Product classification
HS code for Small metal containers: 7310.29
Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or steel.
Classification of small metal containers under HS 7310.29
HS code 7310.29 covers tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar containers made of iron or steel, with a capacity of less than 50 liters. These containers must not be designed for compressed or liquefied gas. This classification is part of Chapter 73, which covers articles of iron or steel. Heading 7310 applies to containers that are not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment. Subheading 7310.29 is a residual category for containers with a capacity of less than 50 liters that do not meet the specific criteria of 7310.21, which is for cans to be closed by soldering or crimping. The material composition (iron or steel) and the volume (under 50 liters) are the defining characteristics. These containers are used for a wide variety of materials, including liquids and solids. The classification excludes containers specifically designed for transport and storage by one or more modes of transport (heading 8609) and containers for compressed or liquefied gas (heading 7311).
- Covers
- Steel tool boxes without specialized interiors
- Small iron drums for oil or chemicals (under 50l)
- Metal storage bins for industrial use
- Steel cans for paints or solvents (not soldered)
- General purpose steel boxes
- Also under 7310.29
- 5-gallon steel pails
- small industrial chemical drums
- steel toolboxes (empty)
- mini beer kegs
- military-style jerry cans
Codes often confused with 7310.29
Common mistake. Small metal containers are often misclassified under HS code 7310.10, which is for containers with a capacity of 50 liters or more. Another common error is using 7310.21 for containers that are not intended to be closed by soldering or crimping. If the container is designed for compressed gas, it must be classified under 7311.00. Additionally, if the container has specialized fittings for transport, it might fall under 8609.00. Aluminum containers are classified separately under heading 7612.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731029 (the code used for small metal containers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731029 (the code used for small metal containers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 8.5% 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 731029, not only small metal containers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $465M 17% of world exports
- 2 United States $305M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $301M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $227M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 United States $209M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $175M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 codes for small metal containers
Brazil splits HS 7310.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7310.29.10Other iron or steel food containers, under 50 l
- 7310.29.20Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, under 50 l
- 7310.29.90Other iron or steel containers under 50 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 small metal containers
What is the HS code for Small metal containers?
The HS code for Small metal containers is 731029 (Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or steel). The HS code for iron or steel containers with a capacity of less than 50 liters (other than those closed by soldering/crimping) is 7310.29.
How do I classify Small metal containers for customs?
Small metal containers is classified under HS code 731029 — Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include stainless steel containers?
Yes, as long as the container is made of a ferrous metal (iron or steel) and meets the capacity and design requirements, it falls under this heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of small metal containers (HS 731029)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731029 (the code used for small metal containers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($465M, 17% of world exports), the United States ($305M) and Italy ($301M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of small metal containers (HS 731029)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731029 (the code used for small metal containers) in UN Comtrade data were France ($227M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($209M) and the United Kingdom ($175M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 Small metal containers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731029 for Small metal containers 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 small metal containers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731029 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for small metal containers depends on the product's details: 7310.29.10 (Other iron or steel food containers, under 50 l), 7310.29.20 (Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, under 50 l), 7310.29.90 (Other iron or steel containers under 50 l).