Product classification
HS code for Metal cans: 7310.21
Cans, which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel.
Classification of metal cans under HS 7310.21
Metal cans are classified under HS code 7310.21 based on their material composition, capacity, and closure mechanism. This code falls within Chapter 73, which covers articles of iron or steel. Specifically, heading 7310 applies to tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), with a capacity not exceeding 300 liters. Subheading 7310.21 is reserved for containers with a capacity of less than 50 liters that are specifically designed to be closed by soldering or crimping. This classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 6, focusing on the physical dimensions and the technical method of sealing the container. The use of iron or steel, often tin-plated to prevent oxidation, is a primary requirement. The soldering or crimping distinction is vital because it separates these industrial and food-grade cans from those with removable lids or screw-top closures, which are classified elsewhere. These containers are essential for the long-term storage of food, paints, and chemical products where an airtight, permanent seal is required before the end-user opens the product.
- Covers
- Tinplate food cans designed for crimped seals
- Steel paint cans intended for soldering
- Small industrial chemical canisters under 50L
- Aerosol cans (empty) designed for crimped valves
- Beverage cans made of steel with crimp-top designs
- Also under 7310.21
- Coca-Cola cans
- Campbell's Soup cans
- Rust-Oleum paint cans
- WD-40 empty cans
- Red Bull cans
Codes often confused with 7310.21
Common mistake. Metal cans are frequently misclassified under HS code 7310.29, which covers other cans with a capacity of less than 50 liters that are not closed by soldering or crimping (such as those with snap-on or screw lids). Another common error is using HS code 7311.00, which is strictly reserved for containers for compressed or liquefied gas. If the can is made of aluminum rather than iron or steel, it must be classified under heading 7612.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731021 (the code used for metal cans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731021 (the code used for metal cans) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 731021, not only metal cans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $618M 22% of world exports
- 2 Spain $324M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $233M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $296M 10% of world imports
- 2 France $287M 10% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $255M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 cans
Brazil splits HS 7310.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7310.21.10Food cans to be closed by soldering or crimping
- 7310.21.90Other cans to be closed by soldering or crimping
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 cans
What is the HS code for Metal cans?
The HS code for Metal cans is 731021 (Cans; which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel). The HS code for metal cans made of iron or steel, with a capacity of less than 50 liters and designed for closure by soldering or crimping, is 7310.21.
How do I classify Metal cans for customs?
Metal cans is classified under HS code 731021 — Cans; which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include aluminum soda cans?
No, aluminum soda cans are classified under heading 7612 because they are made of aluminum, whereas 7310 is strictly for iron or steel articles.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal cans (HS 731021)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731021 (the code used for metal cans) in UN Comtrade data were China ($618M, 22% of world exports), Spain ($324M) and the United States ($233M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of metal cans (HS 731021)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731021 (the code used for metal cans) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($296M, 10% of world imports), France ($287M) and Belgium ($255M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 cans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731021 for Metal cans 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 cans in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731021 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for metal cans depends on the product's details: 7310.21.10 (Food cans to be closed by soldering or crimping), 7310.21.90 (Other cans to be closed by soldering or crimping).