Product classification
HS code for Metal vats: 7309.00
Reservoirs, 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.
Classification of metal vats under HS 7309.00
Metal vats with a capacity exceeding 300 liters are classified under HS code 730900. This heading covers reservoirs, tanks, vats, and similar containers for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), made of iron or steel. A critical factor for classification under 730900 is the volumetric capacity; the container must have a capacity greater than 300 liters. These vats are typically used in industrial settings for storage or processing. They may be lined or heat-insulated but must not be fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment that would change the nature of the machine to a functional unit under Chapter 84. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings. The 300-liter threshold is a strict boundary; containers of 300 liters or less are relegated to heading 7310. The vats may be lined with materials like glass, plastics, or bitumen, or they may be heat-insulated with fiberglass or wool, provided they remain essentially a container for storage and do not incorporate active mechanical systems.
- Covers
- Large industrial steel storage vats
- Fermentation tanks (without mechanical agitators)
- Water storage reservoirs exceeding 300L
- Chemical storage vats of iron or steel
- Lined steel tanks for industrial liquids
- Also under 7309.00
- CST Industries storage tanks
- ZCL Composites (now Shawcor) tanks
- McDermott International process vessels
- Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I) tanks
Codes often confused with 7309.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7310, which applies to tanks and vats with a capacity of 300 liters or less. Additionally, if the vat is designed for compressed or liquefied gas, it must be classified under 7311. If the vat includes mechanical equipment like an agitator or a built-in heating element (not just insulation), it is classified under 8419 (for thermal treatment) or 8479 (for mechanical functions).
Top exporters and importers of HS 730900 (the code used for metal vats), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730900 (the code used for metal vats) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.9% 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 730900, not only metal vats.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $360M 7.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $335M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $479M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $311M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $247M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 vats
Brazil splits HS 7309.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7309.00.10Containers for grain or other solids, over 300 l
- 7309.00.20Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, over 300 l
- 7309.00.90Other iron or steel tanks and vats, over 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 vats
What is the HS code for Metal vats?
The HS code for Metal vats is 730900 (Reservoirs, 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). The HS code for iron or steel vats with a capacity exceeding 300 liters is 730900.
How do I classify Metal vats for customs?
Metal vats is classified under HS code 730900 — Reservoirs, 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. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the metal vat has a built-in heater?
If the vat is equipped with active heating or cooling equipment (other than simple insulation), it is generally classified under HS code 8419 instead of 730900.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal vats (HS 730900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730900 (the code used for metal vats) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 20% of world exports), Italy ($360M) and Germany ($335M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 vats (HS 730900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730900 (the code used for metal vats) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($479M, 9.9% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($311M) and Germany ($247M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 vats the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730900 for Metal vats 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 vats in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 730900 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for metal vats depends on the product's details: 7309.00.10 (Containers for grain or other solids, over 300 l), 7309.00.20 (Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, over 300 l), 7309.00.90 (Other iron or steel tanks and vats, over 300 l).