72166100
IRON AND STEEL›Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel
Angles, shapes and sections, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished - Obtained from flat-rolled products
What does subheading 7216 61 classify?
Subheading 7216 61 covers angles, channels (C-sections), Z-sections and omega profiles of iron or non-alloy steel, produced by cold forming from flat-rolled products (strip or sheet). The production method is the defining classification criterion: the starting material must be a flat-rolled steel product (coil, strip or sheet), which is then cold-formed by roll-forming or press-braking into the final profile shape. This distinguishes these sections from hot-rolled angles and channels (subheadings 7216 10 to 7216 40), which are produced by hot-rolling from billets in a section rolling mill and typically have varying flange and web thicknesses. Cold-formed sections from flat-rolled products have a uniform wall thickness throughout the cross-section, reflecting the constant gauge of the starting strip. These profiles offer great flexibility in cross-section geometry and are available in a wide range of non-standard dimensions not covered by hot-rolled section catalogues. Typical applications include light steel construction: warehouse racking, photovoltaic mounting systems, light industrial building frames, suspended ceiling systems and cable management systems.
CBAM, import documentation and mill certificates
Sections under CN 7216 61 are subject to CBAM from 1 January 2026 as non-alloy steel products. These sections are produced in a two-stage supply chain: upstream flat-rolled steel production (with its associated emissions) and downstream cold-forming (an electricity-intensive process). Importers should obtain embedded emission data covering both stages. The EN 10204 type 3.1 or 3.2 mill certificate should confirm the chemical composition of the flat-rolled starting material. For sections used in construction, a Declaration of Performance (DoP) under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and CE marking may be required if the profile serves a structural or load-bearing function, for example to EN 15162 or the applicable harmonised product standard. The customs import declaration must clearly describe the production method as cold forming from flat-rolled products, distinguishing these sections from hot-rolled equivalents. This distinction is relevant not only for the correct CN code but also for identifying the correct TRQ product category under the EU steel safeguard.
Safeguard measures, TRQs and sanctions
Cold-formed sections from flat-rolled non-alloy steel products are subject to the EU steel safeguard measure. The TRQ category applicable to cold-formed sections is separate from that for hot-rolled sections - the correct product category number must be identified from the implementing regulations in force. The additional 25% duty is triggered once the quarterly quota is exhausted. Anti-dumping measures on non-alloy steel sections imported from China should be verified in the TARIC database, as implementing regulations may apply individual or country-wide rates. Imports of steel sections from Russia and Belarus are prohibited under EU sanctions. For sections used in publicly funded construction or infrastructure projects, procurement rules may include requirements to document the origin of the steel (increasingly common in EU co-financed projects), which goes beyond standard customs origin requirements and should be addressed at the tender stage.
Tariff classification of cold-formed sections from flat-rolled products (CN
Subheading 7216 61 of the Combined Nomenclature covers cold-formed sections from flat-rolled products and falls within Chapter 72 of the EU customs tariff for iron and steel. Classification is based on chemical composition (carbon, chromium, nickel content), dimensions (thickness, width), working state (hot-rolled or cold-rolled) and surface coating. Customs authorities may verify classification through laboratory testing of samples. If there is uncertainty regarding the correct subheading, importers should apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling, valid for three years across all.
Frequently asked questions
How do I distinguish a cold-formed channel (7216 61) from a hot-rolled channel (7216 10)?
The key criterion is the manufacturing method and starting material. A section under 7216 61 is produced by cold-forming a flat-rolled product (strip or sheet) - it has a uniform wall thickness throughout the cross-section because the starting material has constant gauge. A hot-rolled channel under 7216 10 is produced in a section rolling mill from a billet and typically has variable thickness in flanges and web. The supplier technical documentation and the applicable product standard identify the production method.
Is a steel omega profile made from sheet strip always classified under 7216 61?
Yes, provided the starting material is a flat-rolled steel product (strip or sheet), the steel is non-alloy, and the forming operation is cold-forming. The omega shape is explicitly referenced in the subheading description. If an omega profile were produced by hot-rolling from a billet - technically feasible for some shapes - or from alloy steel, the classification would change. Documentary confirmation of the production method from the manufacturer is essential.
Do cold-formed steel sections under 7216 61 used in solar mounting structures require CE marking?
It depends on the specific application. Where sections perform a structural load-bearing function - for example as primary structural members of a mounting structure covered by a harmonised standard - CE marking under the CPR may be required. Sections used solely as secondary mounting accessories for solar panels may fall outside the CPR scope. The importer acting as the economic operator placing the product on the EU market is responsible for assessing CE marking obligations. Each application should be evaluated individually against the applicable harmonised standard.
What documents are needed to import cold-formed sections from flat-rolled products (CN 7216 61)?
To import goods under CN code 7216 61, the following documents are required: commercial invoice, transport document (CMR/B/L), certificate of origin (EUR.1 or invoice declaration for preferences), quality or mill certificate, and a customs.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
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