Product classification
HS code for Steel containers: 7310.10
Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not exceeding 300l.
Classification of steel containers under HS 7310.10
HS code 7310.10 is designated for iron or steel containers such as tanks, casks, drums, cans, and boxes. These items are designed for the transport or storage of various materials, excluding compressed or liquefied gases. The classification is strictly governed by the capacity of the container. For this specific subheading, the capacity must be at least 50 liters but must not exceed 300 liters. These containers are ubiquitous in the global supply chain, used for everything from industrial chemicals and lubricants to bulk food ingredients. The construction of these containers can vary; they may be welded, crimped, or otherwise assembled, and they can be lined with protective materials or heat-insulated. However, they must not be fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment like pumps or heating coils, as such additions would likely move the product into Chapter 84. The wall thickness is generally not a factor for this code, but the material must be iron or steel. If the container is made of stainless steel, it still falls under this heading, provided the capacity requirements are met. This classification falls under Chapter 73, which covers articles of iron and steel, meaning these are finished products rather than raw materials. Proper documentation of the internal volume is required to justify the use of this specific subheading over others in the 7310 group.
- Covers
- Steel industrial drums (50L to 300L capacity)
- Metal storage casks for liquids
- Large steel cans for industrial transport
- Non-pressurized chemical storage boxes
- Also under 7310.10
- Greif steel drums
- Mauser Packaging Solutions IBCs
- Schutz steel containers
- Skolnik steel drums
Codes often confused with 7310.10
Common mistake. Containers with a capacity exceeding 300 liters are classified under 7309.00. Conversely, smaller containers with a capacity of less than 50 liters fall under 7310.21 or 7310.29. Containers specifically designed for compressed or liquefied gas must be classified under 7311.00 regardless of their volume.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731010 (the code used for steel containers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731010 (the code used for steel containers) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.0% 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 731010, not only steel containers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $289M 14% of world exports
- 2 Germany $183M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $173M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $154M 9.0% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $153M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $98M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 containers
Brazil splits HS 7310.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7310.10.10Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, 50-300 l
- 7310.10.90Other iron or steel tanks, drums, cans, 50-300 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 containers
What is the HS code for Steel containers?
The HS code for Steel containers is 731010 (Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not exceeding 300l). Steel containers with a capacity between 50 and 300 liters, not intended for gas, are classified under HS code 7310.10.
How do I classify Steel containers for customs?
Steel containers is classified under HS code 731010 — Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not exceeding 300l. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are shipping containers classified here?
No, large intermodal shipping containers are classified under HS code 8609.00 as transport equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel containers (HS 731010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731010 (the code used for steel containers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($289M, 14% of world exports), Germany ($183M) and Mexico ($173M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 containers (HS 731010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731010 (the code used for steel containers) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($154M, 9.0% of world imports), Mexico ($153M) and the United States ($98M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 containers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731010 for Steel containers 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 containers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731010 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel containers depends on the product's details: 7310.10.10 (Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, 50-300 l), 7310.10.90 (Other iron or steel tanks, drums, cans, 50-300 l).