Product classification
HS code for Metal rolling mill: 8455.21
Metal-rolling mills, hot or combination hot and cold rolling mills.
Classification of metal rolling mill under HS 8455.21
Metal rolling mills are classified under HS code 8455.21 based on their mechanical function and the thermal conditions of the manufacturing process they facilitate. Heading 8455 encompasses all types of metal-rolling mills and the rolls used within them. The subheadings are organized by the specific type of rolling operation. Code 8455.21 is reserved for mills that perform hot rolling or a combination of hot and cold rolling. Hot rolling involves processing metal at temperatures above its recrystallization point, which requires specific structural designs to handle thermal expansion and high-pressure deformation. This classification applies to the heavy machinery used in primary metal production, such as steel mills and aluminum processing plants. It excludes the individual rolls (classified under 8455.30) and other machine tools that do not utilize the rolling principle for shaping metal. The classification is guided by Note 3 to Section XVI, which addresses composite machines and multi-function machines. A rolling mill is considered a functional unit designed to reduce the thickness of metal through compression between rotating cylinders. The distinction between hot and cold rolling is vital because hot rolling mills are typically larger and require cooling systems and specialized lubricants. If a mill is capable of performing both hot and cold operations, it remains under 8455.21 as per the specific wording of the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Hot strip mills for steel production
- Plate mills for heavy metal sheets
- Blooming and slabbing mills
- Combination mills capable of both hot and cold rolling cycles
- Structural shape mills for beams and rails
- Also under 8455.21
- SMS Group hot strip mill
- Danieli plate mill
- Primetals Technologies hot rolling mill
- Fives reversing hot mill
Codes often confused with 8455.21
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include HS code 8455.22, which is strictly for cold rolling mills. Another error is using 8455.30, which is reserved for the rolls themselves rather than the entire mill machinery. Furthermore, machine tools for forging or bending metal are classified under 8462 and should not be confused with rolling mills.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845521 (the code used for metal rolling mill), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845521 (the code used for metal rolling mill) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 22% 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 845521, not only metal rolling mill.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $269M 49% of world exports
- 2 Germany $105M 19% of world exports
- 3 Italy $98M 18% of world exports
World total: $553M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $193M 22% of world imports
- 2 India $142M 16% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $121M 14% of world imports
World total: $881M 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 rolling mill
Brazil splits HS 8455.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8455.21.10Hot or hot-and-cold rolling mills, plain rolls
- 8455.21.90Other hot or hot-and-cold rolling mills
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal rolling mill
What is the HS code for Metal rolling mill?
The HS code for Metal rolling mill is 845521 (Metal-rolling mills; hot or combination hot and cold rolling mills). The HS code for hot or combination hot and cold metal rolling mills is 8455.21.
How do I classify Metal rolling mill for customs?
Metal rolling mill is classified under HS code 845521 — Metal-rolling mills; hot or combination hot and cold rolling mills. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the replacement rolls for these mills classified under the same code?
No, replacement rolls for metal rolling mills are classified separately under HS code 8455.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal rolling mill (HS 845521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845521 (the code used for metal rolling mill) in UN Comtrade data were China ($269M, 49% of world exports), Germany ($105M) and Italy ($98M). World exports came to about $553M, 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 rolling mill (HS 845521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845521 (the code used for metal rolling mill) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($193M, 22% of world imports), India ($142M) and Brazil ($121M). World imports came to about $881M, 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 rolling mill the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845521 for Metal rolling mill 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 rolling mill in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 845521 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for metal rolling mill depends on the product's details: 8455.21.10 (Hot or hot-and-cold rolling mills, plain rolls), 8455.21.90 (Other hot or hot-and-cold rolling mills).