Chapter 72 covers iron and steel smelting and primary iron and steel products, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, steel ingots, semi-finished steel products, and certain finished steel products (such as hot-rolled bars, sections, wire rods, etc.). This chapter does not include finished iron or steel articles (such as pipe fittings, fasteners), nor does it include further processed cold-rolled, coated or plated products (classified under Chapter 73 or later headings of Chapter 72). Heading 7216 covers angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged (including hollow drill steel), but excludes sections that have been further cold-worked, cold-rolled, coated or plated, or further formed. Specifically includes H-sections, I-sections, channel sections, angle sections, T-sections, Z-sections, etc., as well as other hot-rolled sections not elsewhere specified. The first 2 digits "72" represent Chapter 72: Iron and steel. The 3rd-4th digits "16" represent heading 7216: angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged. The 5th-6th digits "50" represent subheading 7216.50: other angles, shapes and sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged, i.e., sections not specifically named in 7216.10 to 7216.40 (such as T-sections, Z-sections, U-sections, I-sections and other special cross-section sections). Therefore, 721650 specifically refers to other hot-rolled sections besides common sections such as H-sections, I-sections, channel sections, and angle sections. The goods are hot-rolled sections, and the cross-sectional shape is not specifically named in 7216.10 to 7216.40 (such as T-shape, Z-shape, U-shape, etc.), so they are classified under 7216.50. If cold-worked or further processed, they should be classified under 7216.60 or 7216.90; if stainless steel sections, under 7222; if alloy steel sections, under 7228.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel smelting and primary iron and steel products, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, steel ingots, semi-finished steel products, and certain finished steel products (such as hot-rolled bars, sections, wire rods, etc.). This chapter does not include finished iron or steel articles (such as pipe fittings, fasteners), nor does it include further processed cold-rolled, coated or plated products (classified under Chapter 73 or later headings of Chapter 72).
Heading
Heading 7216 covers angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged (including hollow drill steel), but excludes sections that have been further cold-worked, cold-rolled, coated or plated, or further formed. Specifically includes H-sections, I-sections, channel sections, angle sections, T-sections, Z-sections, etc., as well as other hot-rolled sections not elsewhere specified.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits "72" represent Chapter 72: Iron and steel. The 3rd-4th digits "16" represent heading 7216: angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged. The 5th-6th digits "50" represent subheading 7216.50: other angles, shapes and sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged, i.e., sections not specifically named in 7216.10 to 7216.40 (such as T-sections, Z-sections, U-sections, I-sections and other special cross-section sections). Therefore, 721650 specifically refers to other hot-rolled sections besides common sections such as H-sections, I-sections, channel sections, and angle sections.
Classification Basis
The goods are hot-rolled sections, and the cross-sectional shape is not specifically named in 7216.10 to 7216.40 (such as T-shape, Z-shape, U-shape, etc.), so they are classified under 7216.50. If cold-worked or further processed, they should be classified under 7216.60 or 7216.90; if stainless steel sections, under 7222; if alloy steel sections, under 7228.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "hot-rolled T-section", "hot-rolled Z-section", etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: The material of the declared steel, such as non-alloy steel, alloy steel, etc., with grade or chemical composition indicated. Cross-sectional shape: Describe the cross-sectional shape of the section, such as T-shape, Z-shape, U-shape, I-shape, etc., and provide a cross-section diagram if necessary. Specifications and dimensions: Declare key dimensions of the section such as height, width, web thickness, flange thickness, etc., in millimeters. Processing method: Declare as hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged, with the specific process clearly stated. Grade: Declare the steel grade, such as Q235, SS400, etc., to facilitate material determination. Length: Declare the length of the section in meters, whether fixed length or random length. Use: Declare the use of the section, such as building structures, machinery manufacturing, etc. Product name: Hot-rolled T-section; Material: Non-alloy steel; Cross-sectional shape: T-shape; Specifications and dimensions: height 100mm, width 100mm, web thickness 6mm, flange thickness 8mm; Processing method: Hot-rolled; Grade: Q235B; Length: 12 meters; Use: For building structures. Mistaking alloy steel sections for 721650, when they should actually be classified under 7228. Declaring cold-worked sections as hot-rolled, leading to classification errors. Unclear cross-sectional shape description, unable to distinguish H-sections from other sections.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "hot-rolled T-section", "hot-rolled Z-section", etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Only writing "section" or "hot-rolled section" without specifying the cross-sectional shape.
Material
The material of the declared steel, such as non-alloy steel, alloy steel, etc., with grade or chemical composition indicated.
⚠️ Vaguely writing "steel" without distinguishing non-alloy steel from alloy steel.
Cross-sectional shape
Describe the cross-sectional shape of the section, such as T-shape, Z-shape, U-shape, I-shape, etc., and provide a cross-section diagram if necessary.
⚠️ Mistaking H-sections for other sections, or failing to provide cross-sectional dimensions.
Specifications and dimensions
Declare key dimensions of the section such as height, width, web thickness, flange thickness, etc., in millimeters.
⚠️ Only reporting length without cross-sectional dimensions, causing classification difficulties.
Processing method
Declare as hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged, with the specific process clearly stated.
⚠️ Declaring cold-worked products as hot-rolled, affecting classification.
Grade
Declare the steel grade, such as Q235, SS400, etc., to facilitate material determination.
⚠️ Incorrect grade entry or inconsistency with the material.
Length
Declare the length of the section in meters, whether fixed length or random length.
⚠️ Failing to declare length, or inconsistency with the contract.
Use
Declare the use of the section, such as building structures, machinery manufacturing, etc.
⚠️ Use description too broad and lacking specificity.
Example： Product name: Hot-rolled T-section; Material: Non-alloy steel; Cross-sectional shape: T-shape; Specifications and dimensions: height 100mm, width 100mm, web thickness 6mm, flange thickness 8mm; Processing method: Hot-rolled; Grade: Q235B; Length: 12 meters; Use: For building structures.
Common Mistakes：
Mistaking alloy steel sections for 721650, when they should actually be classified under 7228.
Declaring cold-worked sections as hot-rolled, leading to classification errors.
Unclear cross-sectional shape description, unable to distinguish H-sections from other sections.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification basis: 1) Material is iron or non-alloy steel; 2) Processing method is hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged; 3) Cross-sectional shape is a section, and not specifically named in 7216.10 to 7216.40; 4) Not further cold-worked or coated/plated. If the above conditions are met, classify under 7216.50. 721610 Hot-rolled H-sections: 721610 specifically refers to H-sections (including I-sections), with H-shaped cross-section, while 721650 is for other cross-section sections. 721620 Hot-rolled channel sections, angle sections: 721620 includes channel sections, angle sections, etc., with U-shaped or L-shaped cross-sections, while 721650 is for other sections not elsewhere specified. 721640 Hot-rolled T-sections: 721640 specifically refers to T-sections, with T-shaped cross-section, while 721650 is for other sections besides T-sections. 721660 Cold-worked sections: 721660 is for cold-worked or cold-formed sections, with different processing method, while 721650 is hot-rolled. 722870 Alloy steel sections: 722870 is for alloy steel sections, with different material, while 721650 is non-alloy steel. Is the material non-alloy steel? Is the processing method hot-rolled? Is the cross-sectional shape not named in 7216.10-7216.40? Has it not undergone further cold-working? Are complete cross-sectional dimensions provided?
Basis
Core classification basis: 1) Material is iron or non-alloy steel; 2) Processing method is hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged; 3) Cross-sectional shape is a section, and not specifically named in 7216.10 to 7216.40; 4) Not further cold-worked or coated/plated. If the above conditions are met, classify under 7216.50.
Confused Codes：
721610 - Hot-rolled H-sections
721610 specifically refers to H-sections (including I-sections), with H-shaped cross-section, while 721650 is for other cross-section sections.
721620 includes channel sections, angle sections, etc., with U-shaped or L-shaped cross-sections, while 721650 is for other sections not elsewhere specified.
721640 - Hot-rolled T-sections
721640 specifically refers to T-sections, with T-shaped cross-section, while 721650 is for other sections besides T-sections.
721660 - Cold-worked sections
721660 is for cold-worked or cold-formed sections, with different processing method, while 721650 is hot-rolled.
722870 - Alloy steel sections
722870 is for alloy steel sections, with different material, while 721650 is non-alloy steel.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material non-alloy steel?
✓ Is the processing method hot-rolled?
✓ Is the cross-sectional shape not named in 7216.10-7216.40?
✓ Has it not undergone further cold-working?
✓ Are complete cross-sectional dimensions provided?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 721650? You can check the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate and consumption tax by entering HS code 721650 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements. What is the difference between 721650 and 721640? 721640 specifically refers to hot-rolled T-sections, with T-shaped cross-section; 721650 is for other hot-rolled sections, such as Z-shape, U-shape, etc. If it is a T-section, classify under 721640; if it is another cross-section, classify under 721650. In the declaration elements for hot-rolled sections, how should the cross-sectional shape be described? The cross-sectional shape should be described in detail, such as T-shape, Z-shape, U-shape, etc., and cross-sectional dimensions (height, width, thickness) should be provided. A cross-section diagram may be attached if necessary for accurate customs classification. If the section has been cold-worked, can it still be classified under 721650? No. 721650 only applies to sections that are hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged. If cold-worked (such as cold-rolled, cold-drawn), they should be classified under 7216.60 or 7216.90. What is the difference in classification between non-alloy steel and alloy steel sections? Hot-rolled sections of non-alloy steel are classified under 7216, while hot-rolled sections of alloy steel are classified under 7228. The material must be clearly stated during declaration to avoid classification errors. What is the export tax rebate rate for 721650? The export tax rebate rate needs to be inquired according to the latest policy, which can be obtained from the State Taxation Administration or the General Administration of Customs website. The rebate rate may be adjusted in different periods; it is recommended to refer to the policy at the time of export. What documents are required for importing hot-rolled sections? Usually requires contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, etc. If tariff quotas or anti-dumping are involved, relevant certificates are also required. Specific requirements are subject to customs. How to avoid section classification errors? Recommendations: 1) Accurately describe material, processing method, cross-sectional shape; 2) Provide detailed specifications and dimensions; 3) Refer to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes; 4) Apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 721650?
A: You can check the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate and consumption tax by entering HS code 721650 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements.
Q: What is the difference between 721650 and 721640?
A: 721640 specifically refers to hot-rolled T-sections, with T-shaped cross-section; 721650 is for other hot-rolled sections, such as Z-shape, U-shape, etc. If it is a T-section, classify under 721640; if it is another cross-section, classify under 721650.
Q: In the declaration elements for hot-rolled sections, how should the cross-sectional shape be described?
A: The cross-sectional shape should be described in detail, such as T-shape, Z-shape, U-shape, etc., and cross-sectional dimensions (height, width, thickness) should be provided. A cross-section diagram may be attached if necessary for accurate customs classification.
Q: If the section has been cold-worked, can it still be classified under 721650?
A: No. 721650 only applies to sections that are hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or forged. If cold-worked (such as cold-rolled, cold-drawn), they should be classified under 7216.60 or 7216.90.
Q: What is the difference in classification between non-alloy steel and alloy steel sections?
A: Hot-rolled sections of non-alloy steel are classified under 7216, while hot-rolled sections of alloy steel are classified under 7228. The material must be clearly stated during declaration to avoid classification errors.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 721650?
A: The export tax rebate rate needs to be inquired according to the latest policy, which can be obtained from the State Taxation Administration or the General Administration of Customs website. The rebate rate may be adjusted in different periods; it is recommended to refer to the policy at the time of export.
Q: What documents are required for importing hot-rolled sections?
A: Usually requires contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, etc. If tariff quotas or anti-dumping are involved, relevant certificates are also required. Specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: How to avoid section classification errors?
A: Recommendations: 1) Accurately describe material, processing method, cross-sectional shape; 2) Provide detailed specifications and dimensions; 3) Refer to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes; 4) Apply for advance classification if necessary.
⚠️ 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.