Product classification
HS code for Steel I-beams: 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 I-beams under HS 7216.32
Steel I-beams are classified under HS code 7216.32 based on their specific geometric profile and manufacturing specifications. This subheading covers I-sections of iron or non-alloy steel that are hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded, provided they have a height of 80 mm or more. The I-section is characterized by a vertical web and two horizontal flanges, where the flanges are typically narrower than those found on H-beams and often feature a slight internal taper. The classification process requires strict adherence to Chapter 72 notes, which define non-alloy steel based on precise chemical limits. If the steel contains alloying elements above the thresholds defined in Note 1(f), the product shifts to heading 7228. The height measurement is the critical metric for this code; it is the total distance from the top face of the upper flange to the bottom face of the lower flange. Only products that have not been cold-formed or further fabricated beyond hot-processing are included here. These beams are standard in industrial construction and framing, and their classification is verified through technical drawings and metallurgical reports that confirm the hot-rolled nature of the steel.
- Covers
- Standard hot-rolled I-beams (IPN series)
- European standard beams (IPE series)
- Non-alloy steel I-sections ≥ 80mm height
- Hot-extruded I-profiles for structural use
- 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. The most common error is misclassifying I-beams as H-beams (7216.33). The distinction lies in the flange width and slope. Another common mistake involves height; I-sections smaller than 80 mm fall under 7216.10. If the I-beam is made of stainless steel, it is classified under 7222.40. Furthermore, if the beam is part of a pre-fabricated bridge or building kit, it may be classified under heading 7308.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721632 (the code used for steel I-beams), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721632 (the code used for steel I-beams) 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 I-beams.
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 I-beams
Brazil classifies steel I-beams 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 I-beams
What is the HS code for Steel I-beams?
The HS code for Steel I-beams 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-beams with a height of 80 mm or more is 7216.32.
How do I classify Steel I-beams for customs?
Steel I-beams 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.
Can cold-rolled I-beams use this HS code?
No, HS code 7216.32 is strictly for hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded sections. Cold-formed I-sections are classified under subheadings 7216.61 or 7216.69.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel I-beams (HS 721632)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721632 (the code used for steel I-beams) 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 I-beams (HS 721632)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721632 (the code used for steel I-beams) 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 I-beams the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721632 for Steel I-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 I-beams in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel I-beams (HS 721632) is classified under NCM 7216.32.00.