Of a capacity of less than 50 l - Cans which are to be closed by soldering or crimping

CN code 7310 21 of the Combined Nomenclature covers cans closed by welding or crimping, of iron or steel, with a capacity of less than 50 litres, intended for the storage of food or beverages. In commercial practice, these are tinplate cans for canned food, beverage cans, metal packaging for processed food and dairy product containers. Cans may be made of tinplate (tin-coated steel), tin-free steel (TFS - chromium-coated) or lacquered steel sheet. Classification under CN 7310 21 requires the simultaneous fulfilment of three criteria: steel material, closure method (welding or crimping) and intended use for food or beverages. Steel cans for non-food products are classified under CN 7310 29. Aluminium food packaging falls under heading 7612. Steel food cans must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on food contact materials and Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practice for food contact materials. Classification follows the General Rules for Interpretation, Rules 1 and 6.

Importing steel food cans under CN code 7310 21 into the EU is governed by the Union Customs Code. Since 1 January 2026, steel products from Chapter 73 fall within the scope of the CBAM mechanism, obliging importers to register as authorised CBAM declarants, submit quarterly emissions declarations and purchase CBAM certificates. Food contact cans must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 - the manufacturer must issue a declaration of compliance confirming that the material does not transfer constituents to food in quantities endangering health. Internal lacquers must meet migration limits set in Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (for plastics used in coatings). Cans containing bisphenols (BPA) are subject to restrictions under Regulation (EU) 2024/3190. Required documents include a commercial invoice, technical specification (material, lacquer, capacity, dimensions), declaration of compliance with Regulation 1935/2004, migration test results, material certificates and certificate of origin. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.

Steel food cans under CN code 7310 21 may be subject to EU trade defence measures. Steel safeguard measures under the TRQ system may cover packaging under heading 7310, with an additional 25 percent duty above the quarterly quota limit. Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to EU sanctions prohibitions. Anti-dumping duties on steel cans from specific countries may apply - the status should be verified in TARIC. The steel food can market is highly globalised, with major tinplate and TFS producers in China, South Korea, Japan and Europe. Steel cans are subject to packaging waste regulations (Directive 94/62/EC) and extended producer responsibility (EPR). Preferential rates under EU FTAs may reduce import costs. Importers of food cans bear food safety responsibility under Regulation (EC) No 178/2002. Total import cost includes duty, CBAM and VAT. Current trade measures are available in TARIC.

The import procedure for welded steel cans for food and beverages (CN code 7310 21) into the European Union requires filing a customs declaration in the national import system. Essential documents include a commercial invoice, transport document, certificate of origin (for preferential tariff rates) and quality certificates confirming compliance with EN standards. Steel articles may be subject to EU safeguard measures and anti-dumping duties depending on the country of origin. The standard duty rate ranges from 0% to 3.7% depending on the specific TARIC subheading. Import VAT is charged on.