Product classification
HS code for Steel girders: 7216.32
Iron or non-alloy steel, I sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Classification of steel girders under HS 7216.32
Steel girders are classified under HS code 7216.32 because they represent primary structural shapes of iron or non-alloy steel that have not been further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded. This specific code is reserved for I-sections, commonly referred to as girders or I-beams, which possess a height of 80 mm or more. The classification falls within Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel in their basic forms. To qualify for this code, the girders must be made of non-alloy steel; if the steel contains specific alloying elements above the weight thresholds defined in the Chapter 72 notes, it would move to a different heading. The 80 mm height measurement is critical, as it distinguishes industrial-scale structural components from smaller sections used in light manufacturing. These products are typically used as load-bearing members in construction and civil engineering before they are cut to specific lengths or drilled for assembly.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled steel I-beams
- Universal beams (non-alloy)
- Standard I-sections exceeding 80mm height
- Extruded steel girders
- Structural steel sections for framework
- Also under 7216.32
- Skyscraper frames
- bridge main girders
- factory building supports
- crane runways
- heavy machinery foundations
- stadium structures.
Codes often confused with 7216.32
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 7308.90. While 7216.32 covers the raw, hot-rolled sections, 7308.90 is used if the girders have been prepared for use in structures—for example, if they have been drilled, bent, notched, or painted. Additionally, girders with a height of less than 80 mm are classified under 7216.10. If the girder is made of stainless steel, it must be classified under 7222.40 instead.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721632 (the code used for steel girders), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721632 (the code used for steel girders) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 11% 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 721632, not only steel girders.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $777M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $282M 11% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $272M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $324M 11% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $212M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 United States $126M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $3.0B 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 code for steel girders
Brazil classifies steel girders under NCM 7216.32.00: HS 7216.32 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 girders
What is the HS code for Steel girders?
The HS code for Steel girders is 721632 (Iron or non-alloy steel; I sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more). The HS code for hot-rolled iron or non-alloy steel I-sections (girders) with a height of 80 mm or more is 7216.32.
How do I classify Steel girders for customs?
Steel girders is classified under HS code 721632 — Iron or non-alloy steel; I sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use Chapter 73 instead of 7216.32?
You should use Chapter 73 (specifically 7308) if the steel girders have undergone further fabrication, such as being welded into a specific frame, drilled for bolts, or coated for rust protection, as they are then considered structural components rather than raw materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel girders (HS 721632)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721632 (the code used for steel girders) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($777M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($282M) and Türkiye ($272M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 girders (HS 721632)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721632 (the code used for steel girders) in UN Comtrade data were France ($324M, 11% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($212M) and the United States ($126M). World imports came to about $3.0B, 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 girders the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721632 for Steel girders 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 girders in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel girders (HS 721632) is classified under NCM 7216.32.00.