HSN code 7212 pertains to flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, specifically those measuring less than 600 mm in width and having undergone cladding, plating, or coating processes. This heading is crucial for Indian buyers, sellers, accountants, and Customs House Agents (CHAs) dealing with value-added steel products like tin plates, galvanized iron (GI) sheets, and chrome-plated strips. Understanding 7212 ensures correct customs duties and GST compliance. MetaleMart, while primarily offering raw metal grades, provides the base materials (like steel coils and sheets) that often form the substrate for these coated products. Accurate classification under 7212 is vital for businesses in packaging, construction, and automotive sectors, impacting procurement costs and inventory management.
What HSN Code 7212 Covers
HSN 7212 specifically encompasses flat-rolled steel products that are iron or non-alloy steel, with a defined width of **less than 600 mm**, and which have been subjected to processes such as cladding, plating, or coating. This includes a range of value-added steel materials. Common examples are tin plates (steel coated with tin), galvanized steel (steel coated with zinc, often referred to as GI sheets or coils when below 600mm width), electro-galvanized steel (EGI), and steel strips plated with other metals like chromium. It also covers steel coated with organic materials like paint or plastic, such as pre-painted galvanized iron (PPGI) or laminated steel sheets, provided the base material is iron or non-alloy steel and the width is under 600mm. The key differentiators for this code are the **flat-rolled form**, the **width restriction (< 600 mm)**, and the presence of a **coating or plating**. Items excluded would be similar flat-rolled products with a width of 600 mm or more (which fall under HSN 7210), uncoated flat-rolled products under 600mm (HSN 7209), or products made from alloy steels (which have separate HSN classifications).Common Materials & Grades under HSN 7212
- Tin Plate (SPTE/MR Grade): Cold-rolled carbon steel sheet or strip, tin-coated. Used extensively for food and beverage cans.
- Galvanized Iron (GI) Sheets/Coils: Steel coated with zinc for corrosion resistance. Common in construction, ducting, appliances. (Base steel could be HR/CR). Width < 600mm applies here.
- Electro-Galvanized Iron (EGI) Sheets/Coils: Steel coated with zinc via electrolytic process, offering a finer finish than hot-dip galvanized.
- Chrome-Plated Steel Strips: Steel strips plated with chromium for decorative or enhanced corrosion resistance.
- Pre-Painted Galvanized Iron (PPGI): Galvanized steel coated with organic paint/lacquer layers. Used for roofing, cladding.
- Tin-Free Steel (TFS) / Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel (ECCS): Steel coated with chromium and chromium oxide layers, an alternative to tin plate for cans.
- Plastic-Coated/Laminated Steel Sheets: Steel sheets with a polymer film or coating for protection or aesthetics.
Trade Names & Synonyms under HSN 7212
- Tin Plate
- GI Sheets / GI Coils (if width < 600mm)
- EGI Sheets / EGI Coils
- TFS (Tin-Free Steel)
- ECCS (Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel)
- PPGI (Pre-Painted Galvanized Iron)
- Chromed Steel Strip
- Coated Steel Strips
- Plated Steel Sheets
- Lacquered Sheets
Typical Industrial Uses for HSN 7212 Products
- Packaging Industry: Manufacturing of food cans, beverage cans, aerosol containers, and decorative tins (primarily Tin Plate, TFS, ECCS).
- Construction Sector: Roofing sheets, wall cladding, ducting, gutters, and structural components where corrosion resistance is needed (GI, PPGI).
- Automotive Industry: Components requiring corrosion protection or specific finishes, though wider sheets are more common.
- Home Appliances: Manufacturing of casings and internal parts for refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves (GI, EGI, PPGI).
- General Fabrication: Used in workshops for creating various parts, enclosures, and small structural elements.
- Metal Furniture: Production of cabinets, shelves, and office furniture.
- Lighting Fixtures: Housings and reflectors.
GST Rate (Indicative)
Products classified under HSN 7212 typically fall within the 18% GST slab, applicable to most coated or plated flat-rolled steel products. However, specific rates can vary based on the exact type of coating and intended use. Always verify the applicable GST rate on the official CBIC portal before finalizing any transaction.
Related HSN Codes
- HSN 7209: Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, cold-rolled (cold-reduced), not clad, plated or coated.
- HSN 7210: Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, clad, plated or coated.
- HSN 7211: Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, not in coils, not further worked than hot-rolled.
- HSN 7213: Bar and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of iron or non-alloy steel.
- HSN 7225: Flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more.
Related on MetaleMart
- Parent: HSN 72 — Iron and steel
- HSN 7201 — PIG IRON AND SPIEGELEISEN IN PIGS, BLOCKS OR OTHER PRIMARY F
- HSN 7202 — FERRO-ALLOYS
- HSN 7203 — FERROUS PRODUCTS OBTAINED BY DIRECT REDUCTION OF IRON ORE AN
- HSN 7204 — FERROUS WASTE AND SCRAP; REMELTING SCRAP INGOTS OF IRON OR S
- Browse all HSN codes
- Metal Grades Library
- Shop industrial metals
Frequently Asked Questions about HSN 7212
Does HSN 7212 cover galvanized steel sheets below 600mm width?
Yes, HSN 7212 primarily covers flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that are less than 600mm wide and have been clad, plated, or coated. This includes items like tin-plated sheets (tin plate), galvanized sheets (like GI sheets), and chrome-plated strips. Ensure your product specifications match the 'flat-rolled' and 'width < 600mm' criteria.
What's the difference between HSN 7212 and 7209/7208?
HSN 7212 covers 'flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 MM, clad, plated or coated'. This explicitly includes items like tin plate (HSN 721210) and other coated/plated flats. Non-coated flat-rolled products under 600mm would fall under HSN 7209. Hot-rolled flat products, regardless of width, are typically under HSN 7208. Confirm the coating/plating and width to be certain.
What specific coatings or platings are covered under HSN 7212?
HSN 7212 applies to flat-rolled steel products less than 600mm wide that are clad, plated, or coated. This means they have an additional layer applied, such as tin, zinc (galvanized), chromium, or polymers. If the steel is plain, uncoated, and flat-rolled under 600mm, it falls under HSN 7209. Items like wide coils or plates (over 600mm) are in chapters like 7208.
How does HSN 7212 relate to MetaleMart's offerings?
While MetaleMart's catalog focuses on raw metal forms, HSN 7212 is relevant as it covers the *base* flat-rolled steel product that might *later* be supplied in coated forms by processors. For example, steel coils supplied by MetaleMart under other HSNs might be processed into tin-free steel (TFS) or pre-painted galvanized iron (PPGI) sheets, which would then fall under 7212 for tax purposes. Check specific product classifications for coated/plated items.