Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars, sections, wire rods, tubes, etc. This chapter is further subdivided based on smelting process, composition, shape, dimensions, and processing state, and is the core chapter for the classification of iron and steel products in international trade. Heading 7209 covers flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, cold-rolled but not further worked, including coils, cut-to-length sheets, etc. Products under this heading are usually relatively thin, with a smooth surface, and are used in automobiles, home appliances, construction, and other fields. The first 2 digits 72 represent the chapter on iron and steel; digits 3-4, 09, represent the heading for cold-rolled flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more; digits 5-6, 18, represent cold-rolled coils with a thickness between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. However, it should be noted that 720918 is actually described as cold-rolled stainless steel bars, which is inconsistent with the definition of heading 7209, and there may be a classification error or special circumstances. If the goods are stainless steel bars, they should generally be classified under heading 7222 (bars of stainless steel), rather than 7209 (cold-rolled flat-rolled products). 7209 applies to flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel with a width of 600 mm or more. Therefore, 720918 may result from incorrect classification, and the correct code must be redetermined based on material, shape, and dimensions.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars, sections, wire rods, tubes, etc. This chapter is further subdivided based on smelting process, composition, shape, dimensions, and processing state, and is the core chapter for the classification of iron and steel products in international trade.
Heading
Heading 7209 covers flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, cold-rolled but not further worked, including coils, cut-to-length sheets, etc. Products under this heading are usually relatively thin, with a smooth surface, and are used in automobiles, home appliances, construction, and other fields.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 72 represent the chapter on iron and steel; digits 3-4, 09, represent the heading for cold-rolled flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more; digits 5-6, 18, represent cold-rolled coils with a thickness between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. However, it should be noted that 720918 is actually described as cold-rolled stainless steel bars, which is inconsistent with the definition of heading 7209, and there may be a classification error or special circumstances.
Classification Basis
If the goods are stainless steel bars, they should generally be classified under heading 7222 (bars of stainless steel), rather than 7209 (cold-rolled flat-rolled products). 7209 applies to flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel with a width of 600 mm or more. Therefore, 720918 may result from incorrect classification, and the correct code must be redetermined based on material, shape, and dimensions.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should be consistent with the actual goods, such as "cold-rolled stainless steel bars." Material: The specific steel grade and designation, such as 304 stainless steel, 316L, etc., and the composition must be indicated. Shape: Declare bars, round steel, square steel, etc., truthfully, and indicate whether they are solid or hollow. Dimensions: Diameter or cross-sectional dimensions, and length, in millimeters. Processing state: State whether cold-rolled, hot-rolled, cold-drawn, forged, etc., and whether further worked. Surface treatment: Such as pickling, polishing, coating, etc., which affects classification. Use: Main application fields, such as machining, construction, automotive parts. Example of customs declaration form:
Product name: Cold-rolled stainless steel bars
Material: 304 stainless steel
Shape: Round bar
Dimensions: Diameter 20 mm, length 3000 mm
Processing state: Cold-rolled then cold-drawn
Surface treatment: Pickled
Use: Used for machining mechanical shaft parts
HS code: 72222000 (suggested) Incorrectly classifying stainless steel bars under 7209 (heading for flat-rolled products), resulting in classification errors. Failure to provide the material grade, writing only "stainless steel," which affects customs valuation and classification. Incomplete dimension description, such as writing only the length without the diameter, making it impossible to determine whether it is a bar.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should be consistent with the actual goods, such as "cold-rolled stainless steel bars."
⚠️ Using common or vague names, such as "stainless steel rod."
Material
The specific steel grade and designation, such as 304 stainless steel, 316L, etc., and the composition must be indicated.
⚠️ Writing only "stainless steel" without providing the specific grade.
Shape
Declare bars, round steel, square steel, etc., truthfully, and indicate whether they are solid or hollow.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring bars as plates or sections.
Dimensions
Diameter or cross-sectional dimensions, and length, in millimeters.
⚠️ Failure to indicate diameter or cross-sectional dimensions, resulting in classification difficulties.
Processing state
State whether cold-rolled, hot-rolled, cold-drawn, forged, etc., and whether further worked.
⚠️ Confusing cold rolling with cold drawing, and unclear description of the processing state.
Surface treatment
Such as pickling, polishing, coating, etc., which affects classification.
⚠️ Ignoring surface treatment, such as declaring polished bars as untreated.
Use
Main application fields, such as machining, construction, automotive parts.
⚠️ The description of use is too broad, such as "industrial use."
Example： Example of customs declaration form:
Product name: Cold-rolled stainless steel bars
Material: 304 stainless steel
Shape: Round bar
Dimensions: Diameter 20 mm, length 3000 mm
Processing state: Cold-rolled then cold-drawn
Surface treatment: Pickled
Use: Used for machining mechanical shaft parts
HS code: 72222000 (suggested)
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying stainless steel bars under 7209 (heading for flat-rolled products), resulting in classification errors.
Failure to provide the material grade, writing only "stainless steel," which affects customs valuation and classification.
Incomplete dimension description, such as writing only the length without the diameter, making it impossible to determine whether it is a bar.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and the national subheading notes. The classification of steel bars requires consideration of material (stainless steel or non-alloy steel), shape (solid bar), processing technology (cold rolling, cold drawing, etc.), and dimensions. Stainless steel bars are generally classified under 7222, and non-alloy steel bars under 7214 or 7215. If they are cold-rolled flat-rolled products, they are classified under 7209, but the width must be 600 mm or more. 72222000 Cold-rolled bars of stainless steel: 7222 is the heading for bars of stainless steel, covering cold-rolled, cold-drawn, etc., and is completely different from 7209 (flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel) in material and shape. 72149900 Hot-rolled bars of non-alloy steel: 7214 is for hot-rolled bars of non-alloy steel, with a processing state of hot rolling, while 7209 is for cold-rolled flat-rolled products, and both shape and process are different. 72151000 Cold-rolled bars of non-alloy steel: 7215 is for cold-rolled bars of non-alloy steel, but the material is non-alloy steel, whereas stainless steel bars should be classified under 7222. 72099000 Other cold-rolled flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel: Other subheadings under 7209 are for flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more; if the width is insufficient or the product is a bar, it should not be classified therein. Confirm whether the material is stainless steel? Confirm whether the shape is a solid bar? Confirm whether the processing technology is cold rolling or cold drawing? Confirm whether the dimensions meet the definition of a bar? Confirm whether it has been further worked?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and the national subheading notes. The classification of steel bars requires consideration of material (stainless steel or non-alloy steel), shape (solid bar), processing technology (cold rolling, cold drawing, etc.), and dimensions. Stainless steel bars are generally classified under 7222, and non-alloy steel bars under 7214 or 7215. If they are cold-rolled flat-rolled products, they are classified under 7209, but the width must be 600 mm or more.
Confused Codes：
72222000 - Cold-rolled bars of stainless steel
7222 is the heading for bars of stainless steel, covering cold-rolled, cold-drawn, etc., and is completely different from 7209 (flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel) in material and shape.
72149900 - Hot-rolled bars of non-alloy steel
7214 is for hot-rolled bars of non-alloy steel, with a processing state of hot rolling, while 7209 is for cold-rolled flat-rolled products, and both shape and process are different.
72151000 - Cold-rolled bars of non-alloy steel
7215 is for cold-rolled bars of non-alloy steel, but the material is non-alloy steel, whereas stainless steel bars should be classified under 7222.
72099000 - Other cold-rolled flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel
Other subheadings under 7209 are for flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more; if the width is insufficient or the product is a bar, it should not be classified therein.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the material is stainless steel?
✓ Confirm whether the shape is a solid bar?
✓ Confirm whether the processing technology is cold rolling or cold drawing?
✓ Confirm whether the dimensions meet the definition of a bar?
✓ Confirm whether it has been further worked?
❓ FAQ
What is the correct commodity name for HS code 720918? According to HS notes, 720918 should be cold-rolled coils of non-alloy steel with a width of 600 mm or more and a thickness of 0.5-1 mm, not stainless steel bars. If the actual goods are stainless steel bars, the classification is incorrect and they should be classified under the 7222 series. What is the difference in classification between stainless steel bars and cold-rolled stainless steel bars? Stainless steel bars may be classified under different subheadings of 7222 depending on the processing technology. Cold-rolled stainless steel bars are usually classified under 722220, but it is necessary to confirm whether they have been cold-drawn or further worked. Hot-rolled bars are classified under 722210. How can one determine whether a bar is "cold-rolled"? Cold rolling refers to rolling below the recrystallization temperature, usually resulting in a smooth surface and high dimensional precision. If the bar has been cold-drawn, it is also cold working, but the classification may differ. It is necessary to judge based on the production process and surface condition. What are the consequences of incorrect declaration? Incorrect declaration may lead to customs inspection, supplementary duties, fines, and even affect the enterprise's credit rating. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use the customs advance classification service before declaration. Where can accurate information on HS codes be queried? You can consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China and the Explanatory Notes to the Commodity Classification published by the General Administration of Customs of China, or use the customs classification advance ruling service. What are the declaration elements for stainless steel bars? They mainly include product name, material, shape, dimensions, processing state, surface treatment, use, etc. For details, refer to the Standard Declaration Catalogue announced by the General Administration of Customs. How can the tax rate for cold-rolled stainless steel bars be queried? Tax rates change with policy adjustments. You can query the latest tax rates through the website of the General Administration of Customs or the China International Trade Single Window. It is recommended to rely on the tax rate at the time of actual declaration. If the goods are cold-rolled stainless steel wire, which code should they be classified under? Stainless steel wire should be classified under 7223, not bars or flat-rolled products. The subheading must be further determined based on diameter and processing state.
Q: What is the correct commodity name for HS code 720918?
A: According to HS notes, 720918 should be cold-rolled coils of non-alloy steel with a width of 600 mm or more and a thickness of 0.5-1 mm, not stainless steel bars. If the actual goods are stainless steel bars, the classification is incorrect and they should be classified under the 7222 series.
Q: What is the difference in classification between stainless steel bars and cold-rolled stainless steel bars?
A: Stainless steel bars may be classified under different subheadings of 7222 depending on the processing technology. Cold-rolled stainless steel bars are usually classified under 722220, but it is necessary to confirm whether they have been cold-drawn or further worked. Hot-rolled bars are classified under 722210.
Q: How can one determine whether a bar is "cold-rolled"?
A: Cold rolling refers to rolling below the recrystallization temperature, usually resulting in a smooth surface and high dimensional precision. If the bar has been cold-drawn, it is also cold working, but the classification may differ. It is necessary to judge based on the production process and surface condition.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrect declaration?
A: Incorrect declaration may lead to customs inspection, supplementary duties, fines, and even affect the enterprise's credit rating. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use the customs advance classification service before declaration.
Q: Where can accurate information on HS codes be queried?
A: You can consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China and the Explanatory Notes to the Commodity Classification published by the General Administration of Customs of China, or use the customs classification advance ruling service.
Q: What are the declaration elements for stainless steel bars?
A: They mainly include product name, material, shape, dimensions, processing state, surface treatment, use, etc. For details, refer to the Standard Declaration Catalogue announced by the General Administration of Customs.
Q: How can the tax rate for cold-rolled stainless steel bars be queried?
A: Tax rates change with policy adjustments. You can query the latest tax rates through the website of the General Administration of Customs or the China International Trade Single Window. It is recommended to rely on the tax rate at the time of actual declaration.
Q: If the goods are cold-rolled stainless steel wire, which code should they be classified under?
A: Stainless steel wire should be classified under 7223, not bars or flat-rolled products. The subheading must be further determined based on diameter and processing state.
⚠️ 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.