Product classification
HS code for Plated steel strip: 7212.50
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated, (excluding tin, zinc or plastic).
Classification of plated steel strip under HS 7212.50
The classification of plated steel strip under HS code 7212.50 is determined by several physical and chemical characteristics. Firstly, the material must be iron or non-alloy steel. Secondly, the product must be "flat-rolled," which implies a rectangular cross-section. A critical factor for heading 7212 is the width; it must be less than 600 mm. If the width were 600 mm or more, it would fall under heading 7210. Subheading 7212.50 specifically covers products that have been plated or coated with base metals other than tin or zinc, and which are not painted, varnished, or coated with plastics. This includes coatings of lead, chromium, copper, or nickel applied through various processes such as electrolysis or hot-dipping. The classification ensures that narrow-strip steel products with specialized metallic coatings are grouped together for tariff purposes. The thickness of the coating and the base metal's carbon content are also relevant factors, though the primary drivers for this specific code are the width and the type of metallic coating applied. This code is essential for manufacturers producing specialized automotive components or electrical shielding where narrow, non-zinc coated steel is required.
- Covers
- Lead-coated steel strip (terne-plate) less than 600mm wide
- Chromium-plated steel strip for decorative or industrial use
- Copper-plated non-alloy steel strip
- Nickel-plated steel strip used in battery manufacturing
- Narrow steel strips coated with aluminum-silicon alloys
- Also under 7212.50
- ArcelorMittal Aluzinc
- Nippon Steel aluminized steel
- JFE Steel Galvalume
- ThyssenKrupp specialized coated strips
- POSCO Al-Zn coated steel.
Codes often confused with 7212.50
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 7210.90, which covers plated steel with a width of 600 mm or more. Additionally, if the strip is coated with zinc, it must be classified under 7212.20 (electrolytically plated) or 7212.30 (otherwise plated). If the strip is coated with plastics, it falls under 7212.40. It is also important to distinguish this from alloy steel strips, which are classified under heading 7226 regardless of the coating type.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721250 (the code used for plated steel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721250 (the code used for plated steel strip) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 28% 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 721250, not only plated steel strip.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $173M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $107M 15% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $86M 12% of world exports
World total: $726M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $344M 28% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $154M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $84M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 plated steel strip
Brazil splits HS 7212.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7212.50.10Narrow steel with sintered bronze layer
- 7212.50.90Other narrow plated or coated flat steel
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 plated steel strip
What is the HS code for Plated steel strip?
The HS code for Plated steel strip is 721250 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated, (excluding tin, zinc or plastic)). The HS code for plated or coated iron or non-alloy steel strip, with a width of less than 600 mm (excluding tin, zinc, or plastic coatings), is 7212.50.
How do I classify Plated steel strip for customs?
Plated steel strip is classified under HS code 721250 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated, (excluding tin, zinc or plastic). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include painted steel strips?
No, painted, varnished, or plastic-coated steel strips of this width are classified under HS code 7212.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of plated steel strip (HS 721250)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721250 (the code used for plated steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were China ($173M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($107M) and South Korea ($86M). World exports came to about $726M, 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 plated steel strip (HS 721250)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721250 (the code used for plated steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($344M, 28% of world imports), Indonesia ($154M) and China ($84M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Plated steel strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721250 for Plated steel strip 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 plated steel strip in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721250 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plated steel strip depends on the product's details: 7212.50.10 (Narrow steel with sintered bronze layer), 7212.50.90 (Other narrow plated or coated flat steel).