Product classification
HS code for Hot-dip galvanized steel: 7212.30
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically).
Classification of hot-dip galvanized steel under HS 7212.30
Hot-dip galvanized steel with a width of less than 600 mm is classified under HS code 7212.30. This code is specific to flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that have been plated or coated with zinc. The "hot-dip" method involves immersing the steel in a bath of molten zinc to create a corrosion-resistant alloy layer, which distinguishes it from electrolytic coating. The classification is strictly governed by the width of the product; heading 7212 is reserved for products narrower than 600 mm. These products are often used in manufacturing brackets, automotive parts, and structural reinforcements where narrow strips are required. The steel must not be further worked than surface-coated to remain in this category, following the legal notes of Chapter 72 regarding the definition of flat-rolled products and the specific subheadings for zinc coatings.
- Covers
- Galvanized steel strips (width < 600mm)
- Hot-dip zinc-coated steel tape
- Narrow galvanized steel coils
- Slit galvanized steel sheets
- Zinc-coated hoop steel
- Also under 7212.30
- BlueScope Steel galvanized strips
- Nucor hot-dip galvanized steel
- Tata Steel HDG coils
- JSW Steel galvanized sheets
- ThyssenKrupp hot-dip zinc coated steel.
Codes often confused with 7212.30
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 7210.49, which also covers hot-dip galvanized steel but is restricted to products with a width of 600 mm or more. Importers must accurately measure the width to choose between 7210 and 7212. Another error is confusing hot-dip coating with electrolytic zinc coating, which falls under HS code 7212.20. Furthermore, if the steel is "painted, varnished or plastic coated" in addition to being galvanized, it may move to HS code 7212.40 depending on which coating is considered the primary finish.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721230 (the code used for hot-dip galvanized steel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721230 (the code used for hot-dip galvanized steel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 8.5% 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 721230, not only hot-dip galvanized steel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $976M 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $396M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $193M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $220M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 Germany $208M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 France $190M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 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 hot-dip galvanized steel
Brazil classifies hot-dip galvanized steel under NCM 7212.30.00: HS 7212.30 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 hot-dip galvanized steel
What is the HS code for Hot-dip galvanized steel?
The HS code for Hot-dip galvanized steel is 721230 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)). For a width of less than 600 mm, the HS code is 7212.30. For a width of 600 mm or more, the HS code is 7210.49.
How do I classify Hot-dip galvanized steel for customs?
Hot-dip galvanized steel is classified under HS code 721230 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include galvanized stainless steel?
No, stainless steel is classified under heading 7219 or 7220, regardless of whether it has been coated or plated.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot-dip galvanized steel (HS 721230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721230 (the code used for hot-dip galvanized steel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($976M, 32% of world exports), Germany ($396M) and Italy ($193M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 hot-dip galvanized steel (HS 721230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721230 (the code used for hot-dip galvanized steel) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($220M, 8.5% of world imports), Germany ($208M) and France ($190M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 Hot-dip galvanized steel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721230 for Hot-dip galvanized steel 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 hot-dip galvanized steel in Brazil?
In Brazil, hot-dip galvanized steel (HS 721230) is classified under NCM 7212.30.00.