Product classification
HS code for Steel sections: 7216.99
Iron or non-alloy steel, angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216.
Classification of steel sections under HS 7216.99
Steel sections are classified under HS code 7216.99. This code falls within Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel in primary forms or basic shapes. Heading 7216 is specifically dedicated to angles, shapes, and sections of iron or non-alloy steel. The subheading 7216.99 is a residual category for sections that are not elsewhere specified. This typically includes sections that have been cold-formed or cold-finished from flat-rolled products, or those that have undergone further working such as drilling, punching, or twisting, provided they have not yet attained the character of an article or a part of a structure. The classification process involves determining the manufacturing method (hot-rolled vs. cold-formed) and the dimensions. While hot-rolled sections are covered in subheadings 7216.10 through 7216.50, those that are cold-formed or further worked fall into the 7216.61 to 7216.99 range. 7216.99 is used when the specific shape or finish does not fit into the more defined subcategories.
- Covers
- Cold-formed steel sections and profiles
- Perforated steel angles and shapes
- Non-standard industrial steel profiles
- Sections worked beyond simple hot-rolling but not fabricated
- Twisted or corrugated steel sections
- Also under 7216.99
- Custom-fabricated steel sections for unique building designs
- Specialized profiles for railway infrastructure
- Bespoke shapes for heavy machinery
- Custom sections for marine applications
- Tailored profiles for renewable energy structures
Codes often confused with 7216.99
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs between 7216.99 and 7308.90. Heading 7308 is for "structures and parts of structures." If a section has been fabricated (e.g., welded into a specific frame or fitted with connection plates), it moves from Chapter 72 to Chapter 73. Another error is confusing cold-formed sections with hot-rolled ones (7216.10-7216.50). Hot-rolled sections are generally simpler in profile and have different metallurgical properties. Finally, if the section is made of stainless steel, it must be classified under heading 7222.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721699 (the code used for steel sections), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721699 (the code used for steel sections) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 721699, not only steel sections.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $110M 34% of world exports
- 2 Canada $22M 6.8% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $20M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $322M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $183M 31% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $36M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 France $29M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $582M 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 sections
Brazil classifies steel sections under NCM 7216.99.00: HS 7216.99 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 sections
What is the HS code for Steel sections?
The HS code for Steel sections is 721699 (Iron or non-alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216). The HS code for cold-formed or further worked iron or non-alloy steel sections is 7216.99. Hot-rolled sections use different subheadings within the 7216 group.
How do I classify Steel sections for customs?
Steel sections is classified under HS code 721699 — Iron or non-alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 7216 and 7308?
Heading 7216 covers basic steel shapes and sections used as raw materials. Heading 7308 covers these same materials once they have been fabricated into specific parts for structures.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel sections (HS 721699)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721699 (the code used for steel sections) in UN Comtrade data were China ($110M, 34% of world exports), Canada ($22M) and Thailand ($20M). World exports came to about $322M, 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 sections (HS 721699)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721699 (the code used for steel sections) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($183M, 31% of world imports), Indonesia ($36M) and France ($29M). World imports came to about $582M, 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 sections the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721699 for Steel 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 sections in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel sections (HS 721699) is classified under NCM 7216.99.00.