Product classification
HS code for Lead coated steel sheet: 7210.20
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate.
Classification of lead coated steel sheet under HS 7210.20
Lead coated steel sheet, often referred to in the industry as terne-plate, is classified under HS code 7210.20. This classification is determined by the base material (iron or non-alloy steel) and the specific finishing process (plating or coating with lead). According to the Harmonized System, Chapter 72 covers iron and steel, and heading 7210 specifically addresses flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more that have been clad, plated, or coated. Since the product is a flat-rolled steel sheet coated with lead or a lead-tin alloy, it falls directly into the 7210.20 subheading. The width of the sheet is a critical factor in this classification, as narrower products are moved to different headings.
- Covers
- Terne-plate (steel coated with lead-tin alloy)
- Lead-plated non-alloy steel sheets
- Hot-dipped lead-coated steel coils
- Electrolytically lead-coated steel plates
- Long-terne steel sheets for fuel tank manufacturing
- Also under 7210.20
- Tata Steel terne-plate
- ArcelorMittal lead-coated steel
- Nippon Steel terne sheets
- POSCO lead-plated steel
Codes often confused with 7210.20
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 7212.20. While both codes cover lead-coated steel, 7212.20 is reserved for products with a width of less than 600 mm. Importers often fail to distinguish between wide coils and slit strips. Additionally, products coated with zinc (galvanized steel) are often confused with lead-coated sheets; zinc-coated steel falls under 7210.49. It is essential to verify the chemical composition of the coating to ensure the lead content is the primary protective layer.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721020 (the code used for lead coated steel sheet), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721020 (the code used for lead coated steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 70% 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 100% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 721020, not only lead coated steel sheet.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.1M 42% of world exports
- 2 United States $2.8M 29% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $329K 3.4% of world exports
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 100% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $9.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $94M 70% of world imports
- 2 Spain $22M 16% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $2.7M 2.0% of world imports
World total: $134M 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 lead coated steel sheet
Brazil classifies lead coated steel sheet under NCM 7210.20.00: HS 7210.20 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 lead coated steel sheet
What is the HS code for Lead coated steel sheet?
The HS code for Lead coated steel sheet is 721020 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate). The HS code for lead coated steel sheet with a width of 600 mm or more is 7210.20.
How do I classify Lead coated steel sheet for customs?
Lead coated steel sheet is classified under HS code 721020 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is terne-plate classified differently than pure lead-coated steel?
No, terne-plate, which is steel coated with a lead-tin alloy, is specifically included within the scope of HS code 7210.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead coated steel sheet (HS 721020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721020 (the code used for lead coated steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.1M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($2.8M) and Türkiye ($329K). World exports came to about $9.6M, 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 100% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of lead coated steel sheet (HS 721020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721020 (the code used for lead coated steel sheet) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($94M, 70% of world imports), Spain ($22M) and Indonesia ($2.7M). World imports came to about $134M, 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 Lead coated steel sheet the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721020 for Lead coated 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 lead coated steel sheet in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead coated steel sheet (HS 721020) is classified under NCM 7210.20.00.