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73
Tariff Chapter 73
Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, of a capacity not exceeding 300 l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, but not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment
What does heading 7310 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 7310 covers tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers of iron or steel for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), of a capacity not exceeding 300 litres. This includes food cans, metal drums, jerrycans and industrial containers. Customs duty rates range from 0% to 2.7%. Containers are subject to CBAM. Food cans must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on food contact materials. Packaging for hazardous substances requires UN certification under ADR regulations. Heading 7310 is part of Chapter 73 (base metals and metal products) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 7310 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 7310 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 7310
Customs duty rates range from 0% to 2.7%. Packaging for hazardous substances requires UN certification under ADR regulations. Steel containers up to 300 l are subject to CBAM and classified under 7310. Food cans require compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Packaging for hazardous substances must hold UN certification and meet ADR requirements. Check whether anti-dumping duties apply to containers from the given country. When importing goods under heading 7310 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 7310 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 7310 are subject to quality and EN standard compliance controls. Required documentation includes: chemical composition analysis certificates, CE certificates (construction products), EU steel safeguard documentation. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 7310 - key considerations
Heading 7310 covers tanks, casks, drums, cans. This includes food cans, metal drums, jerrycans and industrial containers. Distinction from 7309 (reservoirs, tanks, vats) and 7311 (containers for compressed or liquefied g) requires analysis of material, form and intended use. Decisive factor: precise determination of base material, processing stage and end-use of the product.
Frequently asked questions
What are the EU customs duty rates for steel containers (heading 7310)?
EU customs duty rates for steel containers under heading 7310 are 2.7% across all CN subheadings when imported from WTO member countries. This rate applies to both tanks and reservoirs with a capacity exceeding 300 litres and smaller containers such as cans, drums and jerrycans. Steel containers are subject to CBAM from 2026. Preferential rates of 0% may apply for countries with EU trade agreements. Classification depends on the container capacity and intended use. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and certificates are required when importing steel containers into the EU?
Packaging for hazardous substances requires UN certification under ADR/IMDG regulations. Food containers must comply with Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 on food contact materials and may require metal migration testing. Pressure vessels must comply with the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU. CBAM registration from 2026 is required. A material certificate per EN 10204 is needed for industrial containers. A certificate of origin is necessary for preferential tariff rates. This applies to goods classified under heading 7310 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing steel containers and packaging?
Tariff classification depends on capacity (300-litre threshold) and intended use - this directly affects the duty rate. Food containers require hygienic approvals and migration testing. Chemical and hazardous substance packaging must have UN certification and meet ADR requirements. Cans and drums should be inspected for seal integrity and corrosion resistance. Transport requires adequate protection against damage. Verify EU packaging directive recycling requirements, as extended producer responsibility may apply to imported packaging. This applies to goods classified under heading 7310 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Duty & VAT CalculatorCalculate customs duty and VAT for "Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, of a capacity not exceeding 300 l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, but not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment" and see the full import cost.CBAM CalculatorCalculate the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) fee for CO2 emissions linked to your import.Import Profitability CalculatorCheck the import profitability of "Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, of a capacity not exceeding 300 l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, but not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment" with all costs included.
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