Product classification
HS code for Metal goods: 7326.90
Iron or steel, articles n.e.c. in heading 7326.
Classification of metal goods under HS 7326.90
HS code 7326.90 serves as a residual or catch-all classification for articles made of iron or steel that are not specifically mentioned or included in other headings of the Harmonized System. Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, and heading 7326 is reserved for "Other articles of iron or steel." Within this heading, subheading 7326.90 includes items that have been forged, stamped, or otherwise worked but do not fit into more specific categories like tools, machinery parts, or structural components. Classification under this code requires a process of elimination; one must first ensure the item does not fall under headings for fasteners (7318), springs (7320), or household articles (7323). This code is frequently used for industrial components, custom-fabricated metal parts, and various hardware items that lack a dedicated HS code. Because it is a residual code, customs authorities often require detailed descriptions of the item's use and manufacturing process to verify that no more specific heading applies. It is one of the most commonly used codes for miscellaneous industrial steel products that do not have a specialized function in electronics or heavy machinery.
- Covers
- Industrial steel brackets not intended for construction
- Forged steel hooks for non-lifting applications
- Steel wire baskets for industrial storage
- Custom-made steel stays and supports
- Non-mechanical steel clamps and grips
- Also under 7326.90
- Fastenal (various fasteners/brackets)
- Grainger (industrial hardware)
- IKEA (steel furniture frames)
- Bosch (some hand tools)
- Lincoln Electric (welding fixtures)
Codes often confused with 7326.90
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying structural steel components under 7326.90 instead of HS code 7308, which is specifically for structures and parts of structures. Similarly, steel fasteners like bolts or screws should be classified under HS code 7318. Hand tools made of steel are often wrongly placed here instead of Chapter 82. If the metal good is a part of a specific machine, it should generally be classified under the heading for that machine in Chapter 84 or 85 rather than the general steel category of 7326.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 732690 (the code used for metal goods), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 732690 (the code used for metal goods) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 732690, not only metal goods.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $14.9B 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $5.8B 9.3% of world exports
- 3 United States $5.8B 9.3% of world exports
World total: $62.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $5.4B 9.0% of world imports
- 2 United States $5.2B 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $4.2B 7.0% of world imports
World total: $59.8B 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 metal goods
Brazil splits HS 7326.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7326.90.10Nickel steel elliptical heads for gas containers
- 7326.90.20Iron or steel discs for minting coins
- 7326.90.90Other iron or steel articles, not listed elsewhere
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 goods
What is the HS code for Metal goods?
The HS code for Metal goods is 732690 (Iron or steel; articles n.e.c. in heading 7326). General metal goods made of iron or steel that are not specified elsewhere are classified under HS code 7326.90.
How do I classify Metal goods for customs?
Metal goods is classified under HS code 732690 — Iron or steel; articles n.e.c. in heading 7326. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I use this code for any metal item?
No, this code is only for iron or steel. Items made of aluminum, copper, or other metals have their own residual codes in their respective chapters.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal goods (HS 732690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 732690 (the code used for metal goods) in UN Comtrade data were China ($14.9B, 24% of world exports), Germany ($5.8B) and the United States ($5.8B). World exports came to about $62.1B, 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 goods (HS 732690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 732690 (the code used for metal goods) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($5.4B, 9.0% of world imports), the United States ($5.2B) and Thailand ($4.2B). World imports came to about $59.8B, 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 Metal goods the same in all countries?
The base HS code 732690 for Metal goods 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 goods in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 732690 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for metal goods depends on the product's details: 7326.90.10 (Nickel steel elliptical heads for gas containers), 7326.90.20 (Iron or steel discs for minting coins), 7326.90.90 (Other iron or steel articles, not listed elsewhere).