As a fundamental industrial raw material, the accuracy of steel plate HS codes directly impacts a company's customs clearance efficiency, cost control, and compliance risks. However, due to the vast variety of steel plates (over a thousand subcategories based on material, process, and specifications) and the dynamic adjustments to coding rules in various countries (such as the addition of a dedicated code for "high-strength steel plates for new energy vehicles" by Chinese Customs in 2026), companies often face problems such as confused classification and inefficient cross-departmental collaboration.Whether you are importing carbon steelplate, stainless steel plate, or alloy steel plate products, understanding the Harmonized System (HS) classification can help you avoid delays and unexpected costs.
Customs declarations
Tariff and duty calculation
Trade statistics
Import/export compliance
Typically, HS codes consist of 6 digits (international standard), while individual countries may extend them to 8–10 digits for more detailed classification.
Basic structure:
72 → Iron and Steel
7208–7226 → Flat-rolled products (including steel plates)
As you just saw, commodity codes are dynamic. Therefore, we need to check commodity codes regularly to ensure the correct code is used.
With many customs authorities placing increasing emphasis on the accurate classification of goods, HS codes have become an essential part of the Bill of Lading (SI) for all Maersk global freight shipments.
If you need assistance navigating the complex world of customs, Nan Steel Services offers global local expertise. Whether you need import or export clearance, our experts can provide full guidance.
What Is an HS Code?
The Harmonized System (HS Code) is a globally standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. Developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), it is used by over 200 countries for:Customs declarations
Tariff and duty calculation
Trade statistics
Import/export compliance
Typically, HS codes consist of 6 digits (international standard), while individual countries may extend them to 8–10 digits for more detailed classification.
HS Code Structure for Steel Plates
Steel plates generally fall under Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel) of the HS system.Basic structure:
72 → Iron and Steel
7208–7226 → Flat-rolled products (including steel plates)
Common HS Codes for Steel Plates
| HS Code | Product Description |
| 72103000 | Galvanized iron or steel plate width |
| 72104100 | Galvanized iron or corrugated steel plate width |
| 72105000 | Chromium plated or coated iron or steel plate width |
| 72112900 | Other cold-rolled iron plate or a narrow steel |
| 72119000 | Other non-alloy steel, cold-rolled iron plate narrow |
| 72124000 | Coated or painted iron plate or a narrow steel |
| 72125000 | Other coating materials of iron or non-alloy steel plate is narrower |
| 72126000 | Of coated iron plate or a narrow steel |
| 72171000 | Not plated or coated iron or alloy steel wire |
| 72172000 | Zinc-plated or coated iron or alloy steel wire |
| 72173010 | Copper plated or coated iron or alloy steel wire |
| 72173090 | Plated or coated with a base metal of iron or other alloy steel |
| 72192100 | The thickness> 10mm hot-rolled stainless steel plate |
| 72192200 | 4.75mm≤ ≤10mm thick rolled stainless steel plate |
| 72192300 | 3mm≤ thickness <4.75mm rolled stainless steel plate |
| 72192410 | 1mm |
| 72192420 | 0.5mm≤ ≤1mm thick rolled stainless steel plate |
| 72192430 | Thickness <0.5mm hot-rolled stainless steel plate |
| 72251100 | Oriented silicon steel plate width |
| 72251900 | Other silicon steel plate width |
| 72261900 | Other silicon steel plate is narrower |
| 72269199 | In addition to the other without further processing hot rolled steel plate rolled, a width less than 600 mm |
| 72269910 | Other galvanized steel plate rolled narrow |
| 73024000 | A steel fishplates, rail plate |
| 73143100 | Intersection welding zinc plated or coated steel fine wire mesh, |
| 73144100 | Zinc-plated or coated steel mesh, grid fence and |
| 73145000 | Steel mesh plate |
How to Use the Correct HS Code in Freight Forwarding?
As you just saw, commodity codes are dynamic. Therefore, we need to check commodity codes regularly to ensure the correct code is used.With many customs authorities placing increasing emphasis on the accurate classification of goods, HS codes have become an essential part of the Bill of Lading (SI) for all Maersk global freight shipments.
If you need assistance navigating the complex world of customs, Nan Steel Services offers global local expertise. Whether you need import or export clearance, our experts can provide full guidance.
