Product classification
HS code for Hot rolled checkered plate: 7208.40
Iron or non-alloy steel, (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, with patterns in relief.
Classification of hot rolled checkered plate under HS 7208.40
Hot rolled checkered plates are classified under HS code 7208.40. This classification falls under Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel. Heading 7208 is specifically for flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, with a width of 600 mm or more, that have been hot-rolled but not clad, plated, or coated. The subheading 7208.40 is unique because it identifies products that are not in coils and have patterns in relief. These patterns, such as checkers, diamonds, or ribs, are embossed directly onto the surface during the hot-rolling process. This is a primary metallurgical product, meaning it has not been further worked beyond the rolling stage. The classification requires the steel to be "non-alloy," which is defined by specific percentage thresholds of elements like manganese, silicon, and copper in Chapter 72 Note 1(f). The width requirement of 600 mm or more is also a strict boundary; narrower plates would fall under heading 7211. This product is widely used for industrial flooring and safety treads due to its slip-resistant surface.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled steel floor plates (diamond pattern)
- Checkered steel sheets in cut lengths
- Non-alloy steel tread plates
- Embossed hot-rolled plates for industrial walkways
- Durbar floor plates (non-alloy)
- Also under 7208.40
- SSAB Checker Plate
- ArcelorMittal Tread Plate
- Nucor Diamond Plate
- JFE Steel Floor Plate
Codes often confused with 7208.40
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these plates under HS code 7208.51 or 7208.52, which are for flat-rolled products without patterns in relief. The presence of the checkered pattern is the deciding factor for 7208.40. Another misclassification occurs if the plate is made of stainless steel; in that case, it must be classified under 7219. Furthermore, if the plate has been fabricated (e.g., drilled or bent into a specific part), it may move to 7308 as a structure.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720840 (the code used for hot rolled checkered plate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720840 (the code used for hot rolled checkered plate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 720840, not only hot rolled checkered plate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $134M 36% of world exports
- 2 Slovakia $49M 13% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $28M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $376M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $50M 14% of world imports
- 2 France $22M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $19M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $370M 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 rolled checkered plate
Brazil classifies hot rolled checkered plate under NCM 7208.40.00: HS 7208.40 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 rolled checkered plate
What is the HS code for Hot rolled checkered plate?
The HS code for Hot rolled checkered plate is 720840 (Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, with patterns in relief). The HS code for hot-rolled, non-alloy steel checkered plate with a width of 600mm or more is 7208.40.
How do I classify Hot rolled checkered plate for customs?
Hot rolled checkered plate is classified under HS code 720840 — Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, with patterns in relief. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover galvanized checkered plates?
No, if the plate is galvanized (zinc-coated), it is classified under heading 7210 because 7208 is strictly for products that are not clad, plated, or coated.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot rolled checkered plate (HS 720840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720840 (the code used for hot rolled checkered plate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($134M, 36% of world exports), Slovakia ($49M) and the Netherlands ($28M). World exports came to about $376M, 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 rolled checkered plate (HS 720840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720840 (the code used for hot rolled checkered plate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($50M, 14% of world imports), France ($22M) and Egypt ($19M). World imports came to about $370M, 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 rolled checkered plate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720840 for Hot rolled checkered plate 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 rolled checkered plate in Brazil?
In Brazil, hot rolled checkered plate (HS 720840) is classified under NCM 7208.40.00.