Product classification

HS code for Hot rolled steel coil: 7208.37

Iron or non-alloy steel, in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of 4.75mm or more but not exceeding 10mm.

Classification of hot rolled steel coil under HS 7208.37

Hot rolled steel coil is classified under HS code 7208.37 based on its metallurgical state, physical dimensions, and packaging form. According to the Chapter 72 notes, the product must be made of iron or non-alloy steel. The 'hot-rolled' designation implies the steel was shaped at temperatures above its recrystallization point, typically resulting in a characteristic dark mill scale finish. To fall under 7208.37, the product must be in 'coils,' which distinguishes it from 'plates' or 'sheets' that are cut to length. The width must be 600mm or greater. The defining characteristic for this specific subheading is the thickness, which must be at least 4.75mm but not exceeding 10mm. This classification is strictly governed by the physical measurements of the product at the time of customs entry, as per the Explanatory Notes to Heading 7208.

Covers
  • Black hot-rolled steel coils (non-pickled)
  • Structural grade hot-rolled coils (e.g., ASTM A36 or S235JR)
  • Commercial quality hot-rolled coils in 5mm, 6mm, or 8mm thickness
  • Wound flat-rolled non-alloy steel for pipe manufacturing
Also under 7208.37
  • ArcelorMittal HR Coil
  • POSCO HR Steel Plate
  • Nippon Steel HR Coil
  • Tata Steel Hot Rolled Coil

Codes often confused with 7208.37

Common mistake. The most common error is misclassifying this as 7208.52, which shares the same thickness range (4.75mm to 10mm) but applies to products NOT in coils (plates). Another common error involves HS code 7208.36, which is used for coils thicker than 10mm, or 7208.38, used for coils thinner than 4.75mm. Additionally, if the steel is 'alloy steel' (containing specific levels of elements like boron or chromium), it must be moved to heading 7225.

7208.38Iron or non-alloy steel; in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of 3mm or more but less than 4.75mm7208.39Iron or non-alloy steel; in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 3mm7208.36Iron or non-alloy steel; in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness exceeding 10mm7208.52Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness of 4.75mm or more but not exceeding 10mm72.25Alloy steel flat-rolled products, of a width 600mm or more

Top exporters and importers of HS 720837 (the code used for hot rolled steel coil), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720837 (the code used for hot rolled steel coil) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 14% of world imports. Vietnam 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 5.6% of its imports here ($41M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 720837, not only hot rolled steel coil.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.5B
  2. 2 South Korea $455M
  3. 3 Türkiye $395M

World total: $5.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $740M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$713M
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$311M

Vietnam 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 5.6% of its imports here ($41M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $5.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 steel coil

Brazil classifies hot rolled steel coil under NCM 7208.37.00: HS 7208.37 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 steel coil

What is the HS code for Hot rolled steel coil?

The HS code for Hot rolled steel coil is 720837 (Iron or non-alloy steel; in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of 4.75mm or more but not exceeding 10mm). For non-alloy hot-rolled steel in coils with a width of 600mm+ and a thickness between 4.75mm and 10mm, the HS code is 7208.37.

How do I classify Hot rolled steel coil for customs?

Hot rolled steel coil is classified under HS code 720837 — Iron or non-alloy steel; in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of 4.75mm or more but not exceeding 10mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 7208.37 and 7208.38?

The difference is strictly thickness. 7208.37 covers steel from 4.75mm to 10mm, while 7208.38 covers steel from 3mm to less than 4.75mm.

Which countries are the top exporters of hot rolled steel coil (HS 720837)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720837 (the code used for hot rolled steel coil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 30% of world exports), South Korea ($455M) and Türkiye ($395M). World exports came to about $5.2B, 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 steel coil (HS 720837)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 720837 (the code used for hot rolled steel coil) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($740M, 14% of world imports), Vietnam (about $713M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $311M). World imports came to about $5.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 5.6% of its imports here ($41M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Is the HS code for Hot rolled steel coil the same in all countries?

The base HS code 720837 for Hot rolled steel coil 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 steel coil in Brazil?

In Brazil, hot rolled steel coil (HS 720837) is classified under NCM 7208.37.00.