Product classification
HS code for Tin-plated steel: 7212.10
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with tin.
Classification of tin-plated steel under HS 7212.10
Tin-plated steel, often called tinplate, is classified under HS code 7212.10 when it is presented in a width of less than 600 mm. This material is a flat-rolled product of iron or non-alloy steel that has been coated with a thin layer of tin, typically through an electrolytic deposition process. The tin coating serves a dual purpose: it protects the underlying steel from oxidation and provides a non-toxic surface suitable for contact with food and beverages. The classification under 7212.10 is distinguished from 7210.11 or 7210.12 based solely on the width of the product. While wider coils are classified under 7210, narrower strips or ribbons fall under 7212. This distinction is critical for tariff application, as different widths may be subject to different trade regulations or duties depending on the country of import. The material must be non-alloy steel to remain in this heading; otherwise, it would move to the alloy steel sections of Chapter 72.
- Covers
- Narrow tinplate strips (less than 600mm wide)
- Tin-plated steel ribbons for specialized packaging
- Electrolytic tinplate in narrow coils
- Narrow flat-rolled steel coated with tin for industrial components
- Also under 7212.10
- ArcelorMittal tinplate
- JFE Steel tin mill products
- ThyssenKrupp Rasselstein tinplate
- U.S. Steel tin-coated strips
- POSCO tinplate.
Codes often confused with 7212.10
Common mistake. The most frequent error is classifying narrow tinplate under 7210.11 or 7210.12. Those codes are reserved for products with a width of 600 mm or more. Another common mistake is misclassifying the product as pure tin under 8001.00. Because the core material is iron or steel, the product must be classified in Chapter 72, regardless of the tin coating on the surface.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721210 (the code used for tin-plated steel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721210 (the code used for tin-plated steel) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 27% 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 721210, not only tin-plated steel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $27M 29% of world exports
- 2 China $15M 16% of world exports
- 3 Italy $11M 12% of world exports
World total: $93M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $59M 27% of world imports
- 2 Italy $18M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $13M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $222M 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 tin-plated steel
Brazil classifies tin-plated steel under NCM 7212.10.00: HS 7212.10 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 tin-plated steel
What is the HS code for Tin-plated steel?
The HS code for Tin-plated steel is 721210 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with tin). For widths less than 600 mm, the HS code for tin-plated steel is 7212.10.
How do I classify Tin-plated steel for customs?
Tin-plated steel is classified under HS code 721210 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with tin. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 7210.12 and 7212.10?
The difference is the width of the steel. 7210.12 is for steel 600 mm or wider, while 7212.10 is for steel less than 600 mm wide.
Which countries are the top exporters of tin-plated steel (HS 721210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721210 (the code used for tin-plated steel) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($27M, 29% of world exports), China ($15M) and Italy ($11M). World exports came to about $93M, 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 tin-plated steel (HS 721210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721210 (the code used for tin-plated steel) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($59M, 27% of world imports), Italy ($18M) and Germany ($13M). World imports came to about $222M, 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 Tin-plated steel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721210 for Tin-plated steel 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 tin-plated steel in Brazil?
In Brazil, tin-plated steel (HS 721210) is classified under NCM 7212.10.00.