Understanding the correct steel coil HS code and import duty guide is essential for any importer of galvanized steel coil, PPGI coil, or GI coil in 2026. Misclassification can lead to costly penalties, delayed customs clearance, and unexpected tariff payments. Whether you are sourcing from China, Vietnam, or India, knowing the exact Harmonized System (HS) code for your steel coil product ensures compliance and helps you calculate accurate landed costs. At ChinaCNU Steel, we have exported over 50 countries from our Qingdao factory for 15+ years, and we see importers save thousands by correctly applying HS codes and duty rates from day one.
This steel coil HS code and import duty guide covers the most common classifications for galvanized steel coil, cold-rolled steel coil, and pre-painted products. We explain how to read the 6-digit international code, the 8-to-10-digit national tariff lines, and the preferential duty rates available under free trade agreements. By the end, you will know exactly which HS code to declare on your commercial invoice and how to calculate import duties for your destination market.
What Is the HS Code for Steel Coil?
The Harmonized System (HS) code for steel coil is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. For galvanized steel coil, the core HS code is 7210.49. This covers flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, plated or coated with zinc, other than corrugated. For PPGI coil (pre-painted galvanized iron), the code shifts to 7210.70, which includes painted, varnished, or plastic-coated steel. Importers must verify the national tariff line because the 6-digit international code splits into 8 or 10 digits per country—for example, 7210.49.00 in the USA or 7210.49.10 in the EU.
Steel Coil Hs Code And Import Duty Guide Price Trend (USD/Ton) – Last 12 Months
Data: ChinaCNU Steel Market Research | FOB Qingdao Reference Price
When you search for steel coil HS code and import duty guide, you will often see 7208 for hot-rolled coil and 7209 for cold-rolled coil. However, most construction and roofing applications use galvanized or pre-painted material, making 7210 the most relevant chapter. ChinaCNU Steel produces both GI coil and PPGI coil at our ISO-certified Qingdao factory, and we provide the correct HS code on every packing list and certificate of origin.
How to Classify Different Steel Coil Types
- Hot-dip galvanized steel coil (GI coil): HS 7210.49 (zinc-coated, non-alloy steel).
- Electro-galvanized steel coil: HS 7210.30 (zinc-plated by electrolysis).
- Pre-painted galvanized steel coil (PPGI): HS 7210.70 (painted or plastic-coated).
- Cold-rolled steel coil (CR coil): HS 7209.16 (thickness 0.5-1mm) or 7209.17 (1-3mm).
- Hot-rolled steel coil (HR coil): HS 7208.38 (thickness 3-4.75mm) or 7208.39 (over 4.75mm).
Import Duty Rates for Steel Coil in Major Markets (2026)
Import duties on steel coil vary significantly by country and by product type. The table below shows current 2026 duty rates for galvanized steel coil (HS 7210.49) in key importing countries. These rates are base MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates and may be reduced under free trade agreements. Always confirm with your local customs broker, as anti-dumping duties may apply to certain origins.
| Country / Region | HS Code (6-digit) | Base MFN Duty Rate (2026) | Preferential Rate (if applicable) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 7210.49 | 0% (under Section 232 exemption) | N/A | Section 232 25% tariff on most steel; certain galvanized exempt if certified |
| European Union | 7210.49 | 0% (quota system) | 0% under GSP (if eligible) | Safeguard measures with country-specific quotas in place |
| India | 7210.49 | 10% + 18% GST | 5% under FTA (e.g., Korea, Japan) | Anti-dumping duty on Chinese GI coil (USD 45–65/MT) |
| Vietnam | 7210.49 | 10% | 0% under ASEAN-China FTA | Must provide Form E for preferential rate |
| Indonesia | 7210.49 | 10% | 0% under ASEAN-China FTA | Import approval (API) required |
| Mexico | 7210.49 | 15% | 0% under USMCA (if originating) | Anti-dumping duties on Chinese GI coil (0.46–1.03 USD/kg) |
| UAE | 7210.49 | 5% | 0% under GCC FTA (not with China) | No anti-dumping on Chinese steel coil as of 2026 |
How to Calculate Landed Cost Using HS Code
Once you have the correct steel coil HS code and import duty guide, calculating landed cost becomes straightforward. Start with the FOB price from your supplier—ChinaCNU Steel offers competitive FOB Qingdao pricing for MOQ 25 tons. Add ocean freight, marine insurance, and destination port charges. Then apply the duty rate from the table above, plus any anti-dumping or countervailing duties. Finally, include VAT, GST, or sales tax as applicable in the destination country.
For example, importing 25 tons of GI coil from China to India with an FOB price of USD 850/MT: FOB total = USD 21,250. Freight and insurance = USD 1,500. CIF = USD 22,750. Basic customs duty at 10% = USD 2,275. Anti-dumping duty at USD 55/MT = USD 1,375. Social welfare surcharge at 10% on BCD = USD 227. Integrated GST at 18% on (CIF + BCD + ADD + SWS) = USD 4,626. Total landed = USD 31,253, or about USD 1,250/MT. This steel coil HS code and import duty guide helps you budget accurately before placing an order.
Common Mistakes Importers Make with HS Codes
Many importers assume all steel coil falls under one HS code, but the difference of one digit can change duty rates by 10% or more. A common error is classifying PPGI coil under 7210.49 instead of 7210.70. In the EU, 7210.70 carries a 0% duty under quota, while 7210.49 may face higher safeguard tariffs. Another frequent mistake is using the 6-digit code without the national extension—the US requires 10 digits (e.g., 7210.49.00.30 for galvanized coil with certain zinc coating weight).
Importers also forget to check anti-dumping orders. For instance, India imposes ADD on Chinese galvanized steel coil under HS 7210.49, but not on PPGI coil under 7210.70. If you import GI coil from ChinaCNU Steel, we include the correct HS code and provide all necessary documents (certificate of origin, mill test certificate, packing list) to support your customs declaration. Our 15+ years of export experience ensures your cargo clears smoothly.
How ChinaCNU Steel Helps You Avoid HS Code Errors
- We classify every product by exact HS code on the commercial invoice.
- We provide country-specific tariff advice for 50+ destinations.
- Our ISO 9001:2015 certified factory maintains full traceability.
- We offer FOB, CIF, and DDP terms with transparent pricing.
FAQ: Steel Coil HS Code and Import Duty
1. What is the HS code for galvanized steel coil in the USA in 2026?
The 10-digit HTS code for galvanized steel coil (non-corrugated, non-alloy) is 7210.49.00.30. This code carries a 0% base duty but is subject to Section 232 tariffs unless exempted. Always verify with your customs broker because exemption certificates require specific documentation.
2. Does the HS code change if the coil is painted or coated?
Yes. Painted, varnished, or plastic-coated steel coil falls under HS 7210.70, not 7210.49. PPGI coil (pre-painted galvanized iron) always uses 7210.70. Some countries require additional digits to specify the coating type—for example, 7210.70.10 for polyester paint.
3. What import duty applies to Chinese steel coil in India in 2026?
For galvanized steel coil (HS 7210.49), the basic customs duty is 10%, plus an anti-dumping duty of approximately USD 45–65 per metric ton depending on the supplier. Additionally, 18% GST is applied on the assessable value. Total landed cost can be 35–40% above FOB price.
4. Can I get a preferential duty rate if I import from China?
China does not have a free trade agreement with the USA or EU, so MFN rates apply. However, under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), China is not eligible. Some countries like Vietnam and Indonesia offer 0% duty under ASEAN-China FTA if you source from their factories. ChinaCNU Steel can arrange third-country processing if needed.
5. What documents do I need to clear customs for steel coil?
You need: commercial invoice with correct HS code, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin (COO), mill test certificate (MTC), and if applicable, anti-dumping duty exemption certificate. ChinaCNU Steel provides all documents with every shipment, and our export team reviews them against your destination country’s requirements.
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