Product classification
HS code for Steel wide flange beams: 7216.33
Iron or non-alloy steel, H sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Classification of steel wide flange beams under HS 7216.33
Steel wide flange beams are classified under HS code 7216.33 because they represent a specific category of H-sections made from iron or non-alloy steel. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on their material composition, cross-sectional shape, and dimensions. Heading 7216 is dedicated to angles, shapes, and sections of iron or non-alloy steel. Within this heading, the 7216.33 subheading specifically identifies H-sections that have been hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded, provided they have a height of 80 mm or more. These beams are characterized by their parallel flanges, which distinguish them from standard I-beams. The classification depends strictly on the manufacturing process—specifically that they have not been further worked than hot-rolling or extrusion—and their dimensions. If the beam is made of stainless steel or other alloy steel, it would move to different chapters such as 7222 or 7228. For standard carbon steel used in structural applications, 7216.33 is the definitive international code.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled H-beams
- Wide flange steel beams (W-shapes)
- Universal beams (UB)
- Hot-drawn H-sections over 80mm
- Extruded steel H-sections
- Also under 7216.33
- High-rise building columns
- heavy industrial facility frameworks
- bridge piers
- large warehouse supports
- offshore platform structures
- power plant frames.
Codes often confused with 7216.33
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these beams under HS code 7308.90. While 7308 covers steel structures, it is only applicable if the beams have been further worked, such as being drilled, notched, or painted for a specific project. Another common mistake is using 7216.10 for U-sections or 7216.32 for I-sections, which have different cross-sectional geometries. Additionally, if the beam is made of alloy steel, it must be classified under 7228.70 rather than 7216.33.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721633 (the code used for steel wide flange beams), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721633 (the code used for steel wide flange beams) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 8.1% 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 721633, not only steel wide flange beams.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.8B 31% of world exports
- 2 Luxembourg $753M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $598M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $446M 8.1% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $294M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $289M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 wide flange beams
Brazil classifies steel wide flange beams under NCM 7216.33.00: HS 7216.33 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 wide flange beams
What is the HS code for Steel wide flange beams?
The HS code for Steel wide flange beams is 721633 (Iron or non-alloy steel; H sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more). The HS code for steel wide flange beams (H-sections) of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled or extruded with a height of 80mm or more, is 7216.33.
How do I classify Steel wide flange beams for customs?
Steel wide flange beams is classified under HS code 721633 — Iron or non-alloy steel; H sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the height of the beam affect the HS code?
Yes, H-sections with a height of less than 80mm are classified under HS code 7216.10, whereas those 80mm or taller fall under 7216.33.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel wide flange beams (HS 721633)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721633 (the code used for steel wide flange beams) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 31% of world exports), Luxembourg ($753M) and Germany ($598M). World exports came to about $5.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of steel wide flange beams (HS 721633)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721633 (the code used for steel wide flange beams) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($446M, 8.1% of world imports), the Netherlands ($294M) and Germany ($289M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for Steel wide flange beams the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721633 for Steel wide flange 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 wide flange beams in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel wide flange beams (HS 721633) is classified under NCM 7216.33.00.