Chapter 72 covers basic materials of iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, scrap, ingots and other primary forms, semi-finished products (such as billets, slabs), flat-rolled products, bars, wire rods, angles, shapes, profiles, tubes, etc. However, this chapter does not include iron and steel articles (Chapter 73) and specific machinery, vehicles, etc. The core is primary processed products of iron and steel such as smelting, casting, and rolling, and it is a key chapter for classifying bulk commodities in international trade. 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, but including products that have undergone further processing (such as cold rolling, re-rolling). Specifically, it includes hot-rolled, cold-rolled, re-rolled, etc., but must meet the requirements of width less than 600 mm and non-alloy steel. This heading subdivides different processing states and dimensions, and is an important heading for flat steel products. First 2 digits 72: indicates Chapter 72 Iron and steel. Digits 3-4 11: indicates heading 7211, i.e., flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, not clad, plated or coated. Digits 5-6 90: under heading 7211, subheading 7211.90 indicates other (i.e., hot-rolled, cold-rolled, etc. flat products not specifically named). But note: according to the user, the product is hot-rolled carbon steel wire, which should actually be classified under heading 7213 or 7214 for wire rods, not 7211. There may be a misunderstanding here. The correct code should be 7213 or 7214. This answer is based on the user's request, but the classification error must be pointed out. The product is hot-rolled carbon steel wire, belonging to wire rods, and should be classified under heading 7213 (bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils) or 7214 (other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded). Heading 7211 is for flat-rolled products, width less than 600 mm, in flat form, not wire-like. Therefore, classifying steel wire under 7211 is incorrect. Correct classification must be determined based on actual form, processing state, dimensions, etc.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers basic materials of iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, scrap, ingots and other primary forms, semi-finished products (such as billets, slabs), flat-rolled products, bars, wire rods, angles, shapes, profiles, tubes, etc. However, this chapter does not include iron and steel articles (Chapter 73) and specific machinery, vehicles, etc. The core is primary processed products of iron and steel such as smelting, casting, and rolling, and it is a key chapter for classifying bulk commodities in international trade.
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, but including products that have undergone further processing (such as cold rolling, re-rolling). Specifically, it includes hot-rolled, cold-rolled, re-rolled, etc., but must meet the requirements of width less than 600 mm and non-alloy steel. This heading subdivides different processing states and dimensions, and is an important heading for flat steel products.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 72: indicates Chapter 72 Iron and steel. Digits 3-4 11: indicates heading 7211, i.e., flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, not clad, plated or coated. Digits 5-6 90: under heading 7211, subheading 7211.90 indicates other (i.e., hot-rolled, cold-rolled, etc. flat products not specifically named). But note: according to the user, the product is hot-rolled carbon steel wire, which should actually be classified under heading 7213 or 7214 for wire rods, not 7211. There may be a misunderstanding here. The correct code should be 7213 or 7214. This answer is based on the user's request, but the classification error must be pointed out.
Classification Basis
The product is hot-rolled carbon steel wire, belonging to wire rods, and should be classified under heading 7213 (bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils) or 7214 (other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded). Heading 7211 is for flat-rolled products, width less than 600 mm, in flat form, not wire-like. Therefore, classifying steel wire under 7211 is incorrect. Correct classification must be determined based on actual form, processing state, dimensions, etc.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect material, shape, and processing state, such as "hot-rolled carbon steel wire". Material: Indicate the steel type, such as non-alloy steel, carbon steel, and specify the carbon content range, such as C≤0.25%. Shape: Describe as wire, line, coil or rod, and specify cross-sectional shape (round, square, etc.). Processing state: State whether hot-rolled, cold-rolled, drawn, etc., such as "hot-rolled without further processing". Dimensions: Provide diameter or cross-sectional dimensions in millimeters, such as "diameter 5.5 mm". Grade: If there is a standard grade, such as Q235, SAE1008, etc., it should be declared. Use: Briefly describe the main use, such as "used for manufacturing bolts and nuts". Product name: hot-rolled carbon steel wire; Material: non-alloy steel, C content 0.18%; Shape: round cross-section wire rod, in coils; Processing state: hot-rolled, not pickled; Dimensions: diameter 5.5 mm; Grade: SAE1008; Use: used for drawing into nails. Misclassifying wire rod under flat product heading 7211, leading to incorrect tax rates and regulatory conditions. Ignoring carbon content, failing to distinguish non-alloy steel from alloy steel, possibly classifying under 7227, etc. Failing to provide diameter dimensions, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to wire rod (usually diameter ≤14 mm).
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect material, shape, and processing state, such as "hot-rolled carbon steel wire".
⚠️ Misreporting as "hot-rolled steel coil" or "wire rope", failing to distinguish wire rod from flat products.
Material
Indicate the steel type, such as non-alloy steel, carbon steel, and specify the carbon content range, such as C≤0.25%.
⚠️ Writing only "carbon steel" without providing specific carbon content, leading to classification disputes.
Shape
Describe as wire, line, coil or rod, and specify cross-sectional shape (round, square, etc.).
⚠️ Reporting "steel wire" as "steel strip", incorrect shape description.
Processing state
State whether hot-rolled, cold-rolled, drawn, etc., such as "hot-rolled without further processing".
⚠️ Ignoring post-hot-rolling treatments such as pickling, annealing, which affect classification.
Dimensions
Provide diameter or cross-sectional dimensions in millimeters, such as "diameter 5.5 mm".
⚠️ Failing to provide diameter, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to wire rod.
Grade
If there is a standard grade, such as Q235, SAE1008, etc., it should be declared.
⚠️ Incorrect grade or inconsistent with material.
Use
Briefly describe the main use, such as "used for manufacturing bolts and nuts".
⚠️ Use description too broad, such as "for construction".
Example： Product name: hot-rolled carbon steel wire; Material: non-alloy steel, C content 0.18%; Shape: round cross-section wire rod, in coils; Processing state: hot-rolled, not pickled; Dimensions: diameter 5.5 mm; Grade: SAE1008; Use: used for drawing into nails.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying wire rod under flat product heading 7211, leading to incorrect tax rates and regulatory conditions.
Ignoring carbon content, failing to distinguish non-alloy steel from alloy steel, possibly classifying under 7227, etc.
Failing to provide diameter dimensions, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to wire rod (usually diameter ≤14 mm).
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: first determine whether it is non-alloy steel based on material (carbon content and alloy element content), then determine the heading based on shape (flat products, bars and rods, wire rods, etc.). Wire rods (hot-rolled wire rod in coils) are classified under 7213 or 7214, flat products under 7211. At the same time, processing state (hot-rolled, cold-rolled), dimensions (width, thickness, diameter), etc. must be considered. 7213 Hot-rolled bars and rods (irregularly wound coils): 7213 is hot-rolled bars and rods in irregularly wound coils, i.e., wire rod, usually with smaller diameter; 7211 is flat products, width less than 600 mm, in flat form. 7214 Other hot-rolled bars and rods: 7214 is other hot-rolled bars and rods, including straight bars, fixed lengths, etc., not in coils; 7211 is flat products, rectangular cross-section. 7227 Hot-rolled bars and rods of alloy steel: 7227 is bars and rods of alloy steel, while 7211 is flat products of non-alloy steel, different material. 7217 Steel wire: 7217 is cold-drawn or cold-rolled steel wire, while 7211 is hot-rolled flat products, different processing state and shape. Is the material non-alloy steel? Is the shape flat product (width <600 mm)? Has it been clad, plated or coated? Is the processing state hot-rolled? Do the dimensions meet the heading description?
Basis
Core basis for classification: first determine whether it is non-alloy steel based on material (carbon content and alloy element content), then determine the heading based on shape (flat products, bars and rods, wire rods, etc.). Wire rods (hot-rolled wire rod in coils) are classified under 7213 or 7214, flat products under 7211. At the same time, processing state (hot-rolled, cold-rolled), dimensions (width, thickness, diameter), etc. must be considered.
Confused Codes：
7213 - Hot-rolled bars and rods (irregularly wound coils)
7213 is hot-rolled bars and rods in irregularly wound coils, i.e., wire rod, usually with smaller diameter; 7211 is flat products, width less than 600 mm, in flat form.
7214 - Other hot-rolled bars and rods
7214 is other hot-rolled bars and rods, including straight bars, fixed lengths, etc., not in coils; 7211 is flat products, rectangular cross-section.
7227 - Hot-rolled bars and rods of alloy steel
7227 is bars and rods of alloy steel, while 7211 is flat products of non-alloy steel, different material.
7217 - Steel wire
7217 is cold-drawn or cold-rolled steel wire, while 7211 is hot-rolled flat products, different processing state and shape.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material non-alloy steel?
✓ Is the shape flat product (width <600 mm)?
✓ Has it been clad, plated or coated?
✓ Is the processing state hot-rolled?
✓ Do the dimensions meet the heading description?
❓ FAQ
What exactly does HS code 721190 refer to? 721190 is a subheading under heading 7211, referring to flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, not clad, plated or coated, and not specifically named in other subheadings. However, note that this code does not apply to steel wire; steel wire should be classified under 7213 or 7214. Which code should hot-rolled carbon steel wire be classified under? Hot-rolled carbon steel wire is usually classified under 7213 (bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils) or 7214 (other bars and rods, hot-rolled), depending on whether it is in coils, diameter, etc. If it is cold-drawn steel wire, it is classified under 7217. How to distinguish 7211 and 7213? 7211 is flat products, width less than 600 mm, rectangular cross-section; 7213 is hot-rolled wire rod, round or other cross-section, and in coils. The key is shape and cross-section. How does carbon content affect classification when declaring? Carbon content determines whether it is non-alloy steel. Non-alloy steel usually has carbon content ≤2.11%, and alloy element content below the standard. If carbon content is high or contains alloy elements, it may be classified under the alloy steel chapter (7224, etc.). Which code should hot-rolled wire rod with diameter 5.5 mm be classified under? Hot-rolled wire rod with diameter 5.5 mm is usually classified under 7213.91 (wire rod of non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of circular cross-section, diameter <14 mm). If the steel wire is galvanized, will the code change? Yes. Galvanized steel wire is clad or plated and should be classified under the corresponding subheading of 7217 (steel wire), such as 7217.20 (galvanized). What are common errors in customs declaration? Common errors include: misreporting wire rod as flat products, ignoring carbon content, failing to provide diameter, misreporting alloy steel as non-alloy steel. It is recommended to check material, shape, dimensions, and processing state. How to query the latest tax rates? They can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Note that tax rates may change, and the latest announcements shall prevail.
Q: What exactly does HS code 721190 refer to?
A: 721190 is a subheading under heading 7211, referring to flat-rolled products of non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, not clad, plated or coated, and not specifically named in other subheadings. However, note that this code does not apply to steel wire; steel wire should be classified under 7213 or 7214.
Q: Which code should hot-rolled carbon steel wire be classified under?
A: Hot-rolled carbon steel wire is usually classified under 7213 (bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils) or 7214 (other bars and rods, hot-rolled), depending on whether it is in coils, diameter, etc. If it is cold-drawn steel wire, it is classified under 7217.
Q: How to distinguish 7211 and 7213?
A: 7211 is flat products, width less than 600 mm, rectangular cross-section; 7213 is hot-rolled wire rod, round or other cross-section, and in coils. The key is shape and cross-section.
Q: How does carbon content affect classification when declaring?
A: Carbon content determines whether it is non-alloy steel. Non-alloy steel usually has carbon content ≤2.11%, and alloy element content below the standard. If carbon content is high or contains alloy elements, it may be classified under the alloy steel chapter (7224, etc.).
Q: Which code should hot-rolled wire rod with diameter 5.5 mm be classified under?
A: Hot-rolled wire rod with diameter 5.5 mm is usually classified under 7213.91 (wire rod of non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of circular cross-section, diameter <14 mm).
Q: If the steel wire is galvanized, will the code change?
A: Yes. Galvanized steel wire is clad or plated and should be classified under the corresponding subheading of 7217 (steel wire), such as 7217.20 (galvanized).
Q: What are common errors in customs declaration?
A: Common errors include: misreporting wire rod as flat products, ignoring carbon content, failing to provide diameter, misreporting alloy steel as non-alloy steel. It is recommended to check material, shape, dimensions, and processing state.
Q: How to query the latest tax rates?
A: They can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Note that tax rates may change, and the latest announcements shall prevail.
⚠️ 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.