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, wire rods, etc. This chapter is one of the largest in the HS, covering a wide range of products from raw materials to primary steel products, but excluding finished steel products (classified in Chapter 73 and later). 7209 belongs to cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products in this chapter, but note that this chapter also includes other alloy steels and non-alloy steels. Heading 7209 covers cold-rolled (cold-reduced) stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more, whether or not annealed, pickled, brushed, coated, or otherwise further worked. However, this heading applies only to flat-rolled products and does not include wire or narrow strip. Cold rolling refers to rolling below the recrystallization temperature, usually accompanied by work hardening. First 2 digits 72: Chapter 72, iron and steel. Digits 3-4: 09: heading 7209, indicating cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more. Digits 5-6: 26: subheading 720926, indicating a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm (including 0.5 mm, excluding 1 mm? The actual subheading structure needs verification: 7209.26 is usually thickness 0.5 mm and above but not exceeding 1 mm? But according to HS 2022, 7209.26 is thickness less than 0.5 mm? No, accurate: 7209.25 is thickness <0.5 mm, 7209.26 is thickness 0.5-1 mm, 7209.27 is thickness >1 mm but <3 mm, etc. However, the user-given code 720926 and the Chinese name 'cold-rolled stainless steel wire' clearly contain an error: 7209 is flat-rolled product, not wire. Wire should be classified under 7223 or 7229. Therefore, the code and name do not match, possibly a user typo. But according to the task requirements, we need to generate content according to the given code, but should we tactfully point out the possible inconsistency in the content? As an expert, one should base it on the code itself. But the user explicitly requires generating content for HS code 720926 and gives the Chinese name cold-rolled stainless steel wire. This is actually an incorrect classification. But we must generate JSON as required, and the content must be professionally accurate. Therefore, in structure, we should point out that this code actually corresponds to cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products, not wire. But the user requires 'Chinese name: cold-rolled stainless steel wire', should we correct it in the content? But the output format is fixed, and we can explain in why_this_code. But to be faithful to the HS, we should describe the true meaning of 720926. But the user may expect us to generate according to the given name. After weighing, I believe we should respect the HS code itself and point out that the name may be wrong. But in the output JSON, we can still write 'cold-rolled stainless steel wire' as the name? No, it is better to clarify in the content. But to satisfy the user, we can assume the user intends to describe this code, but the name is wrong. I will explain in why_this_code. But overall, we describe according to the code itself. 720926 actually corresponds to cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a thickness of 0.5 mm and above but not exceeding 1 mm (width ≥600 mm). If the product is wire, it should not be classified under 7209, but under 7223 (stainless steel wire) or 7229 (wire of other alloy steel). Therefore, if declared as 'cold-rolled stainless steel wire', there is a risk of classification error. Correct classification depends on the actual form: flat-rolled products under 7209, wire under 7223.
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, wire rods, etc. This chapter is one of the largest in the HS, covering a wide range of products from raw materials to primary steel products, but excluding finished steel products (classified in Chapter 73 and later). 7209 belongs to cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products in this chapter, but note that this chapter also includes other alloy steels and non-alloy steels.
Heading
Heading 7209 covers cold-rolled (cold-reduced) stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more, whether or not annealed, pickled, brushed, coated, or otherwise further worked. However, this heading applies only to flat-rolled products and does not include wire or narrow strip. Cold rolling refers to rolling below the recrystallization temperature, usually accompanied by work hardening.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 72: Chapter 72, iron and steel. Digits 3-4: 09: heading 7209, indicating cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a width of 600 mm or more. Digits 5-6: 26: subheading 720926, indicating a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm (including 0.5 mm, excluding 1 mm? The actual subheading structure needs verification: 7209.26 is usually thickness 0.5 mm and above but not exceeding 1 mm? But according to HS 2022, 7209.26 is thickness less than 0.5 mm? No, accurate: 7209.25 is thickness <0.5 mm, 7209.26 is thickness 0.5-1 mm, 7209.27 is thickness >1 mm but <3 mm, etc. However, the user-given code 720926 and the Chinese name 'cold-rolled stainless steel wire' clearly contain an error: 7209 is flat-rolled product, not wire. Wire should be classified under 7223 or 7229. Therefore, the code and name do not match, possibly a user typo. But according to the task requirements, we need to generate content according to the given code, but should we tactfully point out the possible inconsistency in the content? As an expert, one should base it on the code itself. But the user explicitly requires generating content for HS code 720926 and gives the Chinese name cold-rolled stainless steel wire. This is actually an incorrect classification. But we must generate JSON as required, and the content must be professionally accurate. Therefore, in structure, we should point out that this code actually corresponds to cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products, not wire. But the user requires 'Chinese name: cold-rolled stainless steel wire', should we correct it in the content? But the output format is fixed, and we can explain in why_this_code. But to be faithful to the HS, we should describe the true meaning of 720926. But the user may expect us to generate according to the given name. After weighing, I believe we should respect the HS code itself and point out that the name may be wrong. But in the output JSON, we can still write 'cold-rolled stainless steel wire' as the name? No, it is better to clarify in the content. But to satisfy the user, we can assume the user intends to describe this code, but the name is wrong. I will explain in why_this_code. But overall, we describe according to the code itself.
Classification Basis
720926 actually corresponds to cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products of a thickness of 0.5 mm and above but not exceeding 1 mm (width ≥600 mm). If the product is wire, it should not be classified under 7209, but under 7223 (stainless steel wire) or 7229 (wire of other alloy steel). Therefore, if declared as 'cold-rolled stainless steel wire', there is a risk of classification error. Correct classification depends on the actual form: flat-rolled products under 7209, wire under 7223.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'cold-rolled stainless steel coil' or 'cold-rolled stainless steel sheet'. Material: The grade and chemical composition of the stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc., with the content of main alloying elements indicated. Specifications and dimensions: Thickness, width, length (if plate), thickness must be accurate to the millimeter, width must indicate whether it is ≥600 mm. Processing state: Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, brushed, polished, etc., must indicate whether further processing has been carried out. Shape: Coil, sheet, straight bar, etc.; wire should be declared as 'wire'. Use: Main use, such as automotive parts, kitchenware, architectural decoration, etc. Brand: Manufacturer or brand; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Standard: Implementation standard, such as GB, ASTM, JIS, etc. Product name: cold-rolled stainless steel coil; Material: 304 stainless steel, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel; Specifications: thickness 0.8 mm, width 1219 mm; Processing state: cold-rolled, annealed, pickled; Shape: coil; Use: for manufacturing kitchenware; Brand: TISCO; Standard: ASTM A240. Mistakenly classifying wire under 7209; wire should actually be under 7223. Inaccurate thickness declaration, such as reporting 0.5 mm as 0.6 mm, affecting the subheading. Width not indicating whether it is ≥600 mm, leading to heading errors. Unclear description of processing state, such as failure to indicate whether annealed. Material grade not provided, making it impossible to determine the stainless steel type.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'cold-rolled stainless steel coil' or 'cold-rolled stainless steel sheet'.
⚠️ Misdeclared as 'stainless steel wire' or 'stainless steel strip'.
Material
The grade and chemical composition of the stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc., with the content of main alloying elements indicated.
⚠️ Only writing 'stainless steel' without providing the specific grade or composition.
Specifications and dimensions
Thickness, width, length (if plate), thickness must be accurate to the millimeter, width must indicate whether it is ≥600 mm.
⚠️ Incorrect thickness unit or failure to indicate width, leading to classification errors.
Processing state
Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, brushed, polished, etc., must indicate whether further processing has been carried out.
⚠️ Reporting cold-rolled and then annealed products still as 'cold-rolled', without distinguishing the state.
Shape
Coil, sheet, straight bar, etc.; wire should be declared as 'wire'.
⚠️ Reporting coil as 'wire' or vice versa.
Use
Main use, such as automotive parts, kitchenware, architectural decoration, etc.
⚠️ Use description too broad, such as 'industrial use'.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand; if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Omitting brand information.
Standard
Implementation standard, such as GB, ASTM, JIS, etc.
Mistakenly classifying wire under 7209; wire should actually be under 7223.
Inaccurate thickness declaration, such as reporting 0.5 mm as 0.6 mm, affecting the subheading.
Width not indicating whether it is ≥600 mm, leading to heading errors.
Unclear description of processing state, such as failure to indicate whether annealed.
Material grade not provided, making it impossible to determine the stainless steel type.
🎯 Classification Logic
Classification basis: first determine whether it is stainless steel (containing ≥10.5% chromium), then determine whether the form is flat-rolled product (width ≥600 mm), then determine whether the rolling method is cold rolling (cold reduction), and finally determine the subheading according to thickness. 720926 corresponds to a thickness of 0.5 mm and above but not exceeding 1 mm. If it is wire, it is classified under 7223. 720925 Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products, thickness <0.5 mm: Thickness less than 0.5 mm, different from the thickness range of 720926. 720927 Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products, thickness >1 mm but <3 mm: Thickness greater than 1 mm, beyond the range of 720926. 7223 Stainless steel wire: Wire is in long strips with a circular or other special-shaped cross-section, while 7209 is flat-rolled product. 7219 Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products, width ≥600 mm: The material is stainless steel, while 7209 is non-alloy steel. Confirm whether the material is stainless steel (containing ≥10.5% chromium). Confirm whether the form is flat-rolled product (not wire). Confirm whether the width is ≥600 mm. Confirm whether the rolling method is cold rolling. Confirm whether the thickness is between 0.5-1 mm.
Basis
Classification basis: first determine whether it is stainless steel (containing ≥10.5% chromium), then determine whether the form is flat-rolled product (width ≥600 mm), then determine whether the rolling method is cold rolling (cold reduction), and finally determine the subheading according to thickness. 720926 corresponds to a thickness of 0.5 mm and above but not exceeding 1 mm. If it is wire, it is classified under 7223.
Confused Codes：
720925 - Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products, thickness <0.5 mm
Thickness less than 0.5 mm, different from the thickness range of 720926.
720927 - Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products, thickness >1 mm but <3 mm
Thickness greater than 1 mm, beyond the range of 720926.
7223 - Stainless steel wire
Wire is in long strips with a circular or other special-shaped cross-section, while 7209 is flat-rolled product.
7219 - Cold-rolled stainless steel flat-rolled products, width ≥600 mm
The material is stainless steel, while 7209 is non-alloy steel.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the material is stainless steel (containing ≥10.5% chromium).
✓ Confirm whether the form is flat-rolled product (not wire).
✓ Confirm whether the width is ≥600 mm.
✓ Confirm whether the rolling method is cold rolling.
✓ Confirm whether the thickness is between 0.5-1 mm.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between 720926 and 7223? 720926 is cold-rolled non-alloy steel flat-rolled product, thickness 0.5-1 mm, width ≥600 mm; 7223 is stainless steel wire, in wire form, made of stainless steel. Both the material and form are different. How to determine the correct HS code for stainless steel wire? Stainless steel wire should be classified under 7223, further subdivided according to composition (chromium, nickel content) and diameter. For example, chromium-nickel stainless steel wire is classified under 7223.00, and other alloy steel wire under 7229. What are the consequences of filling in the wrong thickness during declaration? Thickness directly affects subheading classification, such as below 0.5 mm under 720925, 0.5-1 mm under 720926, 1-3 mm under 720927. Incorrect filling may lead to classification errors, triggering customs queries or penalties. How to distinguish between cold-rolled stainless steel flat products and cold-rolled non-alloy steel flat products? The key is the material: stainless steel contains ≥10.5% chromium, classified under 7219; non-alloy steel contains <10.5% chromium, classified under 7209. Chemical composition must be provided during declaration. If the width is exactly 600 mm, which heading should it be classified under? Flat-rolled products of width ≥600 mm are classified under 7208-7212 (non-alloy steel) or 7219-7222 (stainless steel). Width <600 mm is classified under 7209? No, cold-rolled non-alloy steel of width <600 mm is classified under 7209? Actually 7209 is width ≥600 mm? No, 7208-7212 are width ≥600 mm, 7209 is cold-rolled? Let me verify: 7208 is hot-rolled, 7209 is cold-rolled, width ≥600 mm. Cold-rolled non-alloy steel of width <600 mm is classified under 7209? No, 7209 is width ≥600 mm, width <600 mm is classified under 7211? Actually 7211 is cold-rolled non-alloy steel of width <600 mm. So 600 mm width is the critical point and must be measured accurately. How to fill in the 'processing state' in the declaration elements? It should indicate whether cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, brushed, etc. For example, 'cold-rolled, annealed, pickled' or 'cold-rolled, not annealed'. If the product is cold-rolled stainless steel wire, which code should it be classified under? Stainless steel wire should be classified under 7223, subdivided according to diameter and composition. For example, chromium-nickel stainless steel wire with diameter <0.5 mm is classified under 7223.00.10. How to check the tariff rate for 720926? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Tariff rates are adjusted with policies, and the latest published rates should be used.
Q: What is the difference between 720926 and 7223?
A: 720926 is cold-rolled non-alloy steel flat-rolled product, thickness 0.5-1 mm, width ≥600 mm; 7223 is stainless steel wire, in wire form, made of stainless steel. Both the material and form are different.
Q: How to determine the correct HS code for stainless steel wire?
A: Stainless steel wire should be classified under 7223, further subdivided according to composition (chromium, nickel content) and diameter. For example, chromium-nickel stainless steel wire is classified under 7223.00, and other alloy steel wire under 7229.
Q: What are the consequences of filling in the wrong thickness during declaration?
A: Thickness directly affects subheading classification, such as below 0.5 mm under 720925, 0.5-1 mm under 720926, 1-3 mm under 720927. Incorrect filling may lead to classification errors, triggering customs queries or penalties.
Q: How to distinguish between cold-rolled stainless steel flat products and cold-rolled non-alloy steel flat products?
A: The key is the material: stainless steel contains ≥10.5% chromium, classified under 7219; non-alloy steel contains <10.5% chromium, classified under 7209. Chemical composition must be provided during declaration.
Q: If the width is exactly 600 mm, which heading should it be classified under?
A: Flat-rolled products of width ≥600 mm are classified under 7208-7212 (non-alloy steel) or 7219-7222 (stainless steel). Width <600 mm is classified under 7209? No, cold-rolled non-alloy steel of width <600 mm is classified under 7209? Actually 7209 is width ≥600 mm? No, 7208-7212 are width ≥600 mm, 7209 is cold-rolled? Let me verify: 7208 is hot-rolled, 7209 is cold-rolled, width ≥600 mm. Cold-rolled non-alloy steel of width <600 mm is classified under 7209? No, 7209 is width ≥600 mm, width <600 mm is classified under 7211? Actually 7211 is cold-rolled non-alloy steel of width <600 mm. So 600 mm width is the critical point and must be measured accurately.
Q: How to fill in the 'processing state' in the declaration elements?
A: It should indicate whether cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, brushed, etc. For example, 'cold-rolled, annealed, pickled' or 'cold-rolled, not annealed'.
Q: If the product is cold-rolled stainless steel wire, which code should it be classified under?
A: Stainless steel wire should be classified under 7223, subdivided according to diameter and composition. For example, chromium-nickel stainless steel wire with diameter <0.5 mm is classified under 7223.00.10.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for 720926?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Tariff rates are adjusted with policies, and the latest published rates should be used.
⚠️ 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.