Product classification
HS code for Hot rolled steel sheet: 7208.90
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, hot-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7208.
Classification of hot rolled steel sheet under HS 7208.90
HS code 7208.90 serves as a residual or 'Other' category for flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, with a width of 600mm or more. Classification here occurs when a product fits the general description of heading 7208 but does not meet the specific requirements of the preceding subheadings (7208.10 through 7208.54). This often includes products that have been 'further worked' in a manner not specified in other codes, such as being perforated, corrugated, or having specific surface treatments that do not qualify as cladding or coating (which would move the product to 7210). It also includes products with patterns in relief (like diamond tread plates) that are not in coils. The classification follows GRI 1 and the hierarchical structure of the HS nomenclature, where specific thickness-based codes are exhausted before resorting to the .90 'Other' category.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled steel sheets with patterns in relief (e.g., floor plates)
- Perforated hot-rolled steel sheets (if not considered articles of steel)
- Corrugated hot-rolled non-alloy steel sheets
- Flat-rolled products further worked than hot-rolled but not cold-rolled
- Also under 7208.90
- ArcelorMittal checker plate
- SSAB patterned steel
- Nucor floor plate
- JFE Steel tread plate
Codes often confused with 7208.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification involves using 7208.90 for standard plates or coils that should actually be classified by thickness under 7208.25-54. Another common error is confusing this with 7210, which is for steel that has been plated, clad, or coated (e.g., galvanized or painted). If the sheet has been cold-rolled, it must be classified under 7209.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720890 (the code used for hot rolled steel sheet), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720890 (the code used for hot rolled steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 29% 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 720890, not only hot rolled steel sheet.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $133M 17% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$128M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $82M 11% of world exports
World total: $781M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Pakistan $409M 29% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $166M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $119M 8.4% 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 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 sheet
Brazil classifies hot rolled steel sheet under NCM 7208.90.00: HS 7208.90 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 sheet
What is the HS code for Hot rolled steel sheet?
The HS code for Hot rolled steel sheet is 720890 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, hot-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7208). While many sheets are classified by thickness (e.g., 7208.52), the 'Other' category for hot-rolled steel sheets not elsewhere specified is 7208.90.
How do I classify Hot rolled steel sheet for customs?
Hot rolled steel sheet is classified under HS code 720890 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, hot-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7208. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are floor plates classified under 7208.90?
Yes, hot-rolled non-alloy steel floor plates (with patterns in relief) that are not in coils are typically classified under HS code 7208.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot rolled steel sheet (HS 720890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720890 (the code used for hot rolled steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($133M, 17% of world exports), Russia (about $128M) and China ($82M). World exports came to about $781M, 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 sheet (HS 720890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720890 (the code used for hot rolled steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($409M, 29% of world imports), the Netherlands ($166M) and Germany ($119M). 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 steel sheet the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720890 for Hot rolled 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 steel sheet in Brazil?
In Brazil, hot rolled steel sheet (HS 720890) is classified under NCM 7208.90.00.