Product classification
HS code for Steel wool: 7323.10
Iron or steel, wool, pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like.
Classification of steel wool under HS 7323.10
Steel wool is classified under HS code 7323.10, a category that also encompasses pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads. This classification is determined by the product's end-use in cleaning and surface finishing. Steel wool is manufactured by a process of "shaving" low-carbon steel wire with specialized serrated blades to produce fine, sharp-edged metal ribbons. These ribbons are then gathered into a mass or formed into pads. Because these items are primarily used for household cleaning or industrial polishing, they are grouped under heading 7323, which covers household articles of iron or steel. The classification is distinct from other abrasive products because the abrasive element is the metal itself, rather than a mineral coating applied to a backing. The code 7323.10 is specifically for the "wool" and "scourers" part of the heading, separating it from table and kitchenware like pots and pans. This material is graded by the thickness of the strands, ranging from coarse to super-fine (0000), but all grades fall under this same HS code. It is also used in automotive and woodworking industries for surface preparation, yet it remains under the household articles heading due to its primary historical and commercial nature.
- Covers
- Steel wool pads and rolls
- Metal pot scourers for kitchen use
- Steel wire sponges
- Metal polishing gloves (iron or steel)
- Iron wool for industrial surface finishing
- Also under 7323.10
Brillo Pads, S.O.S. Pads, Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scourers, Chore Boy Scrubber, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (some variants)
Codes often confused with 7323.10
Common mistake. Sometimes confused with 6805, which covers natural or artificial abrasive powder or grain on a base of textile material or paper (sandpaper). It is also distinct from 7323.93, which covers finished stainless steel kitchenware. If the scourer is made of plastic or synthetic fibers, it falls under Chapter 39 or 63 depending on the construction.
Top exporters and importers of HS 732310 (the code used for steel wool), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 732310 (the code used for steel wool) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 16% 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 732310, not only steel wool.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $179M 64% of world exports
- 2 Germany $11M 3.8% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $8.9M 3.2% of world exports
World total: $281M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $44M 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $25M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $9.9M 3.5% of world imports
World total: $283M 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 wool
Brazil classifies steel wool under NCM 7323.10.00: HS 7323.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about steel wool
What is the HS code for Steel wool?
The HS code for Steel wool is 732310 (Iron or steel; wool, pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like). Steel wool and metal pot scourers are classified under HS code 7323.10.
How do I classify Steel wool for customs?
Steel wool is classified under HS code 732310 — Iron or steel; wool, pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can steel wool be used for industrial polishing?
Yes, but regardless of whether it is used for industrial or household purposes, the material remains classified under 7323.10 based on its physical characteristics.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel wool (HS 732310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 732310 (the code used for steel wool) in UN Comtrade data were China ($179M, 64% of world exports), Germany ($11M) and the Netherlands ($8.9M). World exports came to about $281M, 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 wool (HS 732310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 732310 (the code used for steel wool) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($44M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($25M) and Germany ($9.9M). World imports came to about $283M, 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 wool the same in all countries?
The base HS code 732310 for Steel wool 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 wool in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel wool (HS 732310) is classified under NCM 7323.10.00.