Product classification
HS code for Steel towers: 7308.20
Iron or steel, structures and parts thereof, towers and lattice masts.
Classification of steel towers under HS 7308.20
Steel towers are classified under HS code 7308.20 as they are considered structures of iron or steel. Heading 7308 encompasses structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading 9406) and parts of structures, such as bridges, lock-gates, towers, and lattice masts. The classification is based on the fact that these items are prepared for use in structures; they are often drilled, bent, or notched to facilitate assembly. Subheading 7308.20 specifically identifies towers and lattice masts. This includes structures designed for telecommunications, electrical transmission lines, or observation. The classification remains in 7308.20 even if the towers are presented unassembled, provided they have the essential character of a tower. This follows GRI 2(a), which allows for the classification of incomplete or unassembled articles as the finished product if they possess the essential characteristics of that product.
- Covers
- Lattice masts for wireless communication
- Steel transmission towers for high-voltage power lines
- Radio and television broadcasting towers
- Observation towers made of structural steel
- Lighting towers for stadiums or industrial sites
- Also under 7308.20
- Valmont Industries towers
- American Tower Corporation (as a user/installer of such structures)
- China Tower Corporation (user/installer)
- Siemens Gamesa wind turbine towers (steel components)
Codes often confused with 7308.20
Common mistake. Steel towers are often misclassified under 8517.70 as parts for telecommunication apparatus. While the tower supports the antennas, the tower itself is a structural element of steel, not an electronic component. Another common error is using 7308.90, which is a residual category for \"other\" structures. Since 7308.20 specifically names towers and lattice masts, it takes precedence over the general category of 7308.90. Additionally, if the tower is part of a wind turbine, it might be confused with 8502.31, but the tower is generally classified separately as a structure unless it is imported as part of a complete turbine system.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730820 (the code used for steel towers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730820 (the code used for steel towers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 730820, not only steel towers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $901M 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $578M 12% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $541M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.2B 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $602M 10% of world imports
- 3 Poland $450M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $5.7B 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 towers
Brazil classifies steel towers under NCM 7308.20.00: HS 7308.20 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 towers
What is the HS code for Steel towers?
The HS code for Steel towers is 730820 (Iron or steel; structures and parts thereof, towers and lattice masts). The HS code for towers and lattice masts made of iron or steel is 7308.20.
How do I classify Steel towers for customs?
Steel towers is classified under HS code 730820 — Iron or steel; structures and parts thereof, towers and lattice masts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are mobile phone towers included in this code?
Yes, the structural steel components that form the lattice or tower for mobile phone base stations are classified under 7308.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel towers (HS 730820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730820 (the code used for steel towers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($901M, 19% of world exports), Germany ($578M) and Türkiye ($541M). World exports came to about $4.7B, 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 towers (HS 730820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730820 (the code used for steel towers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 21% of world imports), Germany ($602M) and Poland ($450M). World imports came to about $5.7B, 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 towers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730820 for Steel towers 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 towers in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel towers (HS 730820) is classified under NCM 7308.20.00.