Product classification
HS code for Steel H-beams: 7216.33
Iron or non-alloy steel, H sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Classification of steel H-beams under HS 7216.33
The classification of Steel H-beams under HS code 7216.33 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6. This code is reserved for H-sections made of iron or non-alloy steel that have been hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded. To qualify for this specific subheading, the product must have a height of 80 mm or more. The height is measured as the distance between the outer surfaces of the parallel flanges. H-beams, also known as wide-flange beams, are distinguished by their cross-sectional shape where the flange width is often nearly equal to the web height, providing superior load-bearing capacity. The material must meet the definition of non-alloy steel as per Note 1(f) to Chapter 72, meaning it does not contain alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, or molybdenum in quantities exceeding the specified weight thresholds. Furthermore, the manufacturing process must be a hot process; cold-formed H-sections are excluded from this code and classified under subheadings for cold-finished products. The structural integrity and dimensions of these beams make them essential for heavy construction, and their classification depends heavily on the mill test certificate confirming both the chemical composition and the production method.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled wide flange steel beams
- HEA (Light) series H-beams
- HEB (Standard) series H-beams
- HEM (Heavy) series H-beams
- Non-alloy steel H-sections with height ≥ 80mm
- Also under 7216.33
- High-rise building columns
- heavy industrial facility frameworks
- bridge piers
- large warehouse supports
- offshore platform structures
- power plant frames.
Codes often confused with 7216.33
Common mistake. Steel H-beams are frequently confused with I-beams classified under HS code 7216.32. While similar, I-beams have narrower flanges that are often tapered. Additionally, if the H-beam is made of alloy steel, it must be classified under 7228.70. Small H-sections with a height of less than 80 mm are classified under 7216.10. If the beam has been further worked (e.g., drilled or punched for assembly), it may fall under heading 7308 as a prepared structural component.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721633 (the code used for steel H-beams), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721633 (the code used for steel H-beams) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 8.1% 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 721633, not only steel H-beams.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.8B 31% of world exports
- 2 Luxembourg $753M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $598M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $446M 8.1% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $294M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $289M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 H-beams
Brazil classifies steel H-beams under NCM 7216.33.00: HS 7216.33 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 H-beams
What is the HS code for Steel H-beams?
The HS code for Steel H-beams is 721633 (Iron or non-alloy steel; H 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 H-beams with a height of 80 mm or more is 7216.33.
How do I classify Steel H-beams for customs?
Steel H-beams is classified under HS code 721633 — Iron or non-alloy steel; H sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between H-beams and I-beams for customs?
Classification depends on the flange-to-web ratio and the shape of the flanges. H-beams (7216.33) typically have wider, parallel flanges, while I-beams (7216.32) have narrower flanges that may be sloped on the inner surface.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel H-beams (HS 721633)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721633 (the code used for steel H-beams) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 31% of world exports), Luxembourg ($753M) and Germany ($598M). World exports came to about $5.8B, 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 H-beams (HS 721633)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721633 (the code used for steel H-beams) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($446M, 8.1% of world imports), the Netherlands ($294M) and Germany ($289M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for Steel H-beams the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721633 for Steel H-beams 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 H-beams in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel H-beams (HS 721633) is classified under NCM 7216.33.00.