Product classification
HS code for Steel strip: 7211.90
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, n.e.c. in heading no. 7211, width less than 600mm.
Classification of steel strip under HS 7211.90
Steel strip is classified under HS code 7211.90 because it represents flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel with a width of less than 600 mm. This specific subheading is a residual category (n.e.c.) for products that are not further worked than hot-rolled or cold-rolled but do not fit into the more specific descriptions provided in the preceding subheadings of 7211. The classification depends heavily on the dimensional attributes, specifically the width, and the metallurgical composition, ensuring the steel is not alloyed. For customs purposes, the distinction between sheet and strip is primarily defined by this 600 mm threshold. According to the Chapter 72 notes, flat-rolled products are those having a rectangular cross-section and not conforming to the definition of bars or rods. If the product has been further worked beyond simple rolling—such as being perforated or corrugated—it might still fall here unless those modifications push it into a different chapter entirely. The material must not be clad, plated, or coated with metal to remain under 7211; otherwise, it would move to heading 7212. Furthermore, the steel must contain by weight less than 0.25% of carbon and meet other chemical limits to be considered non-alloy. This classification is vital for determining applicable tariffs and trade remedies like anti-dumping duties which often target specific widths of steel products.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled steel strip less than 600mm wide
- Cold-rolled steel strip not further worked
- Slit coils of non-alloy steel
- Steel hoop and banding
- Narrow steel flats in coils
- Also under 7211.90
- Custom-rolled steel for specific machinery
- prototype steel components
- specialized architectural steel elements
- niche industrial tooling blanks
- bespoke automotive prototypes.
Codes often confused with 7211.90
Common mistake. Steel strip is frequently confused with HS code 7208, which covers flat-rolled products with a width of 600 mm or more. Another common error is using 7212, which is reserved for steel strip that has been clad, plated, or coated with metal (such as zinc or tin). If the strip is made of alloy steel, it must be classified under 7226 instead of 7211. Importers often fail to distinguish between hot-rolled and cold-rolled variants, which can lead to errors in the 4-digit subheading level.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721190 (the code used for steel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721190 (the code used for steel strip) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 19% 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 721190, not only steel strip.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $70M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $70M 22% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $28M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $319M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $88M 19% of world imports
- 2 Czechia $30M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Poland $30M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $457M 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 strip
Brazil splits HS 7211.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7211.90.10Other narrow flat steel, 0.6% carbon or more
- 7211.90.90Other narrow flat non-alloy steel, uncoated
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 strip
What is the HS code for Steel strip?
The HS code for Steel strip is 721190 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, n.e.c. in heading no. 7211, width less than 600mm). The HS code for iron or non-alloy steel strip, flat-rolled and less than 600mm wide, not elsewhere specified, is 7211.90.
How do I classify Steel strip for customs?
Steel strip is classified under HS code 721190 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, n.e.c. in heading no. 7211, width less than 600mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does width affect the classification of steel strip?
Width is the primary factor; products 600mm or wider are classified under 7208 or 7209, while those under 600mm fall under 7211.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel strip (HS 721190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721190 (the code used for steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were China ($70M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($70M) and Czechia ($28M). World exports came to about $319M, 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 strip (HS 721190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721190 (the code used for steel strip) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($88M, 19% of world imports), Czechia ($30M) and Poland ($30M). World imports came to about $457M, 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 strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721190 for Steel strip 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 strip in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721190 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel strip depends on the product's details: 7211.90.10 (Other narrow flat steel, 0.6% carbon or more), 7211.90.90 (Other narrow flat non-alloy steel, uncoated).