Product classification
HS code for Stainless steel strip: 7220.12
Steel, stainless, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 4.75mm.
Classification of stainless steel strip under HS 7220.12
Stainless steel strip classified under HS code 7220.12 is defined by its metallurgical composition, physical dimensions, and manufacturing stage. According to the Harmonized System Chapter 72, stainless steel must contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium by weight and a maximum of 1.2% carbon. Heading 7220 is specifically reserved for flat-rolled products of stainless steel with a width of less than 600 mm. The subheading 7220.12 further narrows this classification to products that have undergone the hot-rolling process and possess a thickness of less than 4.75 mm. This classification is critical because the tariff rates and trade regulations for hot-rolled strips differ significantly from those for cold-rolled strips or wider plates. The 'flat-rolled' designation implies a rectangular cross-section that is not in coils (unless specified) and does not meet the definition of other shapes like bars or wire. The thickness threshold of 4.75 mm is a primary dividing line in the steel industry, separating lighter gauge strips from heavier plates.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled stainless steel narrow strips
- Slit-to-width hot-rolled stainless steel bands
- Stainless steel coils with width under 600mm and thickness under 4.75mm
- Hot-rolled stainless steel hoop and strip
- Also under 7220.12
- Sandvik stainless steel strip
- Outokumpu hot-rolled narrow strip
- Aperam 304 hot-rolled strip
- ThyssenKrupp stainless steel flat bar
Codes often confused with 7220.12
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 7219, which covers flat-rolled stainless steel with a width of 600 mm or more. Another common error is misclassifying these items under 7220.20, which is reserved for cold-rolled products. Cold-rolled steel has a smoother finish and tighter tolerances, whereas 7220.12 is strictly for hot-rolled finishes. Additionally, if the thickness exceeds 4.75 mm, the product must be moved to HS code 7220.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722012 (the code used for stainless steel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722012 (the code used for stainless steel strip) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 15% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 17% of its exports here ($4.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 722012, not only stainless steel strip.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $22M 17% of world exports
- 2 China $14M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $9.2M 7.4% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 17% of its exports here ($4.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $124M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $31M 15% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $21M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $20M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $215M 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 strip
Brazil splits HS 7220.12 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7220.12.10Narrow hot-rolled stainless, 1.5 mm or less
- 7220.12.20Narrow hot-rolled stainless, over 1.5 mm to 3 mm
- 7220.12.90Narrow hot-rolled stainless, over 3, under 4.75 mm
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 strip
What is the HS code for Stainless steel strip?
The HS code for Stainless steel strip is 722012 (Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 4.75mm). The HS code for hot-rolled stainless steel strip with a width under 600mm and thickness under 4.75mm is 7220.12. If it is cold-rolled, the code changes to 7220.20.
How do I classify Stainless steel strip for customs?
Stainless steel strip is classified under HS code 722012 — Steel, stainless; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 4.75mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the chromium content affect this classification?
Yes, the product must meet the legal definition of stainless steel (at least 10.5% chromium) to stay in Chapter 7220. If the chromium content is lower, it may fall under alloy steel (7226) or non-alloy steel (7211).
Which countries are the top exporters of stainless steel strip (HS 722012)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722012 (the code used for stainless steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($22M, 17% of world exports), China ($14M) and Italy ($9.2M). World exports came to about $124M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 17% of its exports here ($4.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of stainless steel strip (HS 722012)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722012 (the code used for stainless steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($31M, 15% of world imports), Malaysia ($21M) and Germany ($20M). World imports came to about $215M, 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 strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722012 for Stainless steel strip 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 strip in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 722012 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for stainless steel strip depends on the product's details: 7220.12.10 (Narrow hot-rolled stainless, 1.5 mm or less), 7220.12.20 (Narrow hot-rolled stainless, over 1.5 mm to 3 mm), 7220.12.90 (Narrow hot-rolled stainless, over 3, under 4.75 mm).