Product classification
HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel strip: 7220.12
Steel, stainless, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 4.75mm.
Classification of hot-rolled stainless steel strip under HS 7220.12
The classification of hot-rolled stainless steel strip under HS code 7220.12 is determined by four primary physical and metallurgical characteristics. First, the material must be stainless steel, defined as alloy steel containing by weight 1.2% or less of carbon and 10.5% or more of chromium. Second, the product must be "flat-rolled," meaning it has a rectangular cross-section and does not conform to the definition of bars or rods. Third, the width must be less than 600 mm; if the width were 600 mm or more, it would fall under heading 7219. Finally, the manufacturing process must be hot-rolling, and the specific thickness must be less than 4.75 mm. This sub-heading is specific to these dimensions and processing states, ensuring that narrow-strip products used in automotive, construction, and manufacturing sectors are correctly identified for customs duties and trade statistics. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here, where GRI 1 dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. In this case, Chapter 72 notes provide the specific definitions for stainless steel and flat-rolled products. The distinction between hot-rolled and cold-rolled is also critical, as the energy intensity and surface finish of hot-rolled products differ significantly from their cold-reduced counterparts, leading to different trade policy implications.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled stainless steel narrow strips
- Stainless steel coils with width under 600mm
- Flat-rolled stainless steel products with thickness of 3mm or 4mm
- Hot-rolled stainless steel bands for industrial use
- Also under 7220.12
- Sandvik stainless steel strip
- Outokumpu hot-rolled narrow strip
- Aperam 304 hot-rolled strip
- ThyssenKrupp stainless steel flat bar
Codes often confused with 7220.12
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 7219.14, which covers flat-rolled stainless steel of a width of 600 mm or more. The width threshold is a hard line in the HS nomenclature. Additionally, it may be confused with HS code 7220.11 if the thickness is 4.75 mm or greater. Another common error is classifying cold-rolled strips under this code; cold-rolled stainless steel strips of this width belong under HS code 7220.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722012 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722012 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel strip) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 15% 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 17% of its exports here ($4.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 722012, not only hot-rolled stainless steel strip.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $22M 17% of world exports
- 2 China $14M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $9.2M 7.4% of world exports
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 17% of its exports here ($4.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $124M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $31M 15% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $21M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $20M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $215M 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 codes for hot-rolled stainless steel strip
Brazil splits HS 7220.12 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7220.12.10Narrow hot-rolled stainless, 1.5 mm or less
- 7220.12.20Narrow hot-rolled stainless, over 1.5 mm to 3 mm
- 7220.12.90Narrow hot-rolled stainless, over 3, under 4.75 mm
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 strip
What is the HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel strip?
The HS code for Hot-rolled stainless steel strip is 722012 (Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 4.75mm). The HS code for hot-rolled stainless steel strip with a width of less than 600 mm and a thickness of less than 4.75 mm is 7220.12.
How do I classify Hot-rolled stainless steel strip for customs?
Hot-rolled stainless steel strip is classified under HS code 722012 — Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 4.75mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the chromium content affect this classification?
Yes, the chromium content is the defining factor for stainless steel. To be classified under Chapter 72 as stainless steel, the alloy must contain at least 10.5% chromium by weight. If the chromium content is lower, the product would likely be classified as other alloy steel or non-alloy steel under different headings.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot-rolled stainless steel strip (HS 722012)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722012 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($22M, 17% of world exports), China ($14M) and Italy ($9.2M). World exports came to about $124M, 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 17% of its exports here ($4.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of hot-rolled stainless steel strip (HS 722012)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722012 (the code used for hot-rolled stainless steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($31M, 15% of world imports), Malaysia ($21M) and Germany ($20M). World imports came to about $215M, 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 strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722012 for Hot-rolled stainless steel strip 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 strip in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 722012 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for hot-rolled stainless steel strip depends on the product's details: 7220.12.10 (Narrow hot-rolled stainless, 1.5 mm or less), 7220.12.20 (Narrow hot-rolled stainless, over 1.5 mm to 3 mm), 7220.12.90 (Narrow hot-rolled stainless, over 3, under 4.75 mm).