Product classification
HS code for Universal steel plate: 7211.13
Iron or non-alloy steel, flat-rolled, hot-rolled, rolled on four faces or in a closed box pass, of a width more than 150mm but less than 600mm, 4mm thick or more, not in coils, without patterns in relief.
Classification of universal steel plate under HS 7211.13
Universal steel plates are classified under HS code 7211.13. This classification is situated within Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel. Heading 7211 specifically addresses flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that have a width of less than 600 mm and are not clad, plated, or coated. Subheading 7211.13 is reserved for "universal plates." According to the Chapter 72 notes, universal plates are products of rectangular (other than square) cross-section, not in coils, hot-rolled on four faces in a closed box pass, of a width exceeding 150 mm but less than 600 mm and of a thickness of not less than 4 mm. The classification is highly specific to the manufacturing process (hot-rolled on four faces) and the dimensions. This process ensures that the edges are square and the dimensions are precise, distinguishing them from standard flat bars or wider steel plates. The material must be non-alloy steel to remain within this heading; the presence of alloying elements above specified limits would move the product to Heading 7225 or 7226.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled universal steel plates
- Four-face rolled non-alloy steel plates
- Closed-box pass rolled steel sections
- Rectangular steel plates 150mm-600mm wide
- Non-alloy steel plates 4mm or thicker
- Precision-edged hot-rolled flat steel
- Also under 7211.13
- ArcelorMittal hot-rolled flats
- Nippon Steel structural sections
- POSCO heavy gauge steel
- Tata Steel industrial bars
- SSAB hot-rolled plates
Codes often confused with 7211.13
Common mistake. Universal plates are often misclassified under HS code 7208, which is for flat-rolled products with a width of 600 mm or more. They are also confused with HS code 7211.14, which covers other hot-rolled products of the same width but not rolled on four faces. Additionally, if the plate is in a coil, it cannot be classified under 7211.13 and must move to a different subheading such as 7211.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721113 (the code used for universal steel plate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721113 (the code used for universal steel plate) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% 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 721113, not only universal steel plate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $37M 22% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $28M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $26M 16% of world exports
World total: $166M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $39M 21% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $21M 11% of world imports
- 3 Denmark $17M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $187M 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 universal steel plate
Brazil classifies universal steel plate under NCM 7211.13.00: HS 7211.13 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 universal steel plate
What is the HS code for Universal steel plate?
The HS code for Universal steel plate is 721113 (Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, hot-rolled, rolled on four faces or in a closed box pass, of a width more than 150mm but less than 600mm, 4mm thick or more, not in coils, without patterns in relief). The HS code for universal plates of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled on four faces, with a width between 150mm and 600mm and thickness of 4mm or more, is 7211.13.
How do I classify Universal steel plate for customs?
Universal steel plate is classified under HS code 721113 — Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled, hot-rolled, rolled on four faces or in a closed box pass, of a width more than 150mm but less than 600mm, 4mm thick or more, not in coils, without patterns in relief. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the steel plate is 650mm wide?
If the width is 600mm or more, it must be classified under Heading 7208, regardless of whether it was rolled on four faces.
Which countries are the top exporters of universal steel plate (HS 721113)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721113 (the code used for universal steel plate) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($37M, 22% of world exports), Czechia ($28M) and France ($26M). World exports came to about $166M, 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 universal steel plate (HS 721113)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721113 (the code used for universal steel plate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($39M, 21% of world imports), the Netherlands ($21M) and Denmark ($17M). World imports came to about $187M, 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 Universal steel plate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721113 for Universal steel 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 universal steel plate in Brazil?
In Brazil, universal steel plate (HS 721113) is classified under NCM 7211.13.00.