Of a capacity of 50 l or more

CN code 7310 10 of the Combined Nomenclature covers tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers of iron or steel with a capacity of 50 to 300 litres, used for transport or storage. In commercial practice, these are standard 200-litre steel drums (UN barrels), steel containers for chemicals, oils, paints, adhesives and other liquid or paste substances. Steel drums may be open-top (with removable lid) or closed-top (with filling openings). Classification under CN 7310 10 requires a capacity of 50 to 300 litres - containers with smaller capacity are classified under CN 7310 21 or 7310 29. Tanks exceeding 300 litres fall under heading 7309. Containers for compressed or liquefied gases are classified under heading 7311 regardless of capacity. Steel drums intended for transport of dangerous goods must hold a UN type approval (packaging homologation) compliant with ADR/RID/IMDG regulations. Classification follows the General Rules for Interpretation, Rules 1 and 6, and notes to Chapter 73 CN.

Importing steel drums and barrels under CN code 7310 10 into the EU is governed by the Union Customs Code. Since 1 January 2026, steel containers 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. Steel drums intended for transport of dangerous goods (ADR classes 3, 6.1, 8 and others) must hold a UN packaging type approval confirming compliance with performance test requirements (drop test, internal pressure, stacking). Containers for food contact require compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Required import documents include a commercial invoice with technical specifications (capacity, sheet thickness, closure type, internal lining), manufacturer specification, UN type approval certificate (for ADR drums), material certificates and certificate of origin. Products must comply with REACH. Current MFN and preferential duty rates should be verified in TARIC.

Steel drums and barrels under CN code 7310 10 may be subject to EU trade defence measures. Steel safeguard measures under the TRQ system may cover containers under heading 7310, with an additional 25 percent duty above the quarterly quota limit. Imports of steel containers from Russia and Belarus are subject to EU sanctions prohibitions. Anti-dumping duties on steel drums from specific countries may apply - the current status should be verified in TARIC. The 200-litre steel drum market is one of the most globalised segments of industrial packaging, with major suppliers from China, India and Turkey. Steel drums are also subject to packaging waste regulations (Directive 94/62/EC) imposing recycling obligations on the entity placing packaging on the market. Preferential rates under EU FTAs may reduce import costs. Total import cost includes conventional duty, safeguard measures, CBAM obligations and VAT. Current trade measures are available in the TARIC system.

Products classified under CN code 7310 10 (steel drums and barrels 50-300 litres) must comply with applicable EU technical standards. Depending on their intended use, these may include harmonised EN standards for construction products (CPR Regulation 305/2011), the Machinery Directive or the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). Construction products require CE marking and a Declaration of Performance (DoP). Customs authorities verify compliance with technical requirements during clearance and may withhold release of goods where required documentation or certificates are missing.