Chapter 72 covers iron and steel smelting and primary iron and steel products, including pig iron, ferroalloys, scrap, ingots, semi-finished products (such as billets and slabs), flat-rolled products, bars, wire rods, angles, sections, profiles, and tubes, etc. This chapter is the basic classification chapter for iron and steel products, but note: further processed iron and steel products (such as coated, plated, or machined articles) may be classified under Chapter 73 or other chapters. The core of this chapter lies in subdividing by material, shape, processing state (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, forged, etc.), and composition (alloy and non-alloy). Heading 7213 covers bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled or extruded and then further processed (such as straightened or cut to length), but only in irregularly wound coils (i.e., wire rod). Their cross-section may be circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc., but they must be in coils. This heading does not include straight bars (classified under 7214), cold-worked bars and rods (7215), alloy steel bars and rods (7227-7229), or bars and rods that have been further processed (such as coated or plated) (7217, etc.). The core feature is hot-rolled and coiled, and the material is non-alloy steel. Code 721391 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "72" represent Chapter 72: Iron and steel. The 3rd-4th digits "13" represent heading 7213: bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled or extruded and then further processed, in irregularly wound coils. The 5th-6th digits "91" represent the subheading: wire rod with a circular cross-section and a diameter of less than 14 mm. Therefore, 721391 specifically refers to: hot-rolled wire rod of non-alloy steel, circular cross-section, diameter less than 14 mm. Note: if the diameter is ≥14 mm, it is classified under 721399; if the cross-section is non-circular, it is classified under 721399 or other subheadings. Products under this code are often used for wire drawing, construction, fasteners, etc. The commodity is hot-rolled square steel bar, but in coils? In fact, 721391 explicitly limits the cross-section to circular and the diameter to <14 mm. If it is a square steel bar (square cross-section), it should not be classified under 721391, but under 721399 (other). However, the Chinese name given in the question is "hot-rolled square steel bar," which may be contradictory. Generally, under heading 7213, wire rod cross-sections are mostly circular, and square wire rod is rare. If it is a straight square steel bar, it should be classified under 7214. Therefore, this code applies to hot-rolled wire rod with a circular cross-section and a diameter of <14 mm. If it is actually a square cross-section, it must be classified under 721399 or otherwise. Here it is explained according to the code definition.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel smelting and primary iron and steel products, including pig iron, ferroalloys, scrap, ingots, semi-finished products (such as billets and slabs), flat-rolled products, bars, wire rods, angles, sections, profiles, and tubes, etc. This chapter is the basic classification chapter for iron and steel products, but note: further processed iron and steel products (such as coated, plated, or machined articles) may be classified under Chapter 73 or other chapters. The core of this chapter lies in subdividing by material, shape, processing state (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, forged, etc.), and composition (alloy and non-alloy).
Heading
Heading 7213 covers bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled or extruded and then further processed (such as straightened or cut to length), but only in irregularly wound coils (i.e., wire rod). Their cross-section may be circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc., but they must be in coils. This heading does not include straight bars (classified under 7214), cold-worked bars and rods (7215), alloy steel bars and rods (7227-7229), or bars and rods that have been further processed (such as coated or plated) (7217, etc.). The core feature is hot-rolled and coiled, and the material is non-alloy steel.
Digit Breakdown
Code 721391 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "72" represent Chapter 72: Iron and steel. The 3rd-4th digits "13" represent heading 7213: bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled or extruded and then further processed, in irregularly wound coils. The 5th-6th digits "91" represent the subheading: wire rod with a circular cross-section and a diameter of less than 14 mm. Therefore, 721391 specifically refers to: hot-rolled wire rod of non-alloy steel, circular cross-section, diameter less than 14 mm. Note: if the diameter is ≥14 mm, it is classified under 721399; if the cross-section is non-circular, it is classified under 721399 or other subheadings. Products under this code are often used for wire drawing, construction, fasteners, etc.
Classification Basis
The commodity is hot-rolled square steel bar, but in coils? In fact, 721391 explicitly limits the cross-section to circular and the diameter to <14 mm. If it is a square steel bar (square cross-section), it should not be classified under 721391, but under 721399 (other). However, the Chinese name given in the question is "hot-rolled square steel bar," which may be contradictory. Generally, under heading 7213, wire rod cross-sections are mostly circular, and square wire rod is rare. If it is a straight square steel bar, it should be classified under 7214. Therefore, this code applies to hot-rolled wire rod with a circular cross-section and a diameter of <14 mm. If it is actually a square cross-section, it must be classified under 721399 or otherwise. Here it is explained according to the code definition.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the material and shape, such as "hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod." Material: Indicate the steel type, such as non-alloy steel, low-carbon steel, etc., and specify the main chemical composition (such as carbon content). Processing state: State whether it is hot-rolled, cold-rolled, forged, etc. This code requires hot-rolled and coiled. Cross-sectional shape: Specify the cross-sectional shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, etc. This code requires circular. Cross-sectional dimensions: Provide specific dimensions such as diameter or side length. This code requires a diameter of <14 mm. Coil weight: Declare the weight of each coil for statistics and inspection. Grade: Indicate the steel grade or standard, such as Q235, etc. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod
Material: Non-alloy steel, carbon content 0.20%
Processing state: Hot-rolled and coiled
Cross-sectional shape: Circular
Cross-sectional dimensions: Diameter 12 mm
Coil weight: 2000 kg/coil
Grade: Q235
Use: For wire drawing
HS code: 7213910000 Mistakenly classifying square cross-section wire rod under 721391; it should actually be classified under 721399. Failure to distinguish hot-rolled from cold-rolled; cold-rolled wire rod should be classified under 7215. Inaccurate declaration of diameter dimensions, leading to subheading errors (e.g., reporting 14 mm as 13 mm). Mistakenly classifying alloy steel wire rod under 7213; alloy steel should be classified under 7227.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the material and shape, such as "hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod."
⚠️ Misreporting as "square steel" or "rebar," leading to classification errors.
Material
Indicate the steel type, such as non-alloy steel, low-carbon steel, etc., and specify the main chemical composition (such as carbon content).
⚠️ Writing only "steel" without distinguishing alloy from non-alloy, affecting classification.
Processing state
State whether it is hot-rolled, cold-rolled, forged, etc. This code requires hot-rolled and coiled.
⚠️ Misreporting as "cold-rolled" or "straight bar," leading to classification under different headings.
Cross-sectional shape
Specify the cross-sectional shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, etc. This code requires circular.
⚠️ Misreporting square wire rod as circular, causing subheading errors.
Cross-sectional dimensions
Provide specific dimensions such as diameter or side length. This code requires a diameter of <14 mm.
⚠️ Failure to provide dimensions or incorrect units, resulting in unclear subheading determination.
Coil weight
Declare the weight of each coil for statistics and inspection.
⚠️ Omitting or misreporting coil weight, affecting customs supervision.
Grade
Indicate the steel grade or standard, such as Q235, etc.
⚠️ Non-standard grade entry, making verification difficult.
Mistakenly classifying square cross-section wire rod under 721391; it should actually be classified under 721399.
Failure to distinguish hot-rolled from cold-rolled; cold-rolled wire rod should be classified under 7215.
Inaccurate declaration of diameter dimensions, leading to subheading errors (e.g., reporting 14 mm as 13 mm).
Mistakenly classifying alloy steel wire rod under 7213; alloy steel should be classified under 7227.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: 1. The material must be non-alloy steel; 2. The processing state is hot-rolled or extruded and then further processed (such as straightened or cut to length), but must be in irregularly wound coils; 3. The cross-sectional shape is circular; 4. The diameter is less than 14 mm. At the same time, products that have been coated, plated, or further processed must be excluded. If they are straight bars, they are classified under 7214; if cold-worked, under 7215; if alloy steel, under 7227-7229. 721399 Other hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod: 721399 covers other hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod besides circular cross-section with diameter <14 mm, such as square, rectangular, or circular wire rod with diameter ≥14 mm. 7214 Hot-rolled non-alloy steel straight bars: 7214 is straight bars (not coiled), including square, circular, etc., while 7213 must be in coils. 7215 Cold-worked non-alloy steel bars and rods: 7215 is cold-rolled, cold-drawn, or other cold-worked bars and rods, while 7213 is hot-rolled. 7227 Alloy steel wire rod: 7227 is hot-rolled wire rod of alloy steel, while 7213 is non-alloy steel. 7217 Coated or plated non-alloy steel bars and rods: 7217 is bars and rods further processed by coating, plating, etc., while 7213 is uncoated. Is the material non-alloy steel? Is it hot-rolled and coiled? Is the cross-section circular? Is the diameter less than 14 mm? Has it not been coated or plated?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1. The material must be non-alloy steel; 2. The processing state is hot-rolled or extruded and then further processed (such as straightened or cut to length), but must be in irregularly wound coils; 3. The cross-sectional shape is circular; 4. The diameter is less than 14 mm. At the same time, products that have been coated, plated, or further processed must be excluded. If they are straight bars, they are classified under 7214; if cold-worked, under 7215; if alloy steel, under 7227-7229.
Confused Codes：
721399 - Other hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod
721399 covers other hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod besides circular cross-section with diameter <14 mm, such as square, rectangular, or circular wire rod with diameter ≥14 mm.
7214 - Hot-rolled non-alloy steel straight bars
7214 is straight bars (not coiled), including square, circular, etc., while 7213 must be in coils.
7215 - Cold-worked non-alloy steel bars and rods
7215 is cold-rolled, cold-drawn, or other cold-worked bars and rods, while 7213 is hot-rolled.
7227 - Alloy steel wire rod
7227 is hot-rolled wire rod of alloy steel, while 7213 is non-alloy steel.
7217 - Coated or plated non-alloy steel bars and rods
7217 is bars and rods further processed by coating, plating, etc., while 7213 is uncoated.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material non-alloy steel?
✓ Is it hot-rolled and coiled?
✓ Is the cross-section circular?
✓ Is the diameter less than 14 mm?
✓ Has it not been coated or plated?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between HS codes 721391 and 721399? 721391 refers to hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod with a circular cross-section and a diameter of less than 14 mm; 721399 refers to other hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod, including non-circular cross-sections or circular cross-sections with a diameter of ≥14 mm. When declaring, the cross-sectional shape and dimensions must be accurately provided. How can one determine whether wire rod is hot-rolled or cold-rolled? Hot-rolled wire rod has an oxidized surface and lower dimensional precision, and is usually in coils; cold-rolled wire rod has a smooth surface and high dimensional precision, and may have been pickled or coated. If uncertain, refer to production standards or test reports. Which code should hot-rolled wire rod with a square cross-section be classified under? Hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod with a square cross-section should be classified under 721399, because 721391 applies only to circular cross-sections. If it is a straight bar, it is classified under 7214. Which subheading does circular wire rod with a diameter of 14 mm fall under? Circular hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod with a diameter of 14 mm should be classified under 721399, because 721391 requires a diameter of less than 14 mm. Note: critical dimension points must be measured accurately. Can alloy steel wire rod be classified under 721391? No. 721391 applies only to non-alloy steel. Alloy steel wire rod should be classified under 7227 (stainless steel wire rod) or 7228 (other alloy steel wire rod), depending on the alloy composition. How should "cross-sectional dimensions" be filled in the declaration elements during customs declaration? The actual measured diameter or side length should be filled in, in millimeters, such as "diameter 12 mm." For circular wire rod, fill in the diameter; for square, fill in the side length. Ensure consistency with actual measurements to avoid classification errors due to dimensional discrepancies. Does the HS code change after hot-rolled wire rod is pickled? If pickling only removes oxide scale without changing the cross-sectional shape and dimensions, it can still be classified under 7213. However, if it is oiled or coated after pickling, it may be classified under 7217. Judgment should be based on the specific processing technique. How can one inquire about the import tax rate for 721391? Tax rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases, and to pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements.
Q: What is the difference between HS codes 721391 and 721399?
A: 721391 refers to hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod with a circular cross-section and a diameter of less than 14 mm; 721399 refers to other hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod, including non-circular cross-sections or circular cross-sections with a diameter of ≥14 mm. When declaring, the cross-sectional shape and dimensions must be accurately provided.
Q: How can one determine whether wire rod is hot-rolled or cold-rolled?
A: Hot-rolled wire rod has an oxidized surface and lower dimensional precision, and is usually in coils; cold-rolled wire rod has a smooth surface and high dimensional precision, and may have been pickled or coated. If uncertain, refer to production standards or test reports.
Q: Which code should hot-rolled wire rod with a square cross-section be classified under?
A: Hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod with a square cross-section should be classified under 721399, because 721391 applies only to circular cross-sections. If it is a straight bar, it is classified under 7214.
Q: Which subheading does circular wire rod with a diameter of 14 mm fall under?
A: Circular hot-rolled non-alloy steel wire rod with a diameter of 14 mm should be classified under 721399, because 721391 requires a diameter of less than 14 mm. Note: critical dimension points must be measured accurately.
Q: Can alloy steel wire rod be classified under 721391?
A: No. 721391 applies only to non-alloy steel. Alloy steel wire rod should be classified under 7227 (stainless steel wire rod) or 7228 (other alloy steel wire rod), depending on the alloy composition.
Q: How should "cross-sectional dimensions" be filled in the declaration elements during customs declaration?
A: The actual measured diameter or side length should be filled in, in millimeters, such as "diameter 12 mm." For circular wire rod, fill in the diameter; for square, fill in the side length. Ensure consistency with actual measurements to avoid classification errors due to dimensional discrepancies.
Q: Does the HS code change after hot-rolled wire rod is pickled?
A: If pickling only removes oxide scale without changing the cross-sectional shape and dimensions, it can still be classified under 7213. However, if it is oiled or coated after pickling, it may be classified under 7217. Judgment should be based on the specific processing technique.
Q: How can one inquire about the import tax rate for 721391?
A: Tax rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases, and to pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements.
⚠️ 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.