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Gebze / Kocaeli Factory · EXW / FCA / CIF Export +90 505 507 04 18
SERCONTAINER Modular Containers & Frame Systems

HS 7308.90 Steel Frame Kits vs. HS 9406.90 Modular Containers: Customs Tariffs, ATR & EUR.1 Export Guide

Understand customs classification differences between bare steel container skeletons (HS 7308.90) and complete modular buildings (HS 9406.90), plus EU Customs Union A.TR, EFTA/Balkan EUR.1, and MENA Certificate of Origin workflows.

Architect İdris YAĞMAHAN & Civil Engineer Celalettin YAĞMAHAN · 2026-10-26 · 7 min
HS 7308.90 Steel Frame Kits vs. HS 9406.90 Modular Containers: Customs Tariffs, ATR & EUR.1 Export Guide

1. Why HS Code Classification Matters in Container Procurement

International buyers importing from Türkiye can optimize both freight volume and import customs duties by matching their local assembly capability to the exact Harmonized System (HS) tariff heading:

  • HS 7308.90 (Structures and parts of structures of iron or steel): Applies strictly to our 72 unclad bolt-together steel container frame kits (FR-P, FR-G, GR-P, GR-G) shipped without wall panels, wiring, or sanitary fixtures.
  • HS 9406.90 (Prefabricated buildings): Applies to both assembled ready modular containers (SC-K, SC-MK, SC-GK, SC-IK) and complete demountable Flat-Pack packages that include wall/roof panels, doors, windows, and electrical kits.

2. Customs Tariff & Export Documentation Comparison Matrix

Parameter HS 7308.90 — Steel Frame Kits HS 9406.90 — Ready / Complete Flat-Pack
Physical Scope Cold-formed steel chassis, corner columns, roof trusses & M12 bolt kit Steel chassis + insulated panels + doors/windows + electrical/plumbing
EU Import Duty (with A.TR) 0% Customs Duty under EU–Türkiye Customs Union 0% Customs Duty under EU–Türkiye Customs Union
EFTA / Balkan FTA (EUR.1) Preferential 0% tariff in eligible FTA partner states Preferential 0% tariff in eligible FTA partner states
MENA / Africa Clearance Certificate of Origin + Commercial Invoice + Packing List (raw steel structure tariff) Certificate of Origin + Commercial Invoice + Packing List (prefabricated building tariff)
Loading per 13.6m TIR / 40' HC 16 to 28 complete steel frame sets 2 assembled units OR 8–10 complete flat-pack units

3. A.TR, EUR.1 & Certificate of Origin Preparation at Gebze Factory

Every export dispatch from our Gebze / Kocaeli manufacturing plant includes an itemized Commercial Invoice, Net/Gross Weight Packing List per bundle, CMR (road) or Bill of Lading (sea), and chamber-endorsed A.TR, EUR.1, or Certificate of Origin. (110-Model Price List (PDF) · Frame Assembly & BOM Calculator).

4. Strategic Recommendation for Regional Assemblers & Dealers

If your country applies higher import duties on finished prefabricated buildings (HS 9406.90) or already manufactures EPS/Rockwool sandwich panels locally, importing galvanized steel frame kits under HS 7308.90 cuts freight by ~75% and maximizes local value-added margin. (Request a Quote · Dealership & Distributorship).

FAQ · SerContainer

Frequently Asked Technical & Export Questions

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for container frame kits?

For 3×7 m Galvanized container frame kits (FR-G-W3000-L7000 and GR-G-W3000-L7000), the minimum order is 10 sets per model. For all other 70 frame kit models (including 3×7 m Painted and all other dimensions), the minimum order is 20 sets per model. Mixed-model combinations are not accepted toward MOQ.

Is there a minimum order requirement for ready modular containers (SC-K, SC-MK, SC-GK, SC-IK)?

No. Ready modular containers (accommodation units, site offices, security cabins, and WC/shower sanitary containers) can be ordered starting from 1 unit up to multi-unit construction camp packages.

How many container frame kits or ready containers fit into a 13.6m Truck (TIR) or 40' HC Sea Container?

For bolt-together demountable frame kits (such as 2.4×6 m or 3×7 m), a single 13.6m flatbed/curtain-side truck or 40' HC container holds approximately 20 to 28 sets depending on total weight and roof geometry. For factory-assembled 3×7 m ready containers, 1 truck carries 2 monoblock units (or 4–6 compact guard/sanitary cabins); for multi-unit export projects shipped in flat-pack configuration, 1 truck or 40' HC carries 6 to 10 units.

What is the difference between Flat Roof and Gable (A) Roof frame kits?

Flat Roof frame kits have a 2,600 mm external height and standard chassis/roof purlin structure. Gable (A) Roof frame kits feature 2,500 mm vertical side walls and dual-pitched steel roof trusses reaching a 2,850 mm ridge height, designed for rapid rainwater/snow runoff and residential aesthetics.

Do you offer Rockwool or PIR insulation and A/C preparation for Middle East & Gulf projects?

Yes. While our standard ready containers feature EPS insulated wall panels, you can select the "Hot Climate & Camp Option" in our quote calculator to upgrade to fire-rated Rockwool or high-density PIR panels, reinforced roof insulation, and pre-wired split A/C provisions for Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and North Africa projects.

What is included in a container frame kit and what is excluded?

Each frame kit includes the bottom chassis perimeter beams, top roof perimeter frame, intermediate floor/roof purlins, 4 or 6 load-bearing corner columns, gable roof trusses/ridge beams (on A-roof models), lifting lugs, and the complete bolt/nut/washer fastener set. Wall panels, roof cladding sheets, floor boards, doors, windows, and site assembly are excluded from the frame-only kit.

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