HSN Codes for Steel and Iron Products

If you deal in iron and steel trading, manufacturing, fabrication, construction supply, or scrap, choosing the correct HSN Code for steel and iron products is not optional—it’s a compliance requirement.

A single wrong HSN code on your tax invoice can trigger:

• GST mismatch in GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B
• E-way bill errors & vehicle detention
• ITC disputes for your buyer
• Notices from the GST department
• Wrong GST rate application (12% vs 18%)

This guide breaks down the most commonly used HSN codes for steel and iron products, product-wise categories, GST rates, and examples—so you can invoice correctly with confidence.

What is an HSN Code in GST?

HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) is an internationally standardized product classification system used in GST invoicing.

In India, HSN codes help:

• Identify the exact product category
• Apply the correct GST rate
• Standardize reporting across states and industries
• Avoid tax disputes during audits

For steel and iron products, HSN codes primarily fall under Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel) and Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel).

Chapter 72 vs Chapter 73: What’s the Difference?

This is where most businesses make mistakes.

Chapter 72 = Raw iron & steel material

Use Chapter 72 if you sell:

• Metal in its primary form
• Semi-finished steel
• Flat products, coils, bars, rods
• Structural steel shapes

Examples:

TMT bars, HR coils, CR sheets, billets, and ingots

Chapter 73 = Finished/processed steel items (articles)

Use Chapter 73 if you sell:

• Fabricated steel products
• Pipe fittings and fasteners
• Tanks, wires, grills, structures
• Components made from steel

Examples:

Nuts, bolts, screws, welded tubes, flanges

HSN Codes for Steel and Iron Products (Most Used List)

Below is the most practical list of HSN codes for iron and steel products used in trading and billing.

HSN Code for Iron and Steel (Primary Forms)

HSN Codes for Steel Semi-Finished Products

HSN Codes for Steel Flat Products (Sheets, Coils, Plates)

HSN Code for TMT Bars, Rods, and Rebars

Most common HSN Code for TMT Bars: 7214

HSN Codes for Structural Steel Products

Common HSN for steel angles/channels: 7216

HSN Codes for Steel Pipes and Tubes

Steel pipes are one of the biggest compliance categories because pipe type matters.

• HSN Code for MS pipe: 7306
• HSN Code for pipe fittings: 7307

HSN Codes for Steel Fasteners & Hardware

HSN Code for nuts and bolts: 7318

HSN Codes for Other Common Steel Articles

GST Rate on Steel and Iron Products (Common Rates)

In most cases, iron & steel products under Chapter 72 and 73 are taxed at 18% GST, but some items can vary based on classification, type, and use.

Best practice: Always confirm the rate on the basis of HSN + product description + invoicing category.

How to Choose the Correct HSN Code for Steel and Iron (Without Mistakes)

Use this 5-step check:

1) Identify if it’s raw material or finished article

Raw steel = Chapter 72

Fabricated/finished = Chapter 73

2) Confirm product form

Sheet / coil / plate

Bar / rod / angle

Pipe / tube / fitting

Scrap / powder / granules

3) Check if it’s alloy or non-alloy

Alloy and stainless steel often have separate sub-headings.

4) Match with your invoice description

Your invoice text must match the actual HSN category, e.g.

✅ “MS Angle 50×50 – HSN 7216”

✅ “TMT Bar Fe500 – HSN 7214”

✅ “MS Scrap – HSN 7204”

5) Maintain consistency across:

Purchase invoice

Sales invoice

E-way bill

GSTR filings

Mismatch here is what triggers notices.

Real Billing Examples (Steel & Iron)

✅ Example 1: TMT Bars Invoice

Product: TMT Bars Fe500

HSN: 7214

Invoice line: “TMT Bar Fe500 12mm”

✅ Example 2: MS Scrap Invoice

Product: Iron & Steel Scrap

HSN: 7204

Invoice line: “MS Scrap (Heavy Melting Scrap)”

✅ Example 3: Welded Steel Pipe Invoice

Product: MS Welded Pipe

HSN: 7306

Invoice line: “MS Welded Pipe 2 inch”

✅ Example 4: GI Sheet Invoice

Product: Galvanized sheet

HSN: 7210

Invoice line: “GI Sheet 0.5mm”

Common Mistakes Businesses Make (And Pay For Later)

Here’s what causes maximum GST trouble:

❌ Using the same HSN for all steel products

❌ Billing scrap under “steel” instead of 7204

❌ Billing fabricated structures under Chapter 72 (wrong)

❌ Wrong product description vs HSN mismatch

❌ Buyer claiming ITC but seller used wrong classification

❌ E-way bill item HSN not matching invoice

If your steel invoicing is high-volume, these mistakes will compound into major compliance risk.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct HSN Codes for Steel and Iron Products isn’t just a billing formality—it’s the backbone of GST compliance. Steel items fall mainly under Chapter 72 (Iron & Steel) and Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron/Steel), and even a small mismatch between your product description, HSN code, and GST rate can lead to ITC disputes, e-way bill issues, returns mismatch, and avoidable notices. 

The safest approach is simple: classify the product by its form (bars, sheets, pipes, scrap, fittings), verify whether it’s raw material or a finished article, and maintain consistency across invoices and filings. A correct HSN code protects your business, keeps your buyers confident, and ensures smooth operations at scale. If you trade high volumes, building an internal HSN checklist is a smart move.

FAQs