Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars, profiles, wire, etc. This chapter is the most important chapter for metal materials in international trade, involving a large number of basic industrial products. When classifying, key factors such as material composition, processing state, cross-sectional shape, and dimensions must be emphasized. Heading 7209 covers cold-rolled (cold-reduced) stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more, including coils and cut-to-length sheets. Products under this heading usually have high surface quality and dimensional precision after cold rolling and are widely used in automobiles, home appliances, architectural decoration, kitchenware, and other fields. When classifying, it is necessary to distinguish whether they have undergone further processing (such as annealing, pickling, polishing, etc.). The first 2 digits 72 indicate Chapter 72, iron and steel; digits 3-4, 09, indicate heading 7209, namely cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more; digits 5-6, 15, indicate subheading 7209.15, specifically cold-rolled stainless steel coils with a thickness of 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm. This subheading is further subdivided by thickness and is an important basis for customs statistics and tariff collection. The product is a cold-rolled stainless steel coil, width 600 mm or more, thickness 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm, conforming to the description of heading 7209 and subheading 7209.15. If the thickness is less than 0.5 mm, it should be classified under 7209.16; if the thickness is 1 mm or more, it should be classified under 7209.14; if the width is less than 600 mm, it should be classified under heading 7219. Therefore, thickness and width are the key factors distinguishing adjacent codes.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars, profiles, wire, etc. This chapter is the most important chapter for metal materials in international trade, involving a large number of basic industrial products. When classifying, key factors such as material composition, processing state, cross-sectional shape, and dimensions must be emphasized.
Heading
Heading 7209 covers cold-rolled (cold-reduced) stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more, including coils and cut-to-length sheets. Products under this heading usually have high surface quality and dimensional precision after cold rolling and are widely used in automobiles, home appliances, architectural decoration, kitchenware, and other fields. When classifying, it is necessary to distinguish whether they have undergone further processing (such as annealing, pickling, polishing, etc.).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 72 indicate Chapter 72, iron and steel; digits 3-4, 09, indicate heading 7209, namely cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more; digits 5-6, 15, indicate subheading 7209.15, specifically cold-rolled stainless steel coils with a thickness of 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm. This subheading is further subdivided by thickness and is an important basis for customs statistics and tariff collection.
Classification Basis
The product is a cold-rolled stainless steel coil, width 600 mm or more, thickness 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm, conforming to the description of heading 7209 and subheading 7209.15. If the thickness is less than 0.5 mm, it should be classified under 7209.16; if the thickness is 1 mm or more, it should be classified under 7209.14; if the width is less than 600 mm, it should be classified under heading 7219. Therefore, thickness and width are the key factors distinguishing adjacent codes.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity should include material, processing state, and shape, such as 'cold-rolled stainless steel coil'. Material: The specific grade or composition of stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc., must comply with international or domestic standards. Processing state: State whether cold rolling, annealing, pickling, etc. have been performed, such as 'cold-rolled, then annealed and pickled'. Shape: Declare as coil or sheet; for coils, indicate coiling information such as inner diameter and outer diameter. Specifications and dimensions: Include thickness, width, and length (length is usually not declared for coils); thickness must be accurate to 0.01 mm. Surface treatment: Surface condition such as 2B, BA, 8K, etc., which affects classification and tariffs. Use: Briefly describe the main use, such as automotive exhaust systems, kitchenware, etc., to assist classification. Product name: cold-rolled stainless steel coil; Material: 304; Processing state: cold-rolled, then annealed and pickled; Shape: coil; Specifications and dimensions: thickness 0.8 mm, width 1219 mm; Surface treatment: 2B; Use: used for manufacturing kitchenware. Inaccurate thickness declaration, such as mistakenly reporting 0.5 mm as 0.6 mm, resulting in an incorrect subheading. Material grade not provided, which may raise doubts about classification accuracy. Surface treatment not declared, affecting tariff treatment and classification.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity should include material, processing state, and shape, such as 'cold-rolled stainless steel coil'.
⚠️ Only writing 'stainless steel coil' or 'cold-rolled coil' without specifying material and processing state.
Material
The specific grade or composition of stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc., must comply with international or domestic standards.
⚠️ Only writing 'stainless steel' without providing the specific grade or composition.
Processing state
State whether cold rolling, annealing, pickling, etc. have been performed, such as 'cold-rolled, then annealed and pickled'.
⚠️ Omitting key processing steps such as annealing or pickling.
Shape
Declare as coil or sheet; for coils, indicate coiling information such as inner diameter and outer diameter.
⚠️ Declaring coil as sheet, or failing to indicate coiling parameters.
Specifications and dimensions
Include thickness, width, and length (length is usually not declared for coils); thickness must be accurate to 0.01 mm.
⚠️ Incorrect thickness unit or failure to declare accurately, such as reporting 0.8 mm as 1 mm.
Surface treatment
Surface condition such as 2B, BA, 8K, etc., which affects classification and tariffs.
⚠️ Failure to declare surface treatment state, or use of non-standard terminology.
Use
Briefly describe the main use, such as automotive exhaust systems, kitchenware, etc., to assist classification.
⚠️ Use description is too general, such as 'for manufacturing'.
Example： Product name: cold-rolled stainless steel coil; Material: 304; Processing state: cold-rolled, then annealed and pickled; Shape: coil; Specifications and dimensions: thickness 0.8 mm, width 1219 mm; Surface treatment: 2B; Use: used for manufacturing kitchenware.
Common Mistakes：
Inaccurate thickness declaration, such as mistakenly reporting 0.5 mm as 0.6 mm, resulting in an incorrect subheading.
Material grade not provided, which may raise doubts about classification accuracy.
Surface treatment not declared, affecting tariff treatment and classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1. The material is stainless steel; 2. The processing method is cold rolling; 3. The shape is flat-rolled product (coil); 4. Width is 600 mm or more; 5. Thickness is 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm. It is also necessary to confirm whether further processing has been carried out (such as coating, plating, etc.); if so, it may be classified under other headings. 720914 Cold-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness 1 mm or more: The thickness range is different; 720914 is thickness 1 mm or more, while 720915 is 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm. 720916 Cold-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness less than 0.5 mm: The thickness range is different; 720916 is thickness less than 0.5 mm, while 720915 is 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm. 7219 Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width less than 600 mm: The width is different; under 7219 the width is less than 600 mm, while 7209 is width 600 mm or more. 7210 Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more, but further processed: The processing state is different; under 7210 the products have undergone further processing such as coating or plating, while 7209 is not further processed. Confirm the material is stainless steel and the grade is clear. Confirm the processing method is cold rolling and not further processed. Confirm the width is 600 mm or more. Confirm the thickness is 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm. Confirm the shape is coil.
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1. The material is stainless steel; 2. The processing method is cold rolling; 3. The shape is flat-rolled product (coil); 4. Width is 600 mm or more; 5. Thickness is 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm. It is also necessary to confirm whether further processing has been carried out (such as coating, plating, etc.); if so, it may be classified under other headings.
Confused Codes：
720914 - Cold-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness 1 mm or more
The thickness range is different; 720914 is thickness 1 mm or more, while 720915 is 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm.
720916 - Cold-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness less than 0.5 mm
The thickness range is different; 720916 is thickness less than 0.5 mm, while 720915 is 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm.
7219 - Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width less than 600 mm
The width is different; under 7219 the width is less than 600 mm, while 7209 is width 600 mm or more.
7210 - Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more, but further processed
The processing state is different; under 7210 the products have undergone further processing such as coating or plating, while 7209 is not further processed.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the material is stainless steel and the grade is clear.
✓ Confirm the processing method is cold rolling and not further processed.
✓ Confirm the width is 600 mm or more.
✓ Confirm the thickness is 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm.
✓ Confirm the shape is coil.
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for 720915? You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement (such as RCEP), and rules of origin. It is recommended to rely on the feedback from the customs system at the time of declaration. What is the difference in HS codes between cold-rolled stainless steel coil and hot-rolled stainless steel coil? Hot-rolled stainless steel coil is usually classified under heading 7219 or 7220 (width less than 600 mm) or 7219 (width 600 mm or more), while cold-rolled is classified under 7209. The main difference lies in the processing technology: products that have been hot-rolled but not cold-rolled are classified under hot-rolled headings, while those that have been cold-rolled are classified under 7209. If cold-rolled stainless steel coil has been polished, can it still be classified under 720915? If polishing is only surface treatment and does not change the basic characteristics of the material, it can still be classified under 720915. However, if it has undergone further processing such as coating or plating, it may be classified under 7210. It is recommended to judge based on the specific processing technology. How should thickness tolerance be filled in at declaration? The actual thickness should be filled in, and the tolerance range should be indicated, such as '0.8 mm ± 0.02 mm'. Customs may judge whether it falls within the subheading range based on the tolerance. If the tolerance crosses subheadings, classification should be based on the actual thickness. What is the criterion for distinguishing 720915 and 720916? The distinguishing criterion is thickness: 720915 is thickness 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm, and 720916 is thickness less than 0.5 mm. At declaration, thickness must be measured accurately to avoid errors caused by rounding. Does the material grade of stainless steel coil affect classification? The material grade itself does not affect heading classification, but it must be ensured that it is stainless steel (containing 10.5% or more chromium). Different grades may affect tariff treatment (such as anti-dumping duties), so accurate declaration is required. If the width of cold-rolled stainless steel coil is exactly 600 mm, which code should it be classified under? Width 600 mm or more is classified under 7209, and width less than 600 mm is classified under 7219. Therefore, a width of 600 mm should be classified under 7209, and the specific subheading is determined by thickness. What are the consequences of omitting surface treatment at declaration? It may lead to classification errors or differences in tariff treatment, and customs may require supplementary duties or impose penalties. It is recommended to fully declare the surface treatment state, such as 2B, BA, etc.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 720915?
A: You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement (such as RCEP), and rules of origin. It is recommended to rely on the feedback from the customs system at the time of declaration.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between cold-rolled stainless steel coil and hot-rolled stainless steel coil?
A: Hot-rolled stainless steel coil is usually classified under heading 7219 or 7220 (width less than 600 mm) or 7219 (width 600 mm or more), while cold-rolled is classified under 7209. The main difference lies in the processing technology: products that have been hot-rolled but not cold-rolled are classified under hot-rolled headings, while those that have been cold-rolled are classified under 7209.
Q: If cold-rolled stainless steel coil has been polished, can it still be classified under 720915?
A: If polishing is only surface treatment and does not change the basic characteristics of the material, it can still be classified under 720915. However, if it has undergone further processing such as coating or plating, it may be classified under 7210. It is recommended to judge based on the specific processing technology.
Q: How should thickness tolerance be filled in at declaration?
A: The actual thickness should be filled in, and the tolerance range should be indicated, such as '0.8 mm ± 0.02 mm'. Customs may judge whether it falls within the subheading range based on the tolerance. If the tolerance crosses subheadings, classification should be based on the actual thickness.
Q: What is the criterion for distinguishing 720915 and 720916?
A: The distinguishing criterion is thickness: 720915 is thickness 0.5 mm or more but less than 1 mm, and 720916 is thickness less than 0.5 mm. At declaration, thickness must be measured accurately to avoid errors caused by rounding.
Q: Does the material grade of stainless steel coil affect classification?
A: The material grade itself does not affect heading classification, but it must be ensured that it is stainless steel (containing 10.5% or more chromium). Different grades may affect tariff treatment (such as anti-dumping duties), so accurate declaration is required.
Q: If the width of cold-rolled stainless steel coil is exactly 600 mm, which code should it be classified under?
A: Width 600 mm or more is classified under 7209, and width less than 600 mm is classified under 7219. Therefore, a width of 600 mm should be classified under 7209, and the specific subheading is determined by thickness.
Q: What are the consequences of omitting surface treatment at declaration?
A: It may lead to classification errors or differences in tariff treatment, and customs may require supplementary duties or impose penalties. It is recommended to fully declare the surface treatment state, such as 2B, BA, etc.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.