Product classification
HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel plate: 7219.22
Steel, stainless, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, (not in coils), of a thickness of 4.75mm or more but not exceeding 10mm.
Classification of hot-rolled stainless steel plate under HS 7219.22
The classification of hot-rolled stainless steel plate under HS code 7219.22 is determined by several technical parameters defined in the Harmonized System's Chapter 72. Firstly, the material must be stainless steel, which is defined as alloy steel containing, by weight, 1.2% or less of carbon and 10.5% or more of chromium. Secondly, the product must be "flat-rolled," meaning it has a rectangular cross-section and does not conform to the definition of bars or rods. The width is a critical factor; heading 7219 is reserved for products with a width of 600mm or more. Furthermore, the production method must be hot-rolling, a process where the steel is passed through rollers at high temperatures, typically above 1,100 degrees Celsius. This specific subheading, 7219.22, is designated for products that are not in coils and possess a thickness of at least 4.75mm but no more than 10mm. These dimensions distinguish the product from thinner sheets or thicker plates used in heavy structural engineering. The absence of further cold-rolling is also a requirement for this classification. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6, the classification is dictated by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. In this case, the precise measurements of thickness and width are the primary legal basis for classification. The product must also not be further worked than hot-rolled, meaning it hasn't been surface-treated in a way that would move it to a different category, though certain pickling or descaling processes are generally permitted within this heading.
- Covers
- Industrial stainless steel floor plates
- Corrosion-resistant structural panels
- Pressure vessel shell plates
- Heavy-duty marine grade plates
- Bridge construction components
- Also under 7219.22
- Outokumpu Forta H1000 plates
- Aperam 304L hot-rolled plates
- POSCO STS 316L sheets
- ThyssenKrupp Nirosta 4301 plates
Codes often confused with 7219.22
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 7219.21, which applies to plates with a thickness exceeding 10mm. It is also often misclassified under 7219.12 if the product is presented in coils rather than flat sheets. Additionally, if the plate has been cold-rolled after the initial hot-rolling process, it must be moved to the 7219.3x series, specifically 7219.32 or 7219.33 depending on the final thickness.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721922 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel plate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721922 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel plate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 721922, not only hot-rolled stainless steel plate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $255M 17% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $180M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $145M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $162M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $87M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Canada $76M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 stainless steel plate
Brazil classifies hot-rolled stainless steel plate under NCM 7219.22.00: HS 7219.22 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 stainless steel plate
What is the HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel plate?
The HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel plate is 721922 (Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, (not in coils), of a thickness of 4.75mm or more but not exceeding 10mm). The HS code for hot-rolled stainless steel plate with a width of 600mm or more and a thickness between 4.75mm and 10mm is 7219.22.
How do I classify Hot-rolled stainless steel plate for customs?
Hot-rolled stainless steel plate is classified under HS code 721922 — Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, (not in coils), of a thickness of 4.75mm or more but not exceeding 10mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include plates that have been painted?
No, if the plate has been painted, coated, or clad with other materials, it may be classified under different subheadings within heading 7219 or even different headings if the coating changes the essential character of the product.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot-rolled stainless steel plate (HS 721922)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721922 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel plate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($255M, 17% of world exports), Sweden ($180M) and Italy ($145M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 stainless steel plate (HS 721922)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721922 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel plate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($162M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($87M) and Canada ($76M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 stainless steel plate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721922 for Hot-rolled stainless steel 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 stainless steel plate in Brazil?
In Brazil, hot-rolled stainless steel plate (HS 721922) is classified under NCM 7219.22.00.