Answer box
Steel tubes and pipes are in CBAM scope under two main headings: CN 7304 for seamless and CN 7306 for welded. Only direct emissions count. The data split that matters: for seamless, the billet (CN 7207) is the precursor; for welded, it’s the hot-rolled coil (CN 7208, 7209 or 7211). Fittings (CN 7307) typically come from forged or cast billet.
Seamless tube (CN 7304)
Production route:
- Billet (CN 7207) heated.
- Mannesmann piercing or extrusion to form hollow.
- Hot-rolled or drawn to final diameter and wall.
- Heat treatment, inspection, cut-to-length.
Energy intensity is dominated by billet heating and the rolling mill drive (electrical, not counted for CBAM steel direct scope). Fuel is natural gas for most Indian and Turkish mills.
Welded tube (CN 7306)
Production route:
- Coil (CN 7208, 7209, 7211) uncoiled and slit to width.
- Formed into tube shape by rolls.
- Welded (ERW, LSAW, SSAW).
- Sized, straightened, finished.
The coil’s embedded emissions dominate the welded-tube total. Mill-side energy for welding and finishing is usually a smaller share.
Misclassification risk
The Spanish steel association UNESID has flagged misclassification of welded tube under non-CBAM HS codes as a CBAM-liability risk. Check the 8-digit CN code precisely with your customs representative, not just the heading.
What to ask your supplier
- Fuel bills by month.
- Billet (seamless) or coil (welded) procurement — origin and emissions.
- Production tonnes by CN code (seamless/welded split).
- Heat treatment energy post-forming.