Product classification
HS code for Prefab steel building: 9406.20
Buildings, modular building units, of steel.
Classification of prefab steel building under HS 9406.20
Prefabricated steel buildings are classified under HS code 940620, which specifically covers modular building units of steel. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically Rule 1 and Rule 6. Heading 9406 applies to buildings that are finished in the factory or put up as a kit, consisting of a structure and walls. The sub-heading 940620 is designated for those primarily constructed from steel components. These structures are designed to be easily transported and assembled on-site, providing a complete enclosure for various industrial, commercial, or residential purposes. To qualify under this code, the unit must possess the essential character of a building, including a roof and walls, rather than just being a collection of structural steel parts.
- Covers
- Modular steel office units
- Prefabricated steel warehouses
- Portable steel cabins and site housing
- Steel-framed modular classrooms
- Pre-assembled steel kiosks and guard houses
- Also under 9406.20
- Portakabin modular buildings
- ATCO Structures & Logistics units
- Algeco steel modules
- Karmod prefabricated steel buildings
- Boxman Studios container structures
Codes often confused with 9406.20
Common mistake. A frequent error in classification involves confusing 940620 with HS code 7308. Heading 7308 covers structures and parts of structures of iron or steel, such as bridges, towers, and pillars. The primary distinction is that 940620 refers to complete or near-complete buildings, whereas 7308 is intended for individual structural components or frameworks that do not yet constitute a building. If a shipment consists only of steel beams and columns without the necessary components to form a complete enclosure, it must be classified under 730890.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940620 (the code used for prefab steel building), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940620 (the code used for prefab steel building) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 13% 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 940620, not only prefab steel building.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $475M 29% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $210M 13% of world exports
- 3 Slovenia $129M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $226M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $162M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $137M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 code for prefab steel building
Brazil classifies prefab steel building under NCM 9406.20.00: HS 9406.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about prefab steel building
What is the HS code for Prefab steel building?
The HS code for Prefab steel building is 940620 (Buildings; modular building units, of steel). The primary HS code for prefabricated steel buildings is 940620, which covers modular building units made of steel.
How do I classify Prefab steel building for customs?
Prefab steel building is classified under HS code 940620 — Buildings; modular building units, of steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include internal furniture?
Generally, no. While built-in fixtures like basic lighting or plumbing may be included, loose furniture is typically classified separately under Chapter 94 according to its specific material and type.
Which countries are the top exporters of prefab steel building (HS 940620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940620 (the code used for prefab steel building) in UN Comtrade data were China ($475M, 29% of world exports), Czechia ($210M) and Slovenia ($129M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 prefab steel building (HS 940620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940620 (the code used for prefab steel building) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($226M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($162M) and Saudi Arabia ($137M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Prefab steel building the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940620 for Prefab steel building 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 prefab steel building in Brazil?
In Brazil, prefab steel building (HS 940620) is classified under NCM 9406.20.00.