Product classification

HS code for Metal barrels: 7310.10

Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not exceeding 300l.

Classification of metal barrels under HS 7310.10

Metal barrels and drums used for the transport or storage of materials are classified under HS code 7310.10. This classification is part of Chapter 73 (Articles of iron or steel). Heading 7310 covers tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, of a capacity not exceeding 300 liters. The subheading 7310.10 specifically applies to containers with a capacity of 50 liters or more. The classification is based on three primary factors: the material (iron or steel), the capacity (50L to 300L), and the absence of mechanical or thermal equipment. These barrels are typically used in the chemical, petroleum, and food industries. According to the Explanatory Notes to the HS, these containers may be lined or heat-insulated, provided they do not have heating or cooling elements. The construction usually involves a cylindrical body with flat or convex ends, often fitted with hoops to facilitate rolling and to protect the container during transit.

Covers
  • Steel drums (50L - 300L capacity)
  • Iron barrels for oil or chemicals
  • Metal casks for liquid storage
  • Large tinplate containers (over 50L)
  • Stainless steel shipping drums
Also under 7310.10
  • Greif steel drums
  • Mauser Packaging Solutions IBCs
  • Schutz steel containers
  • Skolnik steel drums

Codes often confused with 7310.10

Common mistake. Metal barrels are frequently misclassified under HS code 7311.00, which is reserved for containers for compressed or liquefied gas. Barrels in 7310.10 are for liquids or solids only. Another common error is using HS code 7310.21 or 7310.29, which are for containers with a capacity of less than 50 liters. Additionally, if the barrel has a capacity exceeding 300 liters, it must be classified under heading 7309.00. Proper measurement of the internal volume is essential for correct subheading selection.

7311.00Containers for compressed or liquefied gas, of iron or steel7310.21Cans; which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel7310.29Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or steel7309.00Reservoirs, 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

Top exporters and importers of HS 731010 (the code used for metal barrels), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731010 (the code used for metal barrels) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.0% 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 731010, not only metal barrels.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $289M
  2. 2 Germany $183M
  3. 3 Mexico $173M

World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $154M
  2. 2 Mexico $153M
  3. 3 United States $98M

World total: $1.7B 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 metal barrels

Brazil splits HS 7310.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 7310.10.10Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, 50-300 l
  • 7310.10.90Other iron or steel tanks, drums, cans, 50-300 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 metal barrels

What is the HS code for Metal barrels?

The HS code for Metal barrels is 731010 (Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not exceeding 300l).

How do I classify Metal barrels for customs?

Metal barrels is classified under HS code 731010 — Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not exceeding 300l. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for a 200-liter steel drum?

A 200-liter steel drum is classified under HS code 7310.10, as it falls within the 50L to 300L range.

Can this code be used for gas cylinders?

No, gas cylinders are classified under HS code 7311.00, regardless of their capacity.

Which countries are the top exporters of metal barrels (HS 731010)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731010 (the code used for metal barrels) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($289M, 14% of world exports), Germany ($183M) and Mexico ($173M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 metal barrels (HS 731010)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 731010 (the code used for metal barrels) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($154M, 9.0% of world imports), Mexico ($153M) and the United States ($98M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Metal barrels the same in all countries?

The base HS code 731010 for Metal barrels 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 metal barrels in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 731010 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for metal barrels depends on the product's details: 7310.10.10 (Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, 50-300 l), 7310.10.90 (Other iron or steel tanks, drums, cans, 50-300 l).