Product classification
HS code for Steel bars: 7215.90
Iron or non-alloy steel, bars and rods, n.e.c. in chapter 72, n.e.c. in heading no. 7215.
Classification of steel bars under HS 7215.90
Classification under HS code 7215.90 is determined by the manufacturing process and the material composition of the product. This code specifically covers bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel that have been cold-formed or cold-finished and do not fall under other specific headings in Chapter 72. Unlike hot-rolled products, these bars undergo further processing at room temperature, such as cold-drawing, grinding, or polishing, to achieve precise dimensions and improved surface finishes. The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere classified) designation ensures that specialized cold-finished bars that are not specifically mentioned in headings 7215.10 through 7215.50 are captured here. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), the classification is first determined by the heading (7215) and then by the subheading (7215.90). The material must meet the definition of "non-alloy steel" as per the Chapter 72 notes, meaning it does not contain alloying elements in proportions exceeding specific limits, such as 1.65% manganese or 0.6% silicon. If the product has been further worked beyond cold-finishing, such as being perforated or twisted, it remains here unless it takes on the character of an article classified elsewhere in the tariff schedule.
- Covers
- Cold-drawn steel bars
- Centerless ground steel rods
- Polished steel shafts
- Cold-rolled non-alloy bars
- Precision-ground steel rods
- Turned and polished steel bars
- Also under 7215.90
- Custom profiles for window frames
- specialized rebar
- unique architectural steel elements
- specific automotive components
- custom machinery parts.
Codes often confused with 7215.90
Common mistake. Steel bars are frequently misclassified under 7214, which covers hot-rolled bars that have not been cold-finished. If the bar is made of stainless steel, it must be classified under 7222. Furthermore, if the bar is further worked into a specific structural component, it might fall under 7308. Confusion also occurs with 7213, which is reserved for bars and rods in irregularly wound coils.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721590 (the code used for steel bars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721590 (the code used for steel bars) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 17% 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 721590, not only steel bars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $115M 19% of world exports
- 2 France $73M 12% of world exports
- 3 Romania $69M 11% of world exports
World total: $611M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Singapore $122M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $57M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$36M 5.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $709M 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. 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 bars
Brazil splits HS 7215.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7215.90.10Other non-alloy bars, 0.6% carbon or less
- 7215.90.90Other non-alloy bars, over 0.6% carbon
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 bars
What is the HS code for Steel bars?
The HS code for Steel bars is 721590 (Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, n.e.c. in chapter 72, n.e.c. in heading no. 7215). The HS code for cold-finished or cold-formed bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, not elsewhere specified, is 7215.90.
How do I classify Steel bars for customs?
Steel bars is classified under HS code 721590 — Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, n.e.c. in chapter 72, n.e.c. in heading no. 7215. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 7214 and 7215?
Heading 7214 is used for bars that are hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded, while heading 7215 is for bars that have been cold-finished or cold-formed.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel bars (HS 721590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721590 (the code used for steel bars) in UN Comtrade data were India ($115M, 19% of world exports), France ($73M) and Romania ($69M). World exports came to about $611M, 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 bars (HS 721590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721590 (the code used for steel bars) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($122M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($57M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $36M). World imports came to about $709M, 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 bars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721590 for Steel bars 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 bars in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721590 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel bars depends on the product's details: 7215.90.10 (Other non-alloy bars, 0.6% carbon or less), 7215.90.90 (Other non-alloy bars, over 0.6% carbon).