Product classification
HS code for Tinplate strip: 7212.10
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with tin.
Classification of tinplate strip under HS 7212.10
Tinplate strip is classified under HS code 7212.10. This code is specific to flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, clad, plated, or coated. The sub-classification 7212.10 specifically identifies products plated or coated with tin. Classification in this category requires the base metal to be iron or non-alloy steel as defined in the Chapter 72 notes. The width is the primary factor distinguishing it from heading 7210, which covers similar products with a width of 600 mm or more. The coating process, whether electrolytic or hot-dipped, results in 'tinplate,' a material widely used in the packaging industry for its corrosion resistance. The term 'strip' usually refers to these narrower widths, often produced by slitting wider coils or by direct rolling.
- Covers
- Electrolytic tinplate strips
- Hot-dipped tin-coated steel strips
- Lacquered tinplate strips (if the tin coating is the primary protection)
- Narrow coils of tin-plated non-alloy steel
- 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. Tinplate strip is frequently misclassified under HS code 7210.12. The distinction lies entirely in the width of the material; 7210 is for products 600 mm or wider, while 7212 is for products narrower than 600 mm. Another common error is classification under 7212.20, which is for steel strips plated or coated with zinc (galvanized). Importers must verify the chemical composition of the coating to ensure it is tin (Sn) and not zinc (Zn) or chrome (TFS - Tin Free Steel, which falls under 7212.50).
Top exporters and importers of HS 721210 (the code used for tinplate strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721210 (the code used for tinplate strip) 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 tinplate strip.
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 tinplate strip
Brazil classifies tinplate strip 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 tinplate strip
What is the HS code for Tinplate strip?
The HS code for Tinplate strip is 721210 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with tin). The HS code for tinplate strip (iron or steel, width under 600mm, tin-coated) is 7212.10.
How do I classify Tinplate strip for customs?
Tinplate strip 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 if the strip is made of stainless steel?
If the base metal is stainless steel, it would be classified under heading 7220, as Chapter 72 distinguishes between non-alloy steel, stainless steel, and other alloy steels.
Which countries are the top exporters of tinplate strip (HS 721210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721210 (the code used for tinplate strip) 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 tinplate strip (HS 721210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721210 (the code used for tinplate strip) 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 Tinplate strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721210 for Tinplate strip 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 strip in Brazil?
In Brazil, tinplate strip (HS 721210) is classified under NCM 7212.10.00.