Product classification
HS code for Stainless steel hollow section: 7306.40
Steel, stainless, tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73.
Classification of stainless steel hollow section under HS 7306.40
Stainless steel hollow sections, specifically welded tubes and pipes of circular cross-section, are classified under HS code 7306.40. This classification is situated within Chapter 73, which covers "Articles of iron or steel." Unlike Chapter 72, which deals with primary materials and semi-finished products, Chapter 73 is for more finished goods, including tubes and pipes. Heading 7306 covers "Other tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (for example, open seam or welded, riveted or similarly closed), of iron or steel." The specific sub-heading 7306.40 is dedicated to welded products of circular cross-section made of stainless steel. The classification logic follows the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these sections are welded and circular, they are excluded from heading 7304 (seamless) and specifically included in 7306.40. This code is essential for identifying structural components used in plumbing, industrial piping, and architectural frameworks where stainless steel's corrosion resistance is required. The distinction between welded and seamless is a critical factor in determining the correct tariff rate and regulatory requirements.
- Covers
- Welded stainless steel pipes for fluid transport
- Circular hollow sections (CHS) for structural use
- Longitudinal welded stainless steel tubing
- Welded stainless steel conduits for electrical wiring
- Welded stainless steel exhaust pipes
- Also under 7306.40
- Outokumpu stainless tubes
- Sandvik stainless pipes
- ThyssenKrupp stainless profiles
- POSCO stainless tubing
Codes often confused with 7306.40
Common mistake. HS code 7304.41 is often confused with this code, but it is strictly for seamless stainless steel tubes and pipes. Another common error is 7306.61, which covers hollow sections with a square or rectangular cross-section. If the product is not circular, 7306.40 cannot be used. Additionally, if the pipe is made of iron or non-stainless steel, it would fall under different sub-headings such as 7306.30. Importers must verify the welding method and cross-sectional shape before assigning the code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730640 (the code used for stainless steel hollow section), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730640 (the code used for stainless steel hollow section) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 730640, not only stainless steel hollow section.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $1.1B 26% of world exports
- 2 China $454M 10% of world exports
- 3 Germany $440M 10% of world exports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $514M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $445M 10% of world imports
- 3 Poland $232M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $4.3B 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 stainless steel hollow section
Brazil classifies stainless steel hollow section under NCM 7306.40.00: HS 7306.40 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 hollow section
What is the HS code for Stainless steel hollow section?
The HS code for Stainless steel hollow section is 730640 (Steel, stainless; tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73). The HS code for welded circular stainless steel hollow sections is 7306.40.
How do I classify Stainless steel hollow section for customs?
Stainless steel hollow section is classified under HS code 730640 — Steel, stainless; tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 7304 and 7306?
Heading 7304 is reserved for seamless tubes and pipes, while heading 7306 is for welded or open-seam tubes and pipes.
Which countries are the top exporters of stainless steel hollow section (HS 730640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730640 (the code used for stainless steel hollow section) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.1B, 26% of world exports), China ($454M) and Germany ($440M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of stainless steel hollow section (HS 730640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730640 (the code used for stainless steel hollow section) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($514M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($445M) and Poland ($232M). World imports came to about $4.3B, 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 hollow section the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730640 for Stainless steel hollow section 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 hollow section in Brazil?
In Brazil, stainless steel hollow section (HS 730640) is classified under NCM 7306.40.00.