Product classification
HS code for Hot-rolled steel sections: 7216.50
Iron or non-alloy steel, angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded.
Classification of hot-rolled steel sections under HS 7216.50
The classification of hot-rolled steel sections under HS code 7216.50 is determined by the material composition, the manufacturing process, and the specific geometric profile of the product. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and Chapter 72 Note 1(n), these products are defined as angles, shapes, and sections that do not have a cross-section in the shape of a circle, segment of a circle, oval, isosceles triangle, rectangle, hexagon, octagon, or quadrilateral. The material must be iron or non-alloy steel, meaning it must meet the chemical composition limits specified in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72, which restricts the presence of alloying elements like chromium, nickel, or molybdenum. The manufacturing process is strictly limited to hot-rolling, hot-drawing, or extrusion. This subheading serves as a residual category for profiles that are not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.) in the more specific subheadings of 7216, such as standard U, I, H, L, or T sections. If the section has been further worked than hot-rolling, such as by cold-finishing or cladding, it would be excluded from this specific code. The technical distinction relies on the fact that these sections are not further worked and maintain the metallurgical properties resulting from the hot-working process.
- Covers
- Bulb angles used in shipbuilding
- Specialized Z-sections for construction
- Hot-rolled omega sections
- Asymmetric hot-rolled profiles for industrial machinery
- Hot-rolled track sections for heavy equipment
- Also under 7216.50
- ArcelorMittal I-beams
- Nucor H-piles
- Tata Steel channels
- SSAB structural sections
- JFE Steel wide flange beams
Codes often confused with 7216.50
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with subheadings 7216.10 through 7216.40. Those codes are reserved for standard shapes like U, I, H, L, and T sections with specific height measurements. For example, an L-section with a height of less than 80 mm must be classified under 7216.21, not 7216.50. Additionally, if the steel contains alloying elements exceeding the limits in Chapter Note 1(f), it must be classified under heading 7228. Another common error involves cold-formed sections, which belong under 7216.61 or 7216.69 depending on the starting material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721650 (the code used for hot-rolled steel sections), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721650 (the code used for hot-rolled steel sections) in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.2% 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 721650, not only hot-rolled steel sections.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Türkiye $244M 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $199M 19% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$97M 9.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $83M 7.2% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $77M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $70M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 sections
Brazil classifies hot-rolled steel sections under NCM 7216.50.00: HS 7216.50 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 sections
What is the HS code for Hot-rolled steel sections?
The HS code for Hot-rolled steel sections is 721650 (Iron or non-alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded). The HS code for hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded iron or non-alloy steel sections not specified elsewhere is 7216.50.
How do I classify Hot-rolled steel sections for customs?
Hot-rolled steel sections is classified under HS code 721650 — Iron or non-alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 7216.50 include galvanized steel sections?
No, if the steel section is galvanized (zinc-coated), it is considered further worked and is typically classified under 7216.91 or 7216.99, depending on the nature of the coating and the shape.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot-rolled steel sections (HS 721650)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721650 (the code used for hot-rolled steel sections) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($244M, 23% of world exports), Germany ($199M) and Russia (about $97M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 sections (HS 721650)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721650 (the code used for hot-rolled steel sections) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($83M, 7.2% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($77M) and Germany ($70M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Hot-rolled steel sections the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721650 for Hot-rolled steel sections 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 sections in Brazil?
In Brazil, hot-rolled steel sections (HS 721650) is classified under NCM 7216.50.00.