Product classification
HS code for Steel structures: 7308.90
Iron or steel, structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308.
Classification of steel structures under HS 7308.90
Steel structures and their parts are classified under HS code 7308.90. Heading 7308 covers structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading 94.06) and parts of structures, such as bridges, lock-gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors, windows and their frames, and thresholds for doors, shutters, balustrades, pillars, and columns. Subheading 7308.90 is the "other" category for structural components that are not specifically listed in the preceding subheadings like bridges (7308.10) or towers (7308.20). These items are usually prepared for use in structures, meaning they have been drilled, bent, notched, or otherwise further worked to facilitate assembly. The classification is based on the fact that these are finished or semi-finished components designed to form a permanent installation. Even if the parts are shipped unassembled, they are classified here as long as they have the essential character of a structure or part of a structure. This heading is distinct from general steel plates or beams (Chapter 72) which have not been worked for structural use.
- Covers
- Steel roofing frameworks
- Steel pillars and columns
- Balustrades and railings
- Perforated steel platforms
- Adjustable shoring equipment
- Also under 7308.90
- ArcelorMittal structural steel
- Nucor structural steel
- Tata Steel structural sections
- BlueScope Steel building components
Codes often confused with 7308.90
Common mistake. Steel structures are often confused with HS code 9406.90, which covers prefabricated buildings. The distinction is that 9406 applies to complete or incomplete buildings presented as a single unit (like a shed or modular office), whereas 7308.90 applies to the structural components themselves. Another common error is using Chapter 72 codes for steel beams; if the beam is drilled or prepared for a specific structure, it must move from Chapter 72 to 7308.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730890 (the code used for steel structures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730890 (the code used for steel structures) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 730890, not only steel structures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $20.8B 35% of world exports
- 2 Poland $3.9B 6.6% of world exports
- 3 Germany $3.5B 6.0% of world exports
World total: $59.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $5.3B 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.7B 7.3% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $2.0B 3.8% of world imports
World total: $51.1B 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 structures
Brazil splits HS 7308.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7308.90.10Plates, bars, sections and tubes for structures
- 7308.90.90Other iron or steel structures and parts
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 structures
What is the HS code for Steel structures?
The HS code for Steel structures is 730890 (Iron or steel; structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308). The HS code for steel structures and parts thereof (not elsewhere specified) is 7308.90.
How do I classify Steel structures for customs?
Steel structures is classified under HS code 730890 — Iron or steel; structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include steel bridges?
No, steel bridges and bridge sections have their own specific subheading, which is HS code 7308.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel structures (HS 730890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730890 (the code used for steel structures) in UN Comtrade data were China ($20.8B, 35% of world exports), Poland ($3.9B) and Germany ($3.5B). World exports came to about $59.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of steel structures (HS 730890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730890 (the code used for steel structures) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.3B, 10% of world imports), Germany ($3.7B) and the United Kingdom ($2.0B). World imports came to about $51.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Steel structures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730890 for Steel structures 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 structures in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 730890 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel structures depends on the product's details: 7308.90.10 (Plates, bars, sections and tubes for structures), 7308.90.90 (Other iron or steel structures and parts).