Product classification
HS code for Seamless stainless steel pipes: 7304.49
Steel, stainless, (excluding cold-drawn or cold-rolled), tubes pipes and hollow profiles of circular cross-section.
Classification of seamless stainless steel pipes under HS 7304.49
Seamless stainless steel pipes are classified under HS code 7304.49. This classification is dictated by the material's metallurgical properties and the absence of a longitudinal or spiral weld. Stainless steel is defined by its high chromium content, which provides superior corrosion resistance. Heading 7304 specifically covers seamless tubes and pipes of iron or steel. Within this heading, the 40-series subheadings are dedicated to stainless steel. Subheading 7304.49 is the residual category for stainless steel pipes that are not cold-drawn or cold-rolled. These are typically hot-finished products used in environments where chemical resistance and structural integrity are paramount, such as in chemical processing or marine engineering. The classification follows GRI 1 and 6, focusing on the material (stainless steel) and the manufacturing method (seamless, hot-finished).
- Covers
- Hot-finished seamless stainless steel pipes
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel tubing
- High-temperature stainless steel pipes
- Seamless circular cross-section stainless profiles
- Austenitic or ferritic seamless stainless pipes
- Also under 7304.49
- Tenaris seamless stainless pipes
- Vallourec hot-finished stainless tubes
- Outokumpu seamless stainless hollows
- JFE Steel stainless industrial pipes
Codes often confused with 7304.49
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using 7304.41 instead of 7304.49. Code 7304.41 is strictly for cold-drawn or cold-rolled stainless steel pipes. Importers often fail to verify the final manufacturing step, leading to duty errors. Furthermore, welded stainless steel pipes are often confused with seamless ones; however, welded pipes fall under heading 7306. Another error involves misclassifying alloy steel pipes (7304.59) as stainless steel. If the chromium content is below 10.5%, the product cannot be classified as stainless steel regardless of its appearance or performance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730449 (the code used for seamless stainless steel pipes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730449 (the code used for seamless stainless steel pipes) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 730449, not only seamless stainless steel pipes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $180M 15% of world exports
- 2 Spain $164M 14% of world exports
- 3 France $148M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $152M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $118M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $115M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 seamless stainless steel pipes
Brazil classifies seamless stainless steel pipes under NCM 7304.49.00: HS 7304.49 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 falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about seamless stainless steel pipes
What is the HS code for Seamless stainless steel pipes?
The HS code for Seamless stainless steel pipes is 730449 (Steel, stainless; (excluding cold-drawn or cold-rolled), tubes pipes and hollow profiles of circular cross-section). The HS code for hot-finished seamless stainless steel pipes of circular cross-section is 7304.49.
How do I classify Seamless stainless steel pipes for customs?
Seamless stainless steel pipes is classified under HS code 730449 — Steel, stainless; (excluding cold-drawn or cold-rolled), tubes pipes and hollow profiles of circular cross-section. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the shape of the pipe affect the HS code?
Yes, heading 7304 specifically refers to pipes and tubes of circular cross-section. If the seamless stainless steel profile is square, rectangular, or another non-circular shape, it may be classified under different subheadings or even different headings depending on the specific dimensions and intended use.
Which countries are the top exporters of seamless stainless steel pipes (HS 730449)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730449 (the code used for seamless stainless steel pipes) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($180M, 15% of world exports), Spain ($164M) and France ($148M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of seamless stainless steel pipes (HS 730449)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730449 (the code used for seamless stainless steel pipes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($152M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($118M) and Czechia ($115M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Seamless stainless steel pipes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730449 for Seamless stainless steel pipes 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 seamless stainless steel pipes in Brazil?
In Brazil, seamless stainless steel pipes (HS 730449) is classified under NCM 7304.49.00.