Product classification
HS code for Steel L-sections: 7216.40
Iron or non-alloy steel, L or T sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Classification of steel L-sections under HS 7216.40
HS code 7216.40 is the designated classification for L-sections (commonly known as angles) and T-sections made of iron or non-alloy steel, provided they are hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded and have a height of 80 mm or more. For L-sections, the height is determined by the length of the longest leg. These products are essential structural elements used in everything from transmission towers to ship building. The classification is based on the cross-sectional shape and the material composition. As per the Harmonized System, the steel must be non-alloy, meaning it lacks significant additions of elements like manganese (above 1.65%) or silicon (above 0.6%). The manufacturing process is equally important; the sections must be produced via hot-working. If the L-section is cold-formed from a flat-rolled product, it is excluded from this subheading. This code also encompasses both equal-leg angles and unequal-leg angles, as long as the primary dimension meets the 80 mm threshold. Documentation such as a mill test report is usually required to prove that the product has not been further worked, as drilling, welding, or coating can sometimes lead to classification under Chapter 73.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled equal angle steel ≥ 80mm
- Hot-rolled unequal angle steel ≥ 80mm
- Large T-sections ≥ 80mm height
- Non-alloy steel L-profiles for structural framing
- Also under 7216.40
- Structural bracing in bridges
- heavy equipment frames
- large industrial shelving
- support structures for power plants
- shipbuilding components
- railway track components.
Codes often confused with 7216.40
Common mistake. L-sections are often misclassified under 7216.21 if the height is less than 80 mm. T-sections of less than 80 mm are also excluded, falling under 7216.22. If the angle is made of alloy steel, it is classified under 7228.70. Additionally, L-sections that have been galvanized or painted are still classified here, but if they are fabricated into specific parts, they may move to 7308.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721640 (the code used for steel L-sections), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721640 (the code used for steel L-sections) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 721640, not only steel L-sections.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $356M 31% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $138M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $125M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $99M 11% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $93M 10% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $50M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $927M 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 L-sections
Brazil splits HS 7216.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7216.40.10L or T sections, hot-rolled, 80-200 mm high
- 7216.40.90L or T sections, hot-rolled, over 200 mm high
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 L-sections
What is the HS code for Steel L-sections?
The HS code for Steel L-sections is 721640 (Iron or non-alloy steel; L or T sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more). Steel L-sections (angles) made of non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, with a height of 80 mm or more, are classified under HS code 7216.40.
How do I classify Steel L-sections for customs?
Steel L-sections is classified under HS code 721640 — Iron or non-alloy steel; L or T sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include both equal and unequal angles?
Yes, both equal and unequal L-sections are included under 7216.40 as long as the height of the longest leg is at least 80 mm.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel L-sections (HS 721640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721640 (the code used for steel L-sections) in UN Comtrade data were China ($356M, 31% of world exports), Türkiye ($138M) and Italy ($125M). 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 L-sections (HS 721640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721640 (the code used for steel L-sections) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($99M, 11% of world imports), South Korea ($93M) and Saudi Arabia ($50M). World imports came to about $927M, 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 L-sections the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721640 for Steel L-sections 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 L-sections in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721640 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel L-sections depends on the product's details: 7216.40.10 (L or T sections, hot-rolled, 80-200 mm high), 7216.40.90 (L or T sections, hot-rolled, over 200 mm high).