Product classification
HS code for Stainless steel foil: 7219.35
Steel, stainless, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness of less than 0.5mm.
Classification of stainless steel foil under HS 7219.35
Stainless steel foil is classified under HS code 7219.35, which falls under the category of flat-rolled products of stainless steel with a width of 600 mm or more. The Harmonized System distinguishes flat-rolled products based on their width, thickness, and the method of manufacture. Heading 7219 is specifically for "wide" products (600 mm or more), while heading 7220 covers "narrow" products (less than 600 mm). The sub-heading 7219.35 is further refined to include products that are "not further worked than cold-rolled (cold-reduced)" and have a thickness of less than 0.5 mm. This thickness threshold is what industry professionals typically refer to as "foil" or "thin gauge sheet." The classification process requires verifying the chemical composition to ensure the chromium content is at least 10.5% by weight and carbon content is 1.2% or less, which defines "stainless steel" under Note 1(e) of Chapter 72. If these criteria are met, and the dimensions and finish match, 7219.35 is the mandatory code for international trade. This classification is essential for precision manufacturing sectors, including electronics and aerospace, where thin-gauge stainless steel is utilized for its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
- Covers
- Cold-rolled stainless steel sheets under 0.5mm thickness
- Wide precision stainless steel foil (600mm+ width)
- Decorative stainless steel foil rolls
- Thin-gauge stainless steel coil for industrial shims
- Stainless steel foil for heat exchangers
- Also under 7219.35
- Sandvik stainless steel foil
- Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal ultra-thin sheets
- Outokumpu precision strip
- POSCO thin gauge 304L
Codes often confused with 7219.35
Common mistake. The most frequent error is using HS code 7220.20, which is for cold-rolled flat products with a width of less than 600 mm. If the foil is narrow, it must be classified under 7220. Another common mistake is 7607, which is for aluminum foil; customs officials look closely at the base metal composition to ensure the correct chapter is applied. Furthermore, if the foil is thicker than 0.5 mm but less than 1 mm, it should be classified under 7219.34, making precise measurement of thickness critical for correct entry.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721935 (the code used for stainless steel foil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721935 (the code used for stainless steel foil) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 15% 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 721935, not only stainless steel foil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $548M 37% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$136M 9.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $99M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $211M 15% of world imports
- 2 United States $114M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Italy $88M 6.3% 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 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. 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 stainless steel foil
Brazil classifies stainless steel foil under NCM 7219.35.00: HS 7219.35 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 stainless steel foil
What is the HS code for Stainless steel foil?
The HS code for Stainless steel foil is 721935 (Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness of less than 0.5mm). For stainless steel foil with a width of 600 mm or more and a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, the HS code is 7219.35.
How do I classify Stainless steel foil for customs?
Stainless steel foil is classified under HS code 721935 — Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness of less than 0.5mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the width affect the HS code for stainless steel foil?
Yes, width is a primary classifier. If the width is less than 600 mm, the product is classified under heading 7220 instead of 7219.
Which countries are the top exporters of stainless steel foil (HS 721935)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721935 (the code used for stainless steel foil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($548M, 37% of world exports), Vietnam (about $136M) and Malaysia ($99M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 stainless steel foil (HS 721935)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721935 (the code used for stainless steel foil) in UN Comtrade data were India ($211M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($114M) and Italy ($88M). 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 Stainless steel foil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721935 for Stainless steel foil 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 stainless steel foil in Brazil?
In Brazil, stainless steel foil (HS 721935) is classified under NCM 7219.35.00.