Product classification
HS code for Sheet metal screws: 7318.14
Iron or steel, threaded self-tapping screws.
Classification of sheet metal screws under HS 7318.14
Sheet metal screws are classified under HS code 7318.14 because they are threaded articles of iron or steel specifically designed to create their own mating thread in the material they are driven into. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 7318 covers screws, bolts, nuts, and similar articles of iron or steel. Within this heading, the 7318.14 subheading is reserved for self-tapping screws. These screws are characterized by their hardened threads and sharp points, which allow them to penetrate and tap threads into sheet metal, plastics, or wood without the need for a pre-threaded hole. The material composition is a primary factor; as articles of iron or steel, they fall under Chapter 73. The functional design—the self-tapping feature—is the final determinant that separates them from standard machine screws or wood screws found in other subheadings of 7318.
- Covers
- Hardened steel self-tapping screws
- Stainless steel sheet metal screws
- Pan head, flat head, and hex head self-tapping screws
- Type A, AB, and B point sheet metal screws
- Zinc-plated or galvanized self-tapping screws
- Also under 7318.14
- SFS intec self-drilling screws
- ITW Buildex Tek screws
- Phillips II self-tapping screws
- Hilti self-tapping anchors
Codes often confused with 7318.14
Common mistake. Sheet metal screws are frequently confused with HS code 7318.15, which covers other screws and bolts, whether or not with their nuts or washers. The distinction lies in the self-tapping capability; 7318.15 is for screws intended for use with a nut or a pre-tapped hole. Another common error is 7318.12, which is specific to wood screws. While some sheet metal screws can be used in wood, their primary design for metal-tapping keeps them in 7318.14.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731814 (the code used for sheet metal screws), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731814 (the code used for sheet metal screws) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 731814, not only sheet metal screws.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$1.6B 32% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $1.1B 22% of world exports
- 3 Germany $728M 14% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $416M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 France $170M 3.8% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 sheet metal screws
Brazil classifies sheet metal screws under NCM 7318.14.00: HS 7318.14 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 sheet metal screws
What is the HS code for Sheet metal screws?
The HS code for Sheet metal screws is 731814 (Iron or steel; threaded self-tapping screws). The HS code for sheet metal screws made of iron or steel is 7318.14.
How do I classify Sheet metal screws for customs?
Sheet metal screws is classified under HS code 731814 — Iron or steel; threaded self-tapping screws. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are self-drilling screws classified under 7318.14?
Yes, self-drilling screws (often called Tek screws) are generally classified under 7318.14 as they are a specialized type of self-tapping screw that incorporates a drill point.
Which countries are the top exporters of sheet metal screws (HS 731814)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731814 (the code used for sheet metal screws) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $1.6B, 32% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and Germany ($728M). 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 sheet metal screws (HS 731814)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731814 (the code used for sheet metal screws) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 26% of world imports), Germany ($416M) and France ($170M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 Sheet metal screws the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731814 for Sheet metal screws 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 sheet metal screws in Brazil?
In Brazil, sheet metal screws (HS 731814) is classified under NCM 7318.14.00.