Product classification
HS code for Steel washers: 7318.22
Iron or steel, non-threaded washers, excluding spring and lock.
Classification of steel washers under HS 7318.22
Non-threaded steel washers are classified under HS code 7318.22. This classification is part of the broader heading 7318, which covers a wide range of fasteners and hardware made of iron or steel. Subheading 7318.22 is specifically reserved for plain or flat washers that do not possess a locking or spring mechanism. The classification is determined by the physical form—typically a thin plate with a central hole—and the lack of threads. These components are essential in mechanical assemblies to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or nut, and to prevent damage to the surface being fastened. The material must be iron or steel; washers made of other metals like copper or aluminum, or those made of plastics, would be classified in their respective material chapters. The 7318 heading distinguishes between threaded articles (like screws and bolts) and non-threaded articles (like rivets, cotters, and washers).
- Covers
- Flat steel washers
- Fender washers
- Structural steel washers (non-locking)
- Steel shim washers
- Plain circular steel washers
- Also under 7318.22
- Fastenal flat washers
- Würth plain washers
- Böllhoff structural washers
- ITW Buildex fender washers
Codes often confused with 7318.22
Common mistake. Steel washers are most commonly misclassified under HS code 7318.21, which is specifically for spring washers and other lock washers. It is vital to distinguish between a plain flat washer and one designed with a tension or locking feature. They are also sometimes confused with 7318.15 if they are imported as part of a bolt and nut assembly, though they should generally be classified separately unless they form a single inseparable unit. Washers made of stainless steel are still under 7318.22, but washers of other base metals move to headings like 7415 (copper).
Top exporters and importers of HS 731822 (the code used for steel washers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731822 (the code used for steel washers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% 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 731822, not only steel washers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $616M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $336M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $328M 13% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $284M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $256M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $223M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $2.8B 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 code for steel washers
Brazil classifies steel washers under NCM 7318.22.00: HS 7318.22 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 washers
What is the HS code for Steel washers?
The HS code for Steel washers is 731822 (Iron or steel; non-threaded washers, excluding spring and lock). The HS code for plain, non-threaded steel washers (excluding spring or lock types) is 7318.22.
How do I classify Steel washers for customs?
Steel washers is classified under HS code 731822 — Iron or steel; non-threaded washers, excluding spring and lock. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are lock washers included in this HS code?
No, lock washers and spring washers are classified under HS code 7318.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel washers (HS 731822)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731822 (the code used for steel washers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($616M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($336M) and Germany ($328M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 washers (HS 731822)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731822 (the code used for steel washers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($284M, 10% of world imports), China ($256M) and Germany ($223M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 washers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731822 for Steel washers 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 washers in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel washers (HS 731822) is classified under NCM 7318.22.00.