Product classification
HS code for Welded line pipe: 7305.12
Iron or steel (excluding cast iron), line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines (not seamless), longitudinally welded (not submerged arc welded), having circular cross-sections, external diameter exceeds 406.4mm.
Classification of welded line pipe under HS 7305.12
Welded line pipe with an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm is classified under HS code 7305.12. Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, and heading 7305 is specifically for large-diameter pipes (over 406.4 mm) that are not seamless. Within this heading, the code 7305.12 is reserved for line pipe used for oil or gas pipelines that are longitudinally welded. Crucially, this subheading excludes submerged arc welded pipes (which fall under 7305.11). The classification is determined by three factors: the material (iron or steel), the external diameter (must be > 406.4 mm), and the welding technique (longitudinal, but not submerged arc). These pipes are essential for midstream energy infrastructure and are subject to rigorous testing standards like API 5L. The longitudinal weld is typically achieved through Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) or High-Frequency Induction (HFI) welding.
- Covers
- ERW line pipe for natural gas transmission
- Longitudinally welded oil pipeline sections
- Large diameter steel pipes (>16 inches) for energy transport
- HFI welded line pipes for offshore pipelines
- API 5L grade welded steel pipes
- Also under 7305.12
- TMK ERW line pipe
- Welspun Corp HFW pipe
- JSW Steel ERW pipe
- Tenaris HFW pipe
Codes often confused with 7305.12
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 7304, which is for seamless pipes. It is also frequently mixed up with 7305.11, which is for submerged arc welded (SAW) pipes. If the pipe diameter is 406.4 mm or less, it must be classified under heading 7306, regardless of the welding method or intended use in oil and gas lines.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730512 (the code used for welded line pipe), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730512 (the code used for welded line pipe) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 730512, not only welded line pipe.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $214M 25% of world exports
- 2 China $174M 20% of world exports
- 3 Greece $133M 15% of world exports
World total: $862M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $208M 29% of world imports
- 2 Qatar* ~$135M 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$63M 8.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $722M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 welded line pipe
Brazil classifies welded line pipe under NCM 7305.12.00: HS 7305.12 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 welded line pipe
What is the HS code for Welded line pipe?
The HS code for Welded line pipe is 730512 (Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines (not seamless), longitudinally welded (not submerged arc welded), having circular cross-sections, external diameter exceeds 406.4mm). For longitudinally welded line pipe with a diameter exceeding 406.4 mm, the HS code is 7305.12.
How do I classify Welded line pipe for customs?
Welded line pipe is classified under HS code 730512 — Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines (not seamless), longitudinally welded (not submerged arc welded), having circular cross-sections, external diameter exceeds 406.4mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the diameter is smaller?
If the external diameter is 406.4 mm or less, the pipe is classified under HS code 7306.19 (for iron or steel line pipe).
Which countries are the top exporters of welded line pipe (HS 730512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730512 (the code used for welded line pipe) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($214M, 25% of world exports), China ($174M) and Greece ($133M). World exports came to about $862M, 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 welded line pipe (HS 730512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730512 (the code used for welded line pipe) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($208M, 29% of world imports), Qatar (about $135M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $63M). World imports came to about $722M, 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 Welded line pipe the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730512 for Welded line pipe 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 welded line pipe in Brazil?
In Brazil, welded line pipe (HS 730512) is classified under NCM 7305.12.00.