Product classification
HS code for Hot rolled tread plate: 7208.40
Iron or non-alloy steel, (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, with patterns in relief.
Classification of hot rolled tread plate under HS 7208.40
Hot rolled tread plate is classified under HS code 7208.40 because it meets the specific criteria for flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel with a width of 600 mm or more. The defining characteristic for this subheading is the presence of patterns in relief, such as ridges, studs, or checkers, which are produced during the hot-rolling process. These patterns are not merely surface treatments but are integral to the plate's structure, typically used for anti-slip purposes in industrial flooring or stair treads. Because the material is hot-rolled and not further worked than surface-patterned, and is presented in flat sheets rather than coils, it fits precisely into the 7208.40 category. The classification follows General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6, focusing on the physical dimensions and the specific manufacturing finish that distinguishes it from smooth flat-rolled steel.
- Covers
- Checker plate (diamond plate)
- Durbar floor plate
- Non-slip industrial steel flooring
- Embossed hot-rolled steel sheets
- Tread plates for vehicle steps and ramps
- Also under 7208.40
- SSAB Checker Plate
- ArcelorMittal Tread Plate
- Nucor Diamond Plate
- JFE Steel Floor Plate
Codes often confused with 7208.40
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these plates under HS code 7208.51 or 7208.52, which cover flat-rolled products not in coils but without patterns in relief. The presence of the tread pattern is the deciding factor for 7208.40. Additionally, if the plate is made of stainless steel, it must be classified under heading 7219. If the width is less than 600 mm, it falls under heading 7211. Importers often confuse these with cold-rolled products (heading 7209), but tread patterns are almost exclusively a feature of the hot-rolling stage in this category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720840 (the code used for hot rolled tread plate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720840 (the code used for hot rolled tread plate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 720840, not only hot rolled tread plate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $134M 36% of world exports
- 2 Slovakia $49M 13% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $28M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $376M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $50M 14% of world imports
- 2 France $22M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $19M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $370M 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 tread plate
Brazil classifies hot rolled tread plate under NCM 7208.40.00: HS 7208.40 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 tread plate
What is the HS code for Hot rolled tread plate?
The HS code for Hot rolled tread plate is 720840 (Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, with patterns in relief). The HS code for hot rolled tread plate of iron or non-alloy steel, with a width of 600 mm or more and not in coils, is 7208.40.
How do I classify Hot rolled tread plate for customs?
Hot rolled tread plate is classified under HS code 720840 — Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, with patterns in relief. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include aluminum tread plates?
No, aluminum tread plates are classified under Chapter 76, specifically heading 7606, as they are non-ferrous metals.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot rolled tread plate (HS 720840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720840 (the code used for hot rolled tread plate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($134M, 36% of world exports), Slovakia ($49M) and the Netherlands ($28M). World exports came to about $376M, 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 tread plate (HS 720840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720840 (the code used for hot rolled tread plate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($50M, 14% of world imports), France ($22M) and Egypt ($19M). World imports came to about $370M, 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 tread plate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720840 for Hot rolled tread plate 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 tread plate in Brazil?
In Brazil, hot rolled tread plate (HS 720840) is classified under NCM 7208.40.00.