Product classification
HS code for Steel tanks: 7309.00
Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated.
Classification of steel tanks under HS 7309.00
Steel tanks with a capacity exceeding 300 liters are classified under HS code 7309.00. This heading includes reservoirs, tanks, vats, and similar containers for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), made of iron or steel. A critical requirement for this classification is that the capacity must exceed 300 liters. These containers may be lined or heat-insulated, but they must not be fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment like agitators or heating coils (which would move the classification to Chapter 84). The classification is straightforward based on volume and material, provided the container is intended for static storage or transport of liquids or solids rather than pressurized gases. The heading covers both large industrial vats and smaller commercial tanks, provided they meet the minimum volume threshold. If the tank is designed for transport and has specific fittings for carriage by different modes of transport, it might be classified under 8609, but standard storage tanks remain in 7309.00.
- Covers
- Water storage tanks (>300L)
- Chemical storage vats
- Oil reservoirs (static)
- Lined steel vats
- Grain silos (steel)
- Also under 7309.00
- CST Industries storage tanks
- ZCL Composites (now Shawcor) tanks
- McDermott International process vessels
- Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I) tanks
Codes often confused with 7309.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 7310, which covers steel tanks and cans with a capacity not exceeding 300 liters. The 300-liter mark is a strict boundary. Additionally, tanks designed for compressed or liquefied gas are excluded from 7309.00 and must be classified under HS code 7311.00, regardless of their capacity. Finally, if a tank has a built-in heater or mixer, it is classified as machinery under heading 8419 or 8479.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730900 (the code used for steel tanks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730900 (the code used for steel tanks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.9% 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 730900, not only steel tanks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $360M 7.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $335M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $479M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $311M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $247M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 tanks
Brazil splits HS 7309.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7309.00.10Containers for grain or other solids, over 300 l
- 7309.00.20Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, over 300 l
- 7309.00.90Other iron or steel tanks and vats, over 300 l
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 tanks
What is the HS code for Steel tanks?
The HS code for Steel tanks is 730900 (Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers; for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated). The HS code for steel tanks with a capacity greater than 300 liters is 7309.00.
How do I classify Steel tanks for customs?
Steel tanks is classified under HS code 730900 — Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers; for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for gas cylinders?
No, gas cylinders and containers for compressed or liquefied gas are classified under HS code 7311.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel tanks (HS 730900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730900 (the code used for steel tanks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 20% of world exports), Italy ($360M) and Germany ($335M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 tanks (HS 730900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730900 (the code used for steel tanks) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($479M, 9.9% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($311M) and Germany ($247M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 tanks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730900 for Steel tanks 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 tanks in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 730900 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for steel tanks depends on the product's details: 7309.00.10 (Containers for grain or other solids, over 300 l), 7309.00.20 (Liquid nitrogen cryo-containers, over 300 l), 7309.00.90 (Other iron or steel tanks and vats, over 300 l).