Product classification
HS code for Industrial storage tanks: 7309.00
Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated.
Classification of industrial storage tanks under HS 7309.00
Industrial storage tanks made of iron or steel are classified under HS code 7309.00. This classification is part of Chapter 73, which covers articles of iron or steel. According to the Harmonized System, heading 7309 applies to reservoirs, tanks, vats, and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), provided they have a capacity exceeding 300 liters. These containers may be lined or heat-insulated but must not be fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment. The classification is based on the material of construction and the volumetric capacity. If a tank is designed for permanent installation and lacks mechanical moving parts for processing the contents, it remains within this heading. This code is essential for identifying static storage solutions used in the chemical, water treatment, and agricultural sectors.
- Covers
- Fixed steel water storage reservoirs
- Chemical storage vats without agitators
- Large-scale oil storage tanks (non-pressurized)
- Steel grain silos for permanent installation
- Also under 7309.00
- CST Industries storage tanks
- ZCL Composites (now Shawcor) tanks
- McDermott International process vessels
- Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I) tanks
Codes often confused with 7309.00
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 7310, which is used for tanks and containers with a capacity of 300 liters or less. Additionally, containers specifically designed and equipped for compressed or liquefied gas must be classified under 7311.00. If the tank includes mechanical features like an agitator or thermal equipment like heating coils, it may be reclassified under 8419 as machinery for the treatment of materials.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730900 (the code used for industrial storage tanks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730900 (the code used for industrial storage tanks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.9% 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 730900, not only industrial storage tanks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $360M 7.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $335M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $479M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $311M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $247M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 industrial storage tanks
Brazil splits HS 7309.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7309.00.10Containers for grain or other solids, over 300 l
- 7309.00.20Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, over 300 l
- 7309.00.90Other iron or steel tanks and vats, over 300 l
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 industrial storage tanks
What is the HS code for Industrial storage tanks?
The HS code for Industrial storage tanks is 730900 (Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers; for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated). The HS code for iron or steel industrial storage tanks with a capacity exceeding 300 liters is 7309.00.
How do I classify Industrial storage tanks for customs?
Industrial storage tanks is classified under HS code 730900 — Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers; for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a tank for liquefied gas be classified under 7309.00?
No, tanks designed for compressed or liquefied gas are excluded from 7309.00 and must be classified under HS code 7311.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial storage tanks (HS 730900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730900 (the code used for industrial storage tanks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 20% of world exports), Italy ($360M) and Germany ($335M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 industrial storage tanks (HS 730900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730900 (the code used for industrial storage tanks) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($479M, 9.9% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($311M) and Germany ($247M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 Industrial storage tanks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730900 for Industrial storage tanks 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 industrial storage tanks in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 730900 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial storage tanks depends on the product's details: 7309.00.10 (Containers for grain or other solids, over 300 l), 7309.00.20 (Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, over 300 l), 7309.00.90 (Other iron or steel tanks and vats, over 300 l).