Product classification

HS code for Steel drums: 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 drums under HS 7310.10

Steel drums are classified under HS code 7310.10, which covers tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar containers made of iron or steel. This specific subheading is for containers with a capacity of 50 liters or more but not exceeding 300 liters. These containers are designed for the transport or storage of various materials, excluding compressed or liquefied gas. The classification is strictly determined by the material (iron or steel) and the volume capacity. The 55-gallon (approximately 208-liter) steel drum, which is the global standard for shipping chemicals, oils, and food ingredients, is the most prominent product in this category. The code assumes the containers are not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment, as those would fall under different chapters.

Covers
  • 55-gallon steel drums
  • 200-liter tight-head steel drums
  • Open-head steel storage drums
  • Steel casks for liquid transport
  • Large steel cans (50L to 300L capacity)
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. The most frequent misclassification involves the capacity limits. Containers with a capacity of less than 50 liters are classified under HS code 7310.21 or 7310.29. Conversely, containers with a capacity exceeding 300 liters are classified under heading 7309. Another common error is misclassifying gas cylinders under this code; however, any container designed for compressed or liquefied gas must be classified under HS code 7311.00. Finally, if the drum is lined with another material like plastic, it remains in 7310.10 as long as the steel provides the essential character.

7310.21Cans; which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel7310.29Tanks, 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 steel73.09Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers; for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated7311.00Containers for compressed or liquefied gas, of iron or steel

Top exporters and importers of HS 731010 (the code used for steel drums), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731010 (the code used for steel drums) 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 drums.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $289M
  2. 2 Germany $183M
  3. 3 Mexico $173M

World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $154M
  2. 2 Mexico $153M
  3. 3 United States $98M

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 drums

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 drums

What is the HS code for Steel drums?

The HS code for Steel drums 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).

How do I classify Steel drums for customs?

Steel drums 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.

What is the HS code for a 55-gallon steel drum?

A standard 55-gallon (208L) steel drum is classified under HS code 7310.10.

What is the maximum capacity for HS code 7310.10?

The maximum capacity for this specific HS code is 300 liters; anything larger falls under heading 7309.

Which countries are the top exporters of steel drums (HS 731010)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731010 (the code used for steel drums) 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 drums (HS 731010)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 731010 (the code used for steel drums) 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 drums the same in all countries?

The base HS code 731010 for Steel drums 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 drums in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 731010 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel drums 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).