Product classification
HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel sheet: 7219.24
Steel, stainless, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, (not in coils), of a thickness of less than 3mm.
Classification of hot-rolled stainless steel sheet under HS 7219.24
HS code 7219.24 is utilized for the classification of hot-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products. To qualify for this specific code, the item must meet several criteria regarding its physical dimensions and manufacturing process. The material must be stainless steel, characterized by its high chromium content which provides corrosion resistance. The width of the product must be 600mm or greater, placing it within heading 7219 rather than the narrow-strip heading 7220. The manufacturing stage must be hot-rolled, and the product must be presented in a flat form rather than in coils. The defining characteristic for subheading 7219.24 is the thickness, which must be less than 3mm. This thinness often makes the product suitable for applications where weight is a concern but the durability of stainless steel is required. Unlike cold-rolled steel, hot-rolled steel typically has a darker, scaled finish and slightly less precise dimensional tolerances, which is a key factor in its industrial application and subsequent tariff classification. The classification process involves applying the Section XV notes, which cover base metals and articles of base metal. Note 1(e) to Chapter 72 provides the specific definition of stainless steel used here. Importers must ensure that the mill test certificate (MTC) confirms both the chemical composition and the hot-rolled nature of the steel. If the steel had undergone cold-reduction (cold-rolling) to achieve this thickness, it would be classified under a different set of subheadings (7219.31 through 7219.35). Therefore, the "hot-rolled" status is a fundamental requirement that must be documented to avoid disputes with customs authorities regarding the applicable duty rates.
- Covers
- Thin hot-rolled stainless steel sheets
- Automotive heat shield material
- Industrial ventilation ducting sheets
- Base material for further cold-rolling
- Non-decorative architectural cladding
- Also under 7219.24
- POSCO STS 430 hot-rolled sheets
- Outokumpu Supra 316L sheets
- Yieh United 304 hot-rolled panels
- Baosteel stainless steel sheets
Codes often confused with 7219.24
Common mistake. The most common error is misclassifying this under 7219.34 or 7219.35, which are for cold-rolled sheets of similar thickness. Another error involves 7219.23, which is for hot-rolled sheets with a thickness between 3mm and 4.75mm. If the width is less than 600mm, the product must be classified under heading 7220.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721924 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel sheet), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721924 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.7% of world imports. Mexico reports $238M of its heading 7219 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 721924, not only hot-rolled stainless steel sheet.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $19M 28% of world exports
- 2 Finland $8.7M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $7.0M 10% of world exports
World total: $68M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $5.9M 7.7% of world imports
- 2 France $4.1M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $3.9M 5.1% of world imports
Mexico reports $238M of its heading 7219 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $77M 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 sheet
Brazil classifies hot-rolled stainless steel sheet under NCM 7219.24.00: HS 7219.24 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 sheet
What is the HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel sheet?
The HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel sheet is 721924 (Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, (not in coils), of a thickness of less than 3mm). The HS code for hot-rolled stainless steel sheet with a width of 600mm or more and a thickness of less than 3mm is 7219.24.
How do I classify Hot-rolled stainless steel sheet for customs?
Hot-rolled stainless steel sheet is classified under HS code 721924 — Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, (not in coils), of a thickness of less than 3mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can hot-rolled sheets be used for decorative purposes?
While possible, hot-rolled sheets usually have a rougher surface finish compared to cold-rolled sheets (7219.3x), making them less common for high-aesthetic decorative applications unless further polished.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot-rolled stainless steel sheet (HS 721924)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721924 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data were China ($19M, 28% of world exports), Finland ($8.7M) and the United States ($7.0M). World exports came to about $68M, 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 sheet (HS 721924)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721924 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($5.9M, 7.7% of world imports), France ($4.1M) and Mexico ($3.9M). World imports came to about $77M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $238M of its heading 7219 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel sheet the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721924 for Hot-rolled stainless steel sheet 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 sheet in Brazil?
In Brazil, hot-rolled stainless steel sheet (HS 721924) is classified under NCM 7219.24.00.