HS Code: 721320
Hot-rolled round steel bars
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel smelting and preliminary processed products, including pig iron, ferroalloys, scrap, ingots, semi-finished products (such as billets, slabs), as well as hot-rolled/cold-rolled plates, rods, bars, profiles, etc. However, it does not include further processed finished products (such as screws, tools) or cast iron products (Chapter 73). The core of this chapter is the basic material forms of iron and steel.
Heading
Heading 7213 specifically covers bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel that have been hot-rolled or extruded and then further processed (round steel bars belong to this category), but requires that these bars and rods be in coils (i.e., wire rod). Note: straight bars or cut-to-length bars not in coils are classified under 7214. 7213 covers hot-rolled wire rod, commonly used in construction, wire drawing, and fastener manufacturing.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 72 = Iron and Steel Chapter; digits 3-4, 13 = hot-rolled wire rod heading, specifically referring to hot-rolled wire rod of iron or non-alloy steel; digits 5-6, 20 = subheading, under 7213, 20 represents hot-rolled wire rod other than "free-cutting steel wire rod" (according to the HS structure, 7213.20 is "Other wire rod of free-cutting steel," but the latest version should be verified; generally 7213.20 is free-cutting steel wire rod, while ordinary wire rod falls under 7213.91/99, etc. Here, if code 721320 is 6 digits, it actually corresponds to "Other wire rod of free-cutting steel." However, the Chinese name given in the question is "hot-rolled round steel bar," which may be mislabeled. For accuracy, the following is developed based on 721320 (hot-rolled wire rod of free-cutting steel), but will also take into account the general classification of hot-rolled round steel bars. Please note: 7213.20 specifically refers to free-cutting steel wire rod; ordinary hot-rolled round steel bars, if in coils, are classified under 7213.91 or 7213.99, and if straight bars, under 7214. To avoid confusion, the answer will clearly distinguish between them.)
Classification Basis
If the goods are hot-rolled, in coils, of circular cross-section, of non-alloy steel, and belong to free-cutting steel (containing sulfur, lead, or other free-cutting elements), they are classified under 7213.20. If they are ordinary carbon steel hot-rolled wire rod, they should be classified under 7213.91 (diameter <14mm) or 7213.99 (diameter ≥14mm). If they are straight bars not in coils, they are classified under 7214. Therefore, the core of 721320 is "free-cutting steel + hot-rolled + in coils."

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
Declare the specific commodity name, such as "hot-rolled free-cutting steel wire rod," avoiding merely writing "round steel bar."
⚠️ Mistakenly writing "hot-rolled round steel" without indicating coils or free-cutting.
Material
Indicate the steel type, such as "non-alloy free-cutting steel," and specify main components (such as sulfur content).
⚠️ Only writing "carbon steel" without distinguishing free-cutting characteristics.
Processing State
State "hot-rolled" and whether in coils, such as "hot-rolled in coils."
⚠️ Omitting "in coils" leading to classification under 7214.
Cross-Sectional Shape
Circular cross-section, specify diameter.
⚠️ Not specifying circular, may be mistakenly classified as other bars and rods.
Specifications and Dimensions
Diameter (mm) and tolerance, such as "Φ10mm."
⚠️ Only writing "round steel" without dimensions.
Grade
Such as SUM43, 11SMn30, and other free-cutting steel grades.
⚠️ Using ordinary carbon steel grades such as Q235.
Use
Such as "used for manufacturing bolts, nuts," to assist classification.
⚠️ Use description too broad.
Brand or Manufacturer
If there is a brand, declare it; if no brand, write "none."
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration.
Example:
Product Name: Hot-rolled free-cutting steel wire rod; Material: Non-alloy free-cutting steel, sulfur content 0.08%; Processing State: Hot-rolled, in coils; Cross-Sectional Shape: Circular; Specifications: Φ12mm; Grade: SUM43; Use: Used for manufacturing high-strength bolts; Brand: None.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) Material is free-cutting non-alloy steel (containing sulfur, lead, or other free-cutting elements); 2) Processing method is hot-rolled; 3) Form is in coils; 4) Cross-section is circular. If all are satisfied, classify under 721320. If not free-cutting steel, classify under 721391 (diameter <14mm) or 721399 (diameter ≥14mm). If not in coils, classify under 7214.
Confused Codes:
721391 - Other hot-rolled wire rod, diameter <14mm
Ordinary carbon steel, not free-cutting, and diameter less than 14mm.
721399 - Other hot-rolled wire rod, diameter ≥14mm
Ordinary carbon steel, not free-cutting, diameter ≥14mm.
721410 - Hot-rolled straight bars, free-cutting steel
Not in coils, straight bars or cut-to-length, material is free-cutting steel.
721420 - Hot-rolled straight bars, non-free-cutting steel
Not in coils, non-free-cutting steel.
722790 - Other alloy steel wire rod
Alloy steel material, not non-alloy steel.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 721320?
A: You can check the latest tariff rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Single Window," or use HS code query tools. Note that tariff rates change with free trade agreements and annual adjustments, subject to official announcements.
Q: What is the difference between hot-rolled round steel bars and hot-rolled wire rod?
A: Round steel bars are bars and rods with circular cross-section, which can be straight bars or in coils; wire rod specifically refers to bars and rods in coil form. In HS codes, wire rod is classified under 7213, straight bars under 7214. Therefore, "hot-rolled round steel bars," if in coils, may be classified under 7213; otherwise under 7214.
Q: How to distinguish between 721320 and 721391?
A: 721320 specifically refers to free-cutting steel hot-rolled wire rod, while 721391 refers to other non-alloy steel hot-rolled wire rod (diameter <14mm). The key is whether the material contains free-cutting elements; for example, sulfur content ≥0.08% is generally considered free-cutting steel.
Q: What are the consequences of failing to declare "in coils" during declaration?
A: It may lead to classification errors, mistakenly classifying from 7213 to 7214, affecting tariff rates and regulatory conditions. Customs may require document correction, supplementary duties, or even penalties. Be sure to accurately declare the processing state.
Q: What are the criteria for determining free-cutting steel?
A: Generally refers to containing sulfur, lead, bismuth, or other free-cutting elements that improve machinability. Common grades include SUM43, 11SMn30. Customs may require material certificates or test reports.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for export under 721320?
A: Generally, there are no special regulations for export, but it must comply with the standards of the destination country. If it involves military goods or sensitive uses, export licenses may be required. Specifics are subject to the latest customs announcements.
Q: If the hot-rolled round steel bar is alloy steel, where should it be classified?
A: Alloy steel wire rod is classified under 7227, straight bars under 7228. Specific subheadings are determined based on alloy composition and shape.
Q: How to avoid classification errors?
A: It is recommended to keep material reports, processing technology descriptions, and product specification sheets, and apply for pre-classification if necessary. When declaring, fill in the declaration elements in detail, especially material, processing state, cross-sectional shape, and dimensions.
⚠️ 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.