Product classification
HS code for Steel angles: 7216.40
Iron or non-alloy steel, L or T sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Classification of steel angles under HS 7216.40
Steel angles are classified under HS code 7216.40 because they represent specific L or T sections of iron or non-alloy steel that have been hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded. To qualify for this specific subheading, the product must have a height of 80mm or more. This classification falls under Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel in their primary forms or basic shapes. The determination of this code is based on the cross-sectional shape and the manufacturing process. Unlike finished articles of steel, these angles are considered structural components that have not been further worked beyond hot-rolling or extrusion. The height measurement is the critical technical factor; it is measured as the external dimension of the longest leg in an L-section or the total height of a T-section. If the steel contains alloying elements above the thresholds defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72, it would be moved to a different heading entirely, such as 7228.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled L-sections with a height of 85mm
- Extruded steel T-sections measuring 100mm in height
- Non-alloy steel angles used for heavy structural framing
- Hot-drawn L-shaped steel profiles exceeding 80mm
- Also under 7216.40
- Structural bracing in bridges
- heavy equipment frames
- large industrial shelving
- support structures for power plants
- shipbuilding components
- railway track components.
Codes often confused with 7216.40
Common mistake. Steel angles are frequently misclassified under HS code 7216.21, which is reserved for L-sections with a height of less than 80mm. Another common error is using 7301.20, which covers structural shapes that are prepared for use in structures (such as being drilled or bent), whereas 7216.40 is for basic hot-rolled forms. Additionally, if the angle is made of stainless steel, it must be classified under 7222.40 rather than 7216.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721640 (the code used for steel angles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721640 (the code used for steel angles) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 721640, not only steel angles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $356M 31% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $138M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $125M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $99M 11% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $93M 10% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $50M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $927M 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 steel angles
Brazil splits HS 7216.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7216.40.10L or T sections, hot-rolled, 80-200 mm high
- 7216.40.90L or T sections, hot-rolled, over 200 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 steel angles
What is the HS code for Steel angles?
The HS code for Steel angles is 721640 (Iron or non-alloy steel; L or T sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more). The HS code for iron or non-alloy steel angles (L or T sections) that are hot-rolled or extruded and have a height of 80mm or more is 7216.40.
How do I classify Steel angles for customs?
Steel angles is classified under HS code 721640 — Iron or non-alloy steel; L or T sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the height of a steel angle measured for HS classification?
The height is determined by the largest external dimension of the cross-section. For an L-section, it is the length of the longest leg; for a T-section, it is the total distance from the top of the flange to the bottom of the web.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel angles (HS 721640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721640 (the code used for steel angles) in UN Comtrade data were China ($356M, 31% of world exports), Türkiye ($138M) and Italy ($125M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 steel angles (HS 721640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721640 (the code used for steel angles) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($99M, 11% of world imports), South Korea ($93M) and Saudi Arabia ($50M). World imports came to about $927M, 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 Steel angles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721640 for Steel angles 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 steel angles in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721640 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel angles depends on the product's details: 7216.40.10 (L or T sections, hot-rolled, 80-200 mm high), 7216.40.90 (L or T sections, hot-rolled, over 200 mm high).