Product classification
HS code for Metal drums: 7310.29
Tanks, 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 steel.
Classification of metal drums under HS 7310.29
Metal drums with a capacity of less than 50 liters are classified under HS code 7310.29. This classification is part of Chapter 73 (Articles of iron or steel). Heading 7310 is dedicated to tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), with a capacity not exceeding 300 liters. The heading is split by capacity: 7310.10 for 50 liters or more, and 7310.21/7310.29 for less than 50 liters. Subheading 7310.29 is the residual category for smaller containers that are not intended to be closed by soldering or crimping (which fall under 7310.21). These drums are typically used for the commercial transport or packing of goods, such as chemicals, oils, or food products. The classification is determined by the material (iron or steel), the volume (under 50L), and the absence of mechanical or thermal equipment, which would move the item into Chapter 84.
- Covers
- Small steel drums (under 50L)
- Metal pails for paint or chemicals
- Tinplate containers for industrial use
- Steel canisters for liquids
- Intermediate bulk containers (small scale)
- Also under 7310.29
- 5-gallon steel pails
- small industrial chemical drums
- steel toolboxes (empty)
- mini beer kegs
- military-style jerry cans
Codes often confused with 7310.29
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between 7310.29 and 7310.10. The 50-liter threshold is a strict legal limit; a 55-gallon drum (approx. 208 liters) must be classified under 7310.10. Another common error is confusing these with HS code 7311, which is specifically for containers for compressed or liquefied gas. If a drum is reinforced to withstand high pressure for gas storage, it must move to 7311 regardless of its volume. Finally, if the drum is made of aluminum, it should be classified under heading 7612.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731029 (the code used for metal drums), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731029 (the code used for metal drums) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 8.5% 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 731029, not only metal drums.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $465M 17% of world exports
- 2 United States $305M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $301M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $227M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 United States $209M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $175M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 drums
Brazil splits HS 7310.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7310.29.10Other iron or steel food containers, under 50 l
- 7310.29.20Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, under 50 l
- 7310.29.90Other iron or steel containers under 50 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 drums
What is the HS code for Metal drums?
The HS code for Metal drums is 731029 (Tanks, 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 steel). For iron or steel drums with a capacity of less than 50 liters, the HS code is 7310.29. Larger drums (50L-300L) use 7310.10.
How do I classify Metal drums for customs?
Metal drums is classified under HS code 731029 — Tanks, 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 steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for stainless steel drums?
Yes, as long as the drum is made of a ferrous metal (iron or steel) and meets the capacity requirements, 7310.29 is applicable.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal drums (HS 731029)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731029 (the code used for metal drums) in UN Comtrade data were China ($465M, 17% of world exports), the United States ($305M) and Italy ($301M). 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 drums (HS 731029)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731029 (the code used for metal drums) in UN Comtrade data were France ($227M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($209M) and the United Kingdom ($175M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 drums the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731029 for Metal drums 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 drums in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731029 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for metal drums depends on the product's details: 7310.29.10 (Other iron or steel food containers, under 50 l), 7310.29.20 (Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, under 50 l), 7310.29.90 (Other iron or steel containers under 50 l).