Product classification
HS code for Terne plate: 7210.20
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate.
Classification of terne plate under HS 7210.20
Terne plate is classified under HS code 7210.20. This classification is found in Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel. Heading 7210 applies to flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, with a width of 600 mm or more, that have been plated or coated. Subheading 7210.20 specifically covers products plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate. Terne-plate is a traditional term for sheet steel coated with a lead-tin alloy, valued for its corrosion resistance and solderability. The classification is strictly defined by the coating material (lead/lead-tin) and the width of the steel (600 mm or more). If the width were less than 600 mm, the product would likely be classified under heading 7212. The base metal must be iron or non-alloy steel; if the base metal is stainless steel or another alloy steel, the classification would shift to Chapter 7219 or 7225 respectively.
- Covers
- Lead-tin alloy coated steel sheets (Terne-plate)
- Lead-coated flat-rolled steel over 600mm wide
- Terne-coated roofing steel in wide coils
- Lead-coated steel for automotive fuel tanks
- Also under 7210.20
- Tata Steel terne-plate
- ArcelorMittal lead-coated steel
- Nippon Steel terne sheets
- POSCO lead-plated steel
Codes often confused with 7210.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for terne plate is 7210.49, which covers steel 'otherwise plated or coated with zinc.' Because galvanized (zinc-coated) steel is much more common, it is often the default choice for customs brokers, but lead-coated products must be separated into 7210.20. Additionally, if the steel is less than 600 mm wide, it must be classified under 7212.20. Importers must also ensure the product is not 'tinplate' (coated with pure tin), which is classified under 7210.11 or 7210.12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721020 (the code used for terne plate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721020 (the code used for terne plate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 70% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 721020, not only terne plate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.1M 42% of world exports
- 2 United States $2.8M 29% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $329K 3.4% of world exports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $9.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $94M 70% of world imports
- 2 Spain $22M 16% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $2.7M 2.0% of world imports
World total: $134M 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 terne plate
Brazil classifies terne plate under NCM 7210.20.00: HS 7210.20 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 terne plate
What is the HS code for Terne plate?
The HS code for Terne plate is 721020 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate). Terne plate with a width of 600 mm or more is classified under HS code 7210.20.
How do I classify Terne plate for customs?
Terne plate is classified under HS code 721020 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with lead, including terne-plate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between tinplate and terne plate in HS codes?
Tinplate is coated with pure tin and falls under 7210.11/12, while terne plate is coated with a lead-tin alloy and falls under 7210.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of terne plate (HS 721020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721020 (the code used for terne plate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.1M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($2.8M) and Türkiye ($329K). World exports came to about $9.6M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of terne plate (HS 721020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721020 (the code used for terne plate) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($94M, 70% of world imports), Spain ($22M) and Indonesia ($2.7M). World imports came to about $134M, 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 Terne plate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721020 for Terne plate 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 terne plate in Brazil?
In Brazil, terne plate (HS 721020) is classified under NCM 7210.20.00.