Product classification
HS code for Steel channels: 7216.31
Iron or non-alloy steel, U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Classification of steel channels under HS 7216.31
Steel channels classified under HS code 7216.31 are essential structural components made from iron or non-alloy steel. The classification is strictly defined by the shape, manufacturing process, and dimensions. Specifically, these are U-sections that have been hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded. A critical threshold for this specific code is the height of the section, which must be 80mm or more. In the Harmonized System, "height" refers to the external distance between the two parallel flanges of the U-shape. Because these items are classified in Chapter 72, they must not have been further worked than the primary forming stages. If the channels have been drilled, bent into specific shapes for a building project, or otherwise fabricated, they would likely transition to Chapter 73 as articles of iron or steel. The classification process follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For 7216.31, the note regarding "U, I or H sections" is paramount. Furthermore, the distinction between "non-alloy" and "alloy" steel is determined by the chemical composition limits set in Note 1 to Chapter 72. If the steel contains elements like chromium, nickel, or molybdenum above certain percentages, it would be classified under 7228 instead.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled U-channels of non-alloy steel
- Extruded steel U-sections with height exceeding 80mm
- Heavy-duty structural U-beams for construction
- Hot-drawn iron U-sections (80mm+)
- Also under 7216.31
- Bridge components
- building frames
- truck chassis
- railway car frames
- heavy machinery bases
- industrial platforms.
Codes often confused with 7216.31
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying smaller channels under this code; U-sections with a height of less than 80mm must be classified under 7216.10. Additionally, if the steel is stainless steel rather than non-alloy steel, it belongs under 7222.40. If the channels have been further fabricated (e.g., welded into a frame), they move to 7308.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721631 (the code used for steel channels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721631 (the code used for steel channels) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 5.8% 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 721631, not only steel channels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $298M 20% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $231M 15% of world exports
- 3 Spain $160M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$91M 5.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Malaysia $80M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 France $61M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 code for steel channels
Brazil classifies steel channels under NCM 7216.31.00: HS 7216.31 with 00 added.
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 channels
What is the HS code for Steel channels?
The HS code for Steel channels is 721631 (Iron or non-alloy steel; U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more). The HS code for hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded U-sections of iron or non-alloy steel with a height of 80mm or more is 7216.31.
How do I classify Steel channels for customs?
Steel channels is classified under HS code 721631 — Iron or non-alloy steel; U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include galvanized channels?
Yes, provided the galvanization is for preservation and the product has not been further worked into a specific structural component.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel channels (HS 721631)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721631 (the code used for steel channels) in UN Comtrade data were China ($298M, 20% of world exports), Türkiye ($231M) and Spain ($160M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 channels (HS 721631)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721631 (the code used for steel channels) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $91M, 5.8% of world imports), Malaysia ($80M) and France ($61M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 channels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721631 for Steel channels 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 channels in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel channels (HS 721631) is classified under NCM 7216.31.00.