Product classification
HS code for Tinplate scrap: 7204.30
Ferrous waste and scrap, of tinned iron or steel.
Classification of tinplate scrap under HS 7204.30
HS code 7204.30 is designated for ferrous waste and scrap specifically derived from tinned iron or steel, commonly known as tinplate scrap. This classification is part of the broader category for ferrous waste (7204) but is isolated based on the presence of a tin coating. The material must be in a state that is no longer usable for its original purpose and is intended for recovery of metal or for use as a raw material in steelmaking or detinning processes. It includes both industrial waste from the manufacturing of tinplate products and post-consumer scrap. The distinction is vital because the presence of tin requires specific metallurgical handling during recycling compared to standard carbon steel scrap.
- Covers
- Tinplate offcuts from can manufacturing
- Discarded tin-plated food containers
- Shredded tinplate waste
- Bundled tin-coated steel scrap
- Rejected tinplate sheets intended for remelting
- Also under 7204.30
- Used beverage cans (UBCs) made of steel
- Food can scrap
- Aerosol can scrap
- Tinplate offcuts from can manufacturing
Codes often confused with 7204.30
Common mistake. Tinplate scrap is often misclassified under HS code 7204.41 (turnings, shavings, chips) or 7204.49 (other ferrous scrap). While those codes cover general steel scrap, 7204.30 is the specific provision for tinned materials. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 8002.00, which is for tin waste and scrap; however, 8002.00 applies to pure tin or tin alloys, not tin-coated steel.
Top exporters and importers of HS 720430 (the code used for tinplate scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 720430 (the code used for tinplate scrap) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 12% 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 720430, not only tinplate scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $86M 11% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $70M 9.0% of world exports
- 3 France $69M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $779M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $59M 12% of world imports
- 2 Spain $58M 12% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $57M 12% of world imports
World total: $487M 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 tinplate scrap
Brazil classifies tinplate scrap under NCM 7204.30.00: HS 7204.30 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 tinplate scrap
What is the HS code for Tinplate scrap?
The HS code for Tinplate scrap is 720430 (Ferrous waste and scrap; of tinned iron or steel). The specific HS code for waste and scrap of tinned iron or steel is 7204.30.
How do I classify Tinplate scrap for customs?
Tinplate scrap is classified under HS code 720430 — Ferrous waste and scrap; of tinned iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can used food cans be classified here?
Yes, used and empty tin-plated steel cans are classified under 7204.30 when traded as scrap for recycling purposes.
Which countries are the top exporters of tinplate scrap (HS 720430)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 720430 (the code used for tinplate scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($86M, 11% of world exports), the Netherlands ($70M) and France ($69M). World exports came to about $779M, 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 tinplate scrap (HS 720430)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 720430 (the code used for tinplate scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($59M, 12% of world imports), Spain ($58M) and Belgium ($57M). World imports came to about $487M, 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 Tinplate scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 720430 for Tinplate scrap 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 tinplate scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, tinplate scrap (HS 720430) is classified under NCM 7204.30.00.