Product classification
HS code for Steel U-beams: 7216.31
Iron or non-alloy steel, U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Classification of steel U-beams under HS 7216.31
Steel U-beams, commonly referred to as channels, are classified under HS code 7216.31 when they are made of iron or non-alloy steel and have a height of 80 mm or more. These sections are produced through hot-rolling, hot-drawing, or extrusion. A U-section is defined by a central web with two flanges extending from the same side, creating a 'U' or 'C' shape. The height is measured as the external distance between the two flanges. This classification follows GRI 1 and 6, ensuring the product meets the material requirements of non-alloy steel and the dimensional requirements of the subheading. The 80 mm height threshold is a standard distinction in the Harmonized System for structural steel. These channels are widely used in the automotive industry for truck frames, in construction for wall supports, and in general engineering. The classification requires that the product has not been cold-formed; cold-rolled channels are classified under different subheadings within 7216. Additionally, the steel must not be alloyed; for example, the addition of boron or high levels of manganese would shift the classification to heading 7228. Accurate classification is vital for determining applicable anti-dumping duties which often target specific structural shapes.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled U-channels (UPN series)
- Parallel Flange Channels (PFC) ≥ 80mm
- Non-alloy steel U-sections ≥ 80mm height
- Hot-extruded steel channels for structural use
- Also under 7216.31
- Bridge components
- building frames
- truck chassis
- railway car frames
- heavy machinery bases
- industrial platforms.
Codes often confused with 7216.31
Common mistake. U-beams are often confused with U-sections that have a height of less than 80 mm, which are classified under 7216.10. They may also be confused with I-beams (7216.32) if the profile is not clearly inspected. If the channel is made of alloy steel, it falls under 7228.70. Furthermore, if the U-beam is part of a sheet piling assembly, it might be classified under heading 7301.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721631 (the code used for steel U-beams), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721631 (the code used for steel U-beams) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 5.8% 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 721631, not only steel U-beams.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $298M 20% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $231M 15% of world exports
- 3 Spain $160M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$91M 5.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Malaysia $80M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 France $61M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 U-beams
Brazil classifies steel U-beams under NCM 7216.31.00: HS 7216.31 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 U-beams
What is the HS code for Steel U-beams?
The HS code for Steel U-beams is 721631 (Iron or non-alloy steel; U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more). The HS code for hot-rolled iron or non-alloy steel U-sections (channels) with a height of 80 mm or more is 7216.31.
How do I classify Steel U-beams for customs?
Steel U-beams is classified under HS code 721631 — Iron or non-alloy steel; U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are C-channels classified under the same HS code?
Yes, standard hot-rolled C-channels are technically U-sections in the Harmonized System and are classified under 7216.31 if they meet the height and material criteria.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel U-beams (HS 721631)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721631 (the code used for steel U-beams) in UN Comtrade data were China ($298M, 20% of world exports), Türkiye ($231M) and Spain ($160M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 U-beams (HS 721631)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721631 (the code used for steel U-beams) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $91M, 5.8% of world imports), Malaysia ($80M) and France ($61M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 U-beams the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721631 for Steel U-beams 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 U-beams in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel U-beams (HS 721631) is classified under NCM 7216.31.00.