Product classification
HS code for Welded stainless pipe: 7306.11
Steel, stainless, line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines n.e.c. in chapter 73, welded, (not seamless).
Classification of welded stainless pipe under HS 7306.11
The classification of welded stainless steel pipe under HS code 7306.11 is determined by the material composition, the manufacturing method, and the specific intended application. Heading 7306 encompasses tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles of iron or steel that are joined by welding or other methods, distinguishing them from the seamless varieties found in heading 7304. To fall under 7306.11, the product must be a "line pipe," which is a specific designation for pipes used in the transport of oil, gas, or water in pipeline systems. Furthermore, the material must meet the definition of stainless steel as provided in the Chapter 72 notes—specifically, an alloy steel containing 1.2% or less of carbon and 10.5% or more of chromium. The welding process, whether longitudinal or spiral, is a defining characteristic that separates this code from 7304.11 (seamless stainless line pipe). Customs authorities look for compliance with international standards such as API 5L or ISO 3183 to verify this classification. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6 are applied here to ensure the product is classified first by the heading (7306) and then by the specific subheading (7306.11) based on its technical specifications. If a pipe is welded and made of stainless steel but is not intended for oil or gas lines, it would likely fall under 7306.40 instead.
- Covers
- ASTM A312 Welded Stainless Steel Pipe
- API 5L Stainless Line Pipe for Gas Transmission
- Longitudinally Welded Stainless Steel Oil Pipe
- Spiral Welded Stainless Steel Pipeline Sections
- Also under 7306.11
- Tenaris stainless line pipe
- Vallourec stainless OCTG
- Sumitomo Metal stainless pipes
- ArcelorMittal stainless steel pipelines
- Sandvik stainless steel tubes
Codes often confused with 7306.11
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 7304.11, which covers seamless stainless steel line pipe. The primary difference is the presence of a weld seam. Additionally, general-purpose welded stainless pipes not intended for oil or gas pipelines are classified under 7306.40. Large-diameter welded pipes (exceeding 406.4 mm) may be moved to heading 7305.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730611 (the code used for welded stainless pipe), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730611 (the code used for welded stainless pipe) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 19% 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 730611, not only welded stainless pipe.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $228M 59% of world exports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$23M 5.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $21M 5.3% of world exports
World total: $390M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$82M 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $79M 18% of world imports
- 3 Oman $73M 17% of world imports
World total: $431M 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 stainless pipe
Brazil classifies welded stainless pipe under NCM 7306.11.00: HS 7306.11 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 stainless pipe
What is the HS code for Welded stainless pipe?
The HS code for Welded stainless pipe is 730611 (Steel; stainless; line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines n.e.c. in chapter 73, welded, (not seamless)). The HS code for welded stainless steel line pipe used for oil or gas pipelines is 7306.11.
How do I classify Welded stainless pipe for customs?
Welded stainless pipe is classified under HS code 730611 — Steel; stainless; line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines n.e.c. in chapter 73, welded, (not seamless). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include pipes for water transport?
While 7306.11 is specifically for oil and gas, similar welded stainless pipes for water or general industrial use are typically classified under 7306.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of welded stainless pipe (HS 730611)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730611 (the code used for welded stainless pipe) in UN Comtrade data were China ($228M, 59% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $23M) and the Netherlands ($21M). World exports came to about $390M, 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 stainless pipe (HS 730611)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730611 (the code used for welded stainless pipe) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $82M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($79M) and Oman ($73M). World imports came to about $431M, 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 stainless pipe the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730611 for Welded stainless 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 stainless pipe in Brazil?
In Brazil, welded stainless pipe (HS 730611) is classified under NCM 7306.11.00.