Product classification
HS code for Stainless steel sheets: 7219.90
Steel, stainless, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7219.
Classification of stainless steel sheets under HS 7219.90
HS code 721990 serves as a residual or "basket" category for flat-rolled stainless steel products with a width of 600 mm or more that are not specifically described in the other subheadings of heading 7219. While most products in this heading are categorized by whether they are hot-rolled or cold-rolled and by their specific thickness, 721990 captures items that have undergone additional processing or possess characteristics that exclude them from the primary subheadings. According to the Chapter 72 notes, flat-rolled products can be further worked (e.g., perforated, corrugated, or polished) provided they do not thereby assume the character of articles or products of other headings. If a stainless steel sheet has been worked beyond simple rolling—such as being coated, clad, or surface-treated in a way not covered by subheadings 721911 through 721935—it falls under 721990. This code is essential for ensuring that all large-width flat-rolled stainless steel products have a designated place in the tariff schedule. It is often used for specialty finishes or sheets that have been modified for specific industrial aesthetic or functional requirements but remain in the form of a sheet rather than a finished article like a sink or a tool.
- Covers
- Perforated stainless steel sheets (width 600mm+)
- Polished or mirror-finish stainless steel sheets n.e.c.
- Embossed or patterned stainless steel sheets
- Coated or clad flat-rolled stainless steel
- Stainless steel sheets further worked than rolling
- Also under 7219.90
- Custom-order textured stainless steel
- Specialty alloy stainless steel sheets
- Laser-cut stainless steel blanks
- Electro-polished wide stainless sheets
Codes often confused with 7219.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using 721990 for standard hot-rolled or cold-rolled sheets that should be under specific thickness-based codes like 721933 or 721922. 721990 should only be used if the product does not fit those specific descriptions. Another error is confusing these with finished articles under Chapter 73. For example, if a sheet is cut into a specific shape for a machine part, it might be classified under 7326 or the specific machinery heading in Chapter 84.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721990 (the code used for stainless steel sheets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721990 (the code used for stainless steel sheets) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 721990, not only stainless steel sheets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $300M 25% of world exports
- 2 China $180M 15% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$117M 9.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $147M 12% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $98M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $92M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 codes for stainless steel sheets
Brazil splits HS 7219.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7219.90.10Other stainless flats under 4.75 mm, min 42 HRC
- 7219.90.90Other flat-rolled stainless steel, 600 mm or wider
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 sheets
What is the HS code for Stainless steel sheets?
The HS code for Stainless steel sheets is 721990 (Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7219). The HS code for flat-rolled stainless steel sheets (width 600mm+) not elsewhere classified is 721990.
How do I classify Stainless steel sheets for customs?
Stainless steel sheets is classified under HS code 721990 — Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7219. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use 721990 instead of a specific thickness code?
Use 721990 only when the sheet has been further worked (like perforation or special coating) or if it otherwise fails to meet the definitions of the hot-rolled or cold-rolled subheadings.
Which countries are the top exporters of stainless steel sheets (HS 721990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721990 (the code used for stainless steel sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($300M, 25% of world exports), China ($180M) and Taiwan (about $117M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 sheets (HS 721990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721990 (the code used for stainless steel sheets) in UN Comtrade data were India ($147M, 12% of world imports), Egypt ($98M) and Malaysia ($92M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 sheets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721990 for Stainless steel sheets 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 sheets in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721990 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for stainless steel sheets depends on the product's details: 7219.90.10 (Other stainless flats under 4.75 mm, min 42 HRC), 7219.90.90 (Other flat-rolled stainless steel, 600 mm or wider).