Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, ferrous scrap, steel ingots, semi-finished steel, flat-rolled products, long products, tubes, etc. This chapter is classified by smelting raw materials, processing forms, and alloy composition, and is the core chapter of global steel trade. 7211 belongs to the hot-rolled coil category within flat-rolled products, but note that this chapter does not include finished steel products (such as pipe fittings and structural parts of Chapter 73) or coated plates (such as coated plates of heading 7210). Heading 7211 covers flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, not clad, plated or coated. Specifically, it includes narrow strip that has been hot-rolled and only pickled, rolled, annealed, etc., as well as narrow strip that has undergone further processing but has not changed its essential character. Products under this heading are usually in coils or cut-to-length, used for downstream manufacturing such as welded pipes, cold-formed sections, and hardware parts. First 2 digits 72: indicates Chapter 72, i.e., iron and steel, covering everything from raw materials to semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, long products, etc. Digits 3-4, 11: indicates heading 7211, i.e., hot-rolled flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, not plated or coated. Digits 5-6, 19: under 7211, subheading 7211.19 refers to other hot-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel, not further worked than hot-rolled, of any thickness, but excluding specific types such as pickled (7211.13) and embossed/pattern-rolled (7211.14). Note that digits 5-6 are at the subheading level; the 6-digit code is universally used worldwide, and countries may further subdivide to 8-10 digits. This commodity is hot-rolled carbon steel strip, width less than 600 mm, non-alloy steel, not plated or coated, and therefore classified under 7211. If the width is 600 mm or more, it should be classified under 7208; if cold-rolled, under 7212; if plated or coated, under 7210; if alloy steel, under 7225 or 7226. Therefore, 7211.19 is the residual subheading for hot-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, ferrous scrap, steel ingots, semi-finished steel, flat-rolled products, long products, tubes, etc. This chapter is classified by smelting raw materials, processing forms, and alloy composition, and is the core chapter of global steel trade. 7211 belongs to the hot-rolled coil category within flat-rolled products, but note that this chapter does not include finished steel products (such as pipe fittings and structural parts of Chapter 73) or coated plates (such as coated plates of heading 7210).
Heading
Heading 7211 covers flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, not clad, plated or coated. Specifically, it includes narrow strip that has been hot-rolled and only pickled, rolled, annealed, etc., as well as narrow strip that has undergone further processing but has not changed its essential character. Products under this heading are usually in coils or cut-to-length, used for downstream manufacturing such as welded pipes, cold-formed sections, and hardware parts.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 72: indicates Chapter 72, i.e., iron and steel, covering everything from raw materials to semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, long products, etc. Digits 3-4, 11: indicates heading 7211, i.e., hot-rolled flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, not plated or coated. Digits 5-6, 19: under 7211, subheading 7211.19 refers to other hot-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel, not further worked than hot-rolled, of any thickness, but excluding specific types such as pickled (7211.13) and embossed/pattern-rolled (7211.14). Note that digits 5-6 are at the subheading level; the 6-digit code is universally used worldwide, and countries may further subdivide to 8-10 digits.
Classification Basis
This commodity is hot-rolled carbon steel strip, width less than 600 mm, non-alloy steel, not plated or coated, and therefore classified under 7211. If the width is 600 mm or more, it should be classified under 7208; if cold-rolled, under 7212; if plated or coated, under 7210; if alloy steel, under 7225 or 7226. Therefore, 7211.19 is the residual subheading for hot-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the material and processing state, such as "hot-rolled carbon steel strip." Material: Indicate the steel grade and main chemical composition, such as non-alloy steel, carbon content range, and whether alloying elements are contained. Specifications and dimensions: Declare thickness, width, and length (if cut-to-length). Width must be less than 600 mm, and thickness should be accurate to the millimeter. Processing state: State whether it is hot-rolled, pickled, annealed, pattern-rolled, etc., and whether it has been further processed. Surface treatment: Declare whether it is plated, coated, or clad; if so, it should be classified under other headings. Use: Briefly explain the main use, such as welded pipes, cold-formed sections, hardware stamping, etc., to assist classification. Brand or manufacturer: Declare the manufacturer or brand; if there is no brand, fill in "none." Packaging method: State whether it is in coils, strapped, or cut-to-length packaging, affecting transportation and inspection. Product name: hot-rolled carbon steel strip; Material: non-alloy steel, carbon content 0.15%; Specifications: thickness 2.0 mm, width 300 mm, in coils; Processing state: hot-rolled, not pickled, not annealed; Surface treatment: no plating or coating; Use: manufacture of welded pipes; Brand: none; Packaging: coil. When the declared width is close to 600 mm, precise measurement is required to avoid classification disputes caused by tolerances. Pickled versus unpickled affects the subheading, and process certification must be provided; otherwise, it may be classified under the wrong subheading. If the strip is cold-rolled and then hot-rolled, the final processing state must be confirmed to prevent misclassification under 7212.
Product name
The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the material and processing state, such as "hot-rolled carbon steel strip."
⚠️ Writing only "steel strip" without indicating hot-rolled or carbon steel, resulting in ambiguous classification.
Material
Indicate the steel grade and main chemical composition, such as non-alloy steel, carbon content range, and whether alloying elements are contained.
⚠️ Misreporting non-alloy steel as alloy steel, or failing to provide carbon content.
Specifications and dimensions
Declare thickness, width, and length (if cut-to-length). Width must be less than 600 mm, and thickness should be accurate to the millimeter.
⚠️ Incorrect width declaration, such as reporting 599 mm when the actual width is 600 mm, leading to classification errors.
Processing state
State whether it is hot-rolled, pickled, annealed, pattern-rolled, etc., and whether it has been further processed.
⚠️ Reporting pickled strip as unpickled, affecting subheading distinction.
Surface treatment
Declare whether it is plated, coated, or clad; if so, it should be classified under other headings.
⚠️ Misreporting galvanized strip as uncoated, leading to tax evasion risk.
Use
Briefly explain the main use, such as welded pipes, cold-formed sections, hardware stamping, etc., to assist classification.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "industrial use," and cannot assist judgment.
Brand or manufacturer
Declare the manufacturer or brand; if there is no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Omission or incorrect filling, affecting price review.
Packaging method
State whether it is in coils, strapped, or cut-to-length packaging, affecting transportation and inspection.
⚠️ Failure to indicate coil form, leading to disputes during inspection.
Example： Product name: hot-rolled carbon steel strip; Material: non-alloy steel, carbon content 0.15%; Specifications: thickness 2.0 mm, width 300 mm, in coils; Processing state: hot-rolled, not pickled, not annealed; Surface treatment: no plating or coating; Use: manufacture of welded pipes; Brand: none; Packaging: coil.
Common Mistakes：
When the declared width is close to 600 mm, precise measurement is required to avoid classification disputes caused by tolerances.
Pickled versus unpickled affects the subheading, and process certification must be provided; otherwise, it may be classified under the wrong subheading.
If the strip is cold-rolled and then hot-rolled, the final processing state must be confirmed to prevent misclassification under 7212.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material is non-alloy steel; 2) the width is less than 600 mm; 3) it is hot-rolled and not plated or coated; 4) it has not been further processed (such as cold-rolled or pattern-rolled). Reference should also be made to the chapter notes, subheading notes, and customs classification decisions of the Import and Export Tariff. If the width is 600 mm or more, classify under 7208; if cold-rolled, under 7212; if alloy steel, under 7225/7226. 7208 Hot-rolled wide plate of non-alloy steel: Width is 600 mm or more, whereas 7211 requires width less than 600 mm; this is the most core difference. 7212 Cold-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel: The processing state is cold-rolled, whereas 7211 is hot-rolled; after cold rolling, the surface is smoother and the dimensions are more precise. 7210 Coated narrow strip of non-alloy steel: It has undergone coating treatment such as galvanizing or tin plating, whereas 7211 is uncoated; surface treatment is the key. 7225 Wide plate of alloy steel: The material is alloy steel, and the width is 600 mm or more; the alloying element content must comply with the chapter notes. 7226 Narrow strip of alloy steel: The material is alloy steel, width less than 600 mm, different from the non-alloy steel of 7211. Is the width less than 600 mm? Is the material non-alloy steel? Is it hot-rolled and not cold-rolled? Is the surface free of plating or coating? Has it not been further processed into other products?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material is non-alloy steel; 2) the width is less than 600 mm; 3) it is hot-rolled and not plated or coated; 4) it has not been further processed (such as cold-rolled or pattern-rolled). Reference should also be made to the chapter notes, subheading notes, and customs classification decisions of the Import and Export Tariff. If the width is 600 mm or more, classify under 7208; if cold-rolled, under 7212; if alloy steel, under 7225/7226.
Confused Codes：
7208 - Hot-rolled wide plate of non-alloy steel
Width is 600 mm or more, whereas 7211 requires width less than 600 mm; this is the most core difference.
7212 - Cold-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel
The processing state is cold-rolled, whereas 7211 is hot-rolled; after cold rolling, the surface is smoother and the dimensions are more precise.
7210 - Coated narrow strip of non-alloy steel
It has undergone coating treatment such as galvanizing or tin plating, whereas 7211 is uncoated; surface treatment is the key.
7225 - Wide plate of alloy steel
The material is alloy steel, and the width is 600 mm or more; the alloying element content must comply with the chapter notes.
7226 - Narrow strip of alloy steel
The material is alloy steel, width less than 600 mm, different from the non-alloy steel of 7211.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the width less than 600 mm?
✓ Is the material non-alloy steel?
✓ Is it hot-rolled and not cold-rolled?
✓ Is the surface free of plating or coating?
✓ Has it not been further processed into other products?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 721119? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, consumption tax, etc. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest tariff at the time of declaration should prevail. What is the difference between 721119 and 721129? 721119 is hot-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel, not pickled; 721129 is hot-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel, but pickled. Pickling removes scale and makes the surface cleaner; process certification must be provided for classification. What are the declaration elements for hot-rolled carbon steel strip? They mainly include product name, material, specifications and dimensions, processing state, surface treatment, use, brand, packaging, etc. Among these, material, specifications, and processing state are key to classification and must be declared accurately. If the strip is cold-rolled but uncoated, under which code should it be classified? It should be classified under 7212, with the specific subheading determined by thickness, width, etc. Cold rolling and hot rolling are important distinctions and must not be confused. How should steel strip with a width of exactly 600 mm be classified? According to the rules, a width of 600 mm or more is classified under 7208, and a width of less than 600 mm under 7211. If the actual width is 600 mm, it should be classified under 7208 and cannot be classified under 7211. What are the regulatory conditions for 721119? It may involve an automatic import license, inbound goods customs clearance form, etc., depending on the country of origin, trade mode, etc. It is recommended to check the latest Customs Regulatory Conditions Code Table. What documents are required for exporting 721119? Usually a contract, invoice, packing list, customs declaration form, bill of lading, etc. are required. If tax refund is claimed, a special VAT invoice must be provided. Some countries may have export duties or license requirements. How can I determine whether carbon steel strip is non-alloy steel? According to the HS chapter notes, non-alloy steel refers to steel in which the content of alloying elements is below the specified limits, such as manganese not more than 1.65%, silicon not more than 0.60%, etc. If the limits are exceeded, it is regarded as alloy steel and classified under 7225/7226.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 721119?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, consumption tax, etc. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest tariff at the time of declaration should prevail.
Q: What is the difference between 721119 and 721129?
A: 721119 is hot-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel, not pickled; 721129 is hot-rolled narrow strip of non-alloy steel, but pickled. Pickling removes scale and makes the surface cleaner; process certification must be provided for classification.
Q: What are the declaration elements for hot-rolled carbon steel strip?
A: They mainly include product name, material, specifications and dimensions, processing state, surface treatment, use, brand, packaging, etc. Among these, material, specifications, and processing state are key to classification and must be declared accurately.
Q: If the strip is cold-rolled but uncoated, under which code should it be classified?
A: It should be classified under 7212, with the specific subheading determined by thickness, width, etc. Cold rolling and hot rolling are important distinctions and must not be confused.
Q: How should steel strip with a width of exactly 600 mm be classified?
A: According to the rules, a width of 600 mm or more is classified under 7208, and a width of less than 600 mm under 7211. If the actual width is 600 mm, it should be classified under 7208 and cannot be classified under 7211.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for 721119?
A: It may involve an automatic import license, inbound goods customs clearance form, etc., depending on the country of origin, trade mode, etc. It is recommended to check the latest Customs Regulatory Conditions Code Table.
Q: What documents are required for exporting 721119?
A: Usually a contract, invoice, packing list, customs declaration form, bill of lading, etc. are required. If tax refund is claimed, a special VAT invoice must be provided. Some countries may have export duties or license requirements.
Q: How can I determine whether carbon steel strip is non-alloy steel?
A: According to the HS chapter notes, non-alloy steel refers to steel in which the content of alloying elements is below the specified limits, such as manganese not more than 1.65%, silicon not more than 0.60%, etc. If the limits are exceeded, it is regarded as alloy steel and classified under 7225/7226.
⚠️ 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.