading 7208, which is strictly for flat-rolled products that have already undergone the rolling process and are considered finished goods.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel slabs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel slabs) 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 slabs.
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 slabs
Brazil classifies high carbon steel slabs 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 slabs
What is the HS code for High carbon steel slabs?
The HS code for High carbon steel slabs 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 high carbon steel slabs containing 0.25% or more carbon by weight is 7207.20.
How do I classify High carbon steel slabs for customs?
High carbon steel slabs 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 do I distinguish between a slab and a plate for customs?
A slab (7207) is a semi-finished product with rough surfaces and unworked edges, whereas a plate (7208) is a finished flat-rolled product with precise dimensions and a smoother surface finish.
Which countries are the top exporters of high carbon steel slabs (HS 720720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel slabs) 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 slabs (HS 720720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720720 (the code used for high carbon steel slabs) 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 slabs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720720 for High carbon steel slabs 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 slabs in Brazil?
In Brazil, high carbon steel slabs (HS 720720) is classified under NCM 7207.20.00.