Product classification
HS code for Steel hollow section: 7306.90
Iron or steel (excluding cast iron), tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73.
Classification of steel hollow section under HS 7306.90
Steel hollow sections that are not seamless and do not fit into specific categories like circular or square cross-sections are classified under HS code 7306.90. This code resides in Chapter 73, which covers articles of iron and steel. Heading 7306 is dedicated to tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles that are welded, riveted, or similarly closed. The subheading 7306.90 serves as a residual category for "other" profiles that are not specifically mentioned in the preceding subheadings (such as 7306.30 for circular sections or 7306.61 for square/rectangular sections). These products are essential in structural engineering, furniture manufacturing, and automotive frames. The classification assumes the product is a finished or semi-finished hollow profile intended for structural or mechanical use, rather than a raw ingot or a finished assembly like a building frame.
- Covers
- Welded steel hollow profiles (non-standard shapes)
- Open-seam steel tubes
- Riveted iron hollow sections
- Specialized elliptical hollow sections
- Cold-formed welded profiles
- Also under 7306.90
- Tenaris general purpose pipes
- JFE Steel structural tubing
- Vallourec industrial pipes
- Hyundai Steel general profiles
Codes often confused with 7306.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7304, which is strictly for seamless tubes and pipes. If the hollow section has a visible weld seam or was joined by riveting, it cannot be in 7304. Furthermore, if the section is square or rectangular, it should be classified under 7306.61, and if it is circular and made of non-alloy steel, it belongs under 7306.30. Large diameter pipes (exceeding 406.4 mm) are classified under 7305.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730690 (the code used for steel hollow section), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730690 (the code used for steel hollow section) in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 9.7% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 4.4% 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 730690, not only steel hollow section.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Norway $106M 9.7% of world exports
- 2 India $106M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 United States $90M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $54M 4.4% of world imports
- 2 Canada $53M 4.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $50M 4.1% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 hollow section
Brazil splits HS 7306.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7306.90.10Other iron or non-alloy steel tubes, not welded
- 7306.90.20Other stainless steel tubes, not welded
- 7306.90.90Other alloy steel tubes, not welded
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 hollow section
What is the HS code for Steel hollow section?
The HS code for Steel hollow section is 730690 (Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73). The HS code for other welded or non-seamless steel hollow sections not specified elsewhere is 7306.90.
How do I classify Steel hollow section for customs?
Steel hollow section is classified under HS code 730690 — Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 7304 and 7306?
HS code 7304 is reserved for seamless products manufactured without a weld seam, whereas 7306 covers products that are welded, riveted, or otherwise joined during the manufacturing process.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel hollow section (HS 730690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730690 (the code used for steel hollow section) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($106M, 9.7% of world exports), India ($106M) and the United States ($90M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 hollow section (HS 730690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730690 (the code used for steel hollow section) in UN Comtrade data were France ($54M, 4.4% of world imports), Canada ($53M) and the United States ($50M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 hollow section the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730690 for Steel hollow section 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 hollow section in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 730690 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for steel hollow section depends on the product's details: 7306.90.10 (Other iron or non-alloy steel tubes, not welded), 7306.90.20 (Other stainless steel tubes, not welded), 7306.90.90 (Other alloy steel tubes, not welded).