Product classification
HS code for Steel boxes: 7310.29
Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or steel.
Classification of steel boxes under HS 7310.29
Steel boxes are classified under HS code 7310.29 because they represent containers made of iron or steel with a capacity of less than 50 liters. This specific code is a residual category for containers that do not fall under the more specific descriptions of 7310.21, which covers cans to be closed by soldering or crimping. The classification is determined by the material composition (iron or steel), the function (storage or transport of materials), and the volume capacity. Since these boxes are not designed for compressed or liquefied gas, they are excluded from heading 7311. The 7310 heading generally covers tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar containers, provided they are not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment. For a product to fall under 7310.29, it must be a finished container or a recognizable part of one, typically used in industrial, commercial, or domestic settings for the containment of solids or liquids. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the box is painted, coated, or lined with other materials, provided the essential character remains that of a steel container.
- Covers
- Industrial tool boxes without specialized internal fittings
- Small steel storage bins for warehouse use
- Metal cases for transporting non-hazardous materials
- Steel safety deposit boxes
- General purpose steel crates under 50L capacity
- Also under 7310.29
- 5-gallon steel pails
- small industrial chemical drums
- steel toolboxes (empty)
- mini beer kegs
- military-style jerry cans
Codes often confused with 7310.29
Common mistake. Steel boxes are frequently misclassified under HS code 7310.10 if the capacity exceeds 50 liters. They are also often confused with HS code 7311.00, which is strictly reserved for containers designed for compressed or liquefied gas. If the box is heavily reinforced and intended for permanent installation in a building, it might be incorrectly placed under 7308.90. Furthermore, if the box contains specialized tools and is sold as a set, it may be classified under the heading for the tools themselves (e.g., Chapter 82) rather than the container.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731029 (the code used for steel boxes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731029 (the code used for steel boxes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 8.5% 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 731029, not only steel boxes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $465M 17% of world exports
- 2 United States $305M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $301M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $227M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 United States $209M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $175M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 boxes
Brazil splits HS 7310.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7310.29.10Other iron or steel food containers, under 50 l
- 7310.29.20Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, under 50 l
- 7310.29.90Other iron or steel containers under 50 l
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 boxes
What is the HS code for Steel boxes?
The HS code for Steel boxes is 731029 (Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or steel). The HS code for steel boxes with a capacity of less than 50 liters, not otherwise specified, is 7310.29.
How do I classify Steel boxes for customs?
Steel boxes is classified under HS code 731029 — Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include stainless steel boxes?
Yes, HS code 7310.29 includes containers made of iron or any type of steel, including stainless steel, provided they meet the capacity and functional requirements.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel boxes (HS 731029)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731029 (the code used for steel boxes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($465M, 17% of world exports), the United States ($305M) and Italy ($301M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 boxes (HS 731029)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731029 (the code used for steel boxes) in UN Comtrade data were France ($227M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($209M) and the United Kingdom ($175M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 boxes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731029 for Steel boxes 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 boxes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731029 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for steel boxes depends on the product's details: 7310.29.10 (Other iron or steel food containers, under 50 l), 7310.29.20 (Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, under 50 l), 7310.29.90 (Other iron or steel containers under 50 l).