Product classification
HS code for Stainless steel sections: 7222.40
Steel, stainless, angles, shapes and sections.
Classification of stainless steel sections under HS 7222.40
Stainless steel sections are classified under HS code 7222.40 because they represent structural profiles that are not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded. This classification falls under Heading 7222, which encompasses other bars and rods of stainless steel as well as angles, shapes, and sections. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on their material composition and their specific geometric form. Since these items are made of stainless steel—defined in Note 1(e) to Chapter 72 as alloy steels containing by weight 1.2% or less of carbon and 10.5% or more of chromium—and possess a cross-section that does not conform to the definitions of bars, rods, wire, or flat-rolled products, they are categorized as sections. These sections are essential in heavy construction, infrastructure, and industrial engineering where high corrosion resistance is required. The manufacturing process typically involves hot-forming the steel into specific profiles. The classification remains 7222.40 provided the sections have not been further worked than cold-forming or cold-finishing, or have been subjected to processes like drilling or twisting that do not give them the character of articles of other headings.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled stainless steel L-sections (angles)
- Stainless steel I-beams and H-beams
- U-channels and T-sections for structural use
- Extruded stainless steel structural profiles
- Cold-formed angles and sections
- Also under 7222.40
- Outokumpu stainless angles
- Acerinox stainless channels
- Jindal Stainless structural sections
- ArcelorMittal stainless beams
Codes often confused with 7222.40
Common mistake. Stainless steel sections are frequently confused with iron or non-alloy steel sections, which are classified under heading 7216. The primary distinction is the chromium content; if the alloy contains less than 10.5% chromium, it cannot be classified under 7222. Additionally, if the sections are welded from separate plates or components, they must be classified under heading 7301 (sheet piling) or 7308 (structures and parts of structures) rather than 7222.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722240 (the code used for stainless steel sections), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722240 (the code used for stainless steel sections) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.5% 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 722240, not only stainless steel sections.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $174M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $108M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $77M 11% of world exports
World total: $724M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $73M 9.5% of world imports
- 2 Germany $68M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $45M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $769M 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 stainless steel sections
Brazil splits HS 7222.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7222.40.10Stainless steel sections, 80 mm high or more
- 7222.40.90Stainless steel sections, under 80 mm high
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 sections
What is the HS code for Stainless steel sections?
The HS code for Stainless steel sections is 722240 (Steel, stainless; angles, shapes and sections). The primary HS code for stainless steel angles, shapes, and sections is 7222.40.
How do I classify Stainless steel sections for customs?
Stainless steel sections is classified under HS code 722240 — Steel, stainless; angles, shapes and sections. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include sections that have been painted or coated?
Yes, sections that have been painted, coated, or cladding remain under 7222.40 as long as the coating does not change the essential character of the product as a structural section.
Which countries are the top exporters of stainless steel sections (HS 722240)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722240 (the code used for stainless steel sections) in UN Comtrade data were India ($174M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($108M) and China ($77M). World exports came to about $724M, 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 sections (HS 722240)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722240 (the code used for stainless steel sections) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($73M, 9.5% of world imports), Germany ($68M) and Singapore ($45M). World imports came to about $769M, 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 sections the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722240 for Stainless steel sections 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 sections in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 722240 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for stainless steel sections depends on the product's details: 7222.40.10 (Stainless steel sections, 80 mm high or more), 7222.40.90 (Stainless steel sections, under 80 mm high).