Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and their articles, including pig iron, ferroalloys, ferrous waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars and rods, profiles, wire, etc. This chapter is the foundational classification chapter for iron and steel products in the HS, covering a wide range of categories from raw materials to preliminarily formed steel, but excluding further worked articles (such as articles of Chapter 73). Heading 7216 covers angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, including products that are hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or cold-formed. However, it excludes further worked products (such as drilled, coated) or articles for specific uses, and also excludes profiles of stainless steel or alloy steel (classified under 7222 or 7228). The first 2 digits 72 = the iron and steel chapter, indicating that the goods belong to the category of iron and steel materials. Digits 3-4, 16 = heading 7216, specifically referring to angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel. Digits 5-6, 69 = subheading 721669, meaning "other cold-formed sections", i.e., under heading 7216, sections that have been cold-formed (such as roll-formed) but not further worked and are not specified in other subheadings (such as 721661-721668). The goods are other cold-formed sections, not hot-rolled, not stainless steel, not alloy steel, and the shape is not specifically listed in 721661-721668, so they are classified under 721669. If hot-rolled, they would be classified under the earlier subheadings of 7216; if alloy steel, they would be classified under 7228.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and their articles, including pig iron, ferroalloys, ferrous waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars and rods, profiles, wire, etc. This chapter is the foundational classification chapter for iron and steel products in the HS, covering a wide range of categories from raw materials to preliminarily formed steel, but excluding further worked articles (such as articles of Chapter 73).
Heading
Heading 7216 covers angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, including products that are hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or cold-formed. However, it excludes further worked products (such as drilled, coated) or articles for specific uses, and also excludes profiles of stainless steel or alloy steel (classified under 7222 or 7228).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 72 = the iron and steel chapter, indicating that the goods belong to the category of iron and steel materials. Digits 3-4, 16 = heading 7216, specifically referring to angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel. Digits 5-6, 69 = subheading 721669, meaning "other cold-formed sections", i.e., under heading 7216, sections that have been cold-formed (such as roll-formed) but not further worked and are not specified in other subheadings (such as 721661-721668).
Classification Basis
The goods are other cold-formed sections, not hot-rolled, not stainless steel, not alloy steel, and the shape is not specifically listed in 721661-721668, so they are classified under 721669. If hot-rolled, they would be classified under the earlier subheadings of 7216; if alloy steel, they would be classified under 7228.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared goods, such as "cold-formed steel section" or "cold-formed hollow section", which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: State the type of steel, such as "non-alloy steel", and indicate the main components (such as carbon content). Shape: Describe the cross-sectional shape, such as U-shaped, C-shaped, Z-shaped, angle-shaped, etc., and attach a sketch or dimensions. Processing method: State "cold-formed", and indicate whether further worked (such as drilled, coated). Specifications and dimensions: Provide key dimensions such as thickness, width, and length, to confirm whether it falls within the category of sections. Grade: Standard grades such as Q235, Q345, etc., which help confirm the material and use. Use: Explain the main use, such as building structures, machinery manufacturing, etc., to assist classification. Product name: Cold-formed U-shaped steel; Material: non-alloy steel, carbon content 0.15%; Shape: U-shaped, cross-sectional height 100mm, leg width 50mm, web thickness 3mm; Processing method: cold-formed, not further worked; Specifications: thickness 3mm, width 100mm, length 6m; Grade: Q235B; Use: building steel structure support. Mistakenly classifying cold-formed then welded sections under 721669, when they should actually be classified under 7306 or welded subheadings of 7216. Failure to provide a cross-sectional shape drawing, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to the "other" subheading. Mistakenly classifying cold-formed sections of alloy steel under 721669, when they should actually be classified under 7228.
Product name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as "cold-formed steel section" or "cold-formed hollow section", which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Misdeclaring as "hot-rolled section" or "welded section", leading to incorrect classification.
Material
State the type of steel, such as "non-alloy steel", and indicate the main components (such as carbon content).
⚠️ Writing only "steel" without distinguishing between alloy and non-alloy, which may result in incorrect classification under 7228.
Shape
Describe the cross-sectional shape, such as U-shaped, C-shaped, Z-shaped, angle-shaped, etc., and attach a sketch or dimensions.
⚠️ Failure to provide a cross-sectional drawing, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to the "other" subheading.
Processing method
State "cold-formed", and indicate whether further worked (such as drilled, coated).
⚠️ Misdeclaring cold-formed then welded as cold-formed, when it should actually be classified as welded section.
Specifications and dimensions
Provide key dimensions such as thickness, width, and length, to confirm whether it falls within the category of sections.
⚠️ Incomplete dimensions, making it impossible to distinguish between flat-rolled products and sections.
Grade
Standard grades such as Q235, Q345, etc., which help confirm the material and use.
⚠️ Incorrect grade leading to misjudgment of material.
Use
Explain the main use, such as building structures, machinery manufacturing, etc., to assist classification.
⚠️ The description of use is too broad to assist classification.
Example： Product name: Cold-formed U-shaped steel; Material: non-alloy steel, carbon content 0.15%; Shape: U-shaped, cross-sectional height 100mm, leg width 50mm, web thickness 3mm; Processing method: cold-formed, not further worked; Specifications: thickness 3mm, width 100mm, length 6m; Grade: Q235B; Use: building steel structure support.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying cold-formed then welded sections under 721669, when they should actually be classified under 7306 or welded subheadings of 7216.
Failure to provide a cross-sectional shape drawing, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to the "other" subheading.
Mistakenly classifying cold-formed sections of alloy steel under 721669, when they should actually be classified under 7228.
🎯 Classification Logic
Classification basis: 1) The material is non-alloy steel; 2) The processing method is cold-forming (not hot-rolled, not welded); 3) The cross-sectional shape is not specifically listed in 721661-721668; 4) Not further worked (such as drilled, coated). At the same time, stainless steel (7222) and alloy steel (7228) sections must be excluded. 721661 Sections made from cold-formed flat-rolled products: 721661 refers only to sections cold-formed from flat-rolled products and not further worked, while 721669 includes other cold-formed sections, such as those directly cold-formed from strip or further worked. 721699 Other angles, shapes and sections: 721699 covers hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or further worked non-alloy steel sections, while 721669 specifically refers to cold-formed and not further worked. 722870 Cold-formed sections of alloy steel: 722870 is cold-formed sections of alloy steel, with a different material; 721669 applies only to non-alloy steel. 730630 Welded steel pipes: 730630 is welded circular cross-section steel pipes; if cold-formed and then welded into hollow sections, they should be classified under 7306 rather than 721669. Is the material non-alloy steel? Is the processing method cold-forming? Is the cross-sectional shape not listed in 721661-721668? Is it not further worked (such as drilled, coated)? Does it not belong to stainless steel or alloy steel?
Basis
Classification basis: 1) The material is non-alloy steel; 2) The processing method is cold-forming (not hot-rolled, not welded); 3) The cross-sectional shape is not specifically listed in 721661-721668; 4) Not further worked (such as drilled, coated). At the same time, stainless steel (7222) and alloy steel (7228) sections must be excluded.
Confused Codes：
721661 - Sections made from cold-formed flat-rolled products
721661 refers only to sections cold-formed from flat-rolled products and not further worked, while 721669 includes other cold-formed sections, such as those directly cold-formed from strip or further worked.
721699 - Other angles, shapes and sections
721699 covers hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded or further worked non-alloy steel sections, while 721669 specifically refers to cold-formed and not further worked.
722870 - Cold-formed sections of alloy steel
722870 is cold-formed sections of alloy steel, with a different material; 721669 applies only to non-alloy steel.
730630 - Welded steel pipes
730630 is welded circular cross-section steel pipes; if cold-formed and then welded into hollow sections, they should be classified under 7306 rather than 721669.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material non-alloy steel?
✓ Is the processing method cold-forming?
✓ Is the cross-sectional shape not listed in 721661-721668?
✓ Is it not further worked (such as drilled, coated)?
✓ Does it not belong to stainless steel or alloy steel?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 721669? You can obtain the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. by entering HS code 721669 and the country of origin on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the Single Window, or third-party tariff query platforms. Note that tariff rates are subject to adjustment, and the latest announcement shall prevail. How can cold-formed sections and hot-rolled sections be distinguished at declaration? Cold-formed sections are formed by cold working such as roll forming, with a smooth surface and high dimensional precision; hot-rolled sections are rolled at high temperature, with oxide scale on the surface. At declaration, the processing method must be stated and a process description provided. What is the main difference between 721669 and 721661? 721661 specifically refers to sections cold-formed from flat-rolled products and not further worked; 721669 includes other cold-formed sections, such as those directly cold-formed from strip or further worked (such as punched). The key depends on the raw material and processing status. If cold-formed sections are drilled, are they still classified under 721669? If only simple processing such as drilling or punching is performed, they may still be classified under 721669; but if more complex processing is performed (such as assembly, coating), they may be classified as articles of Chapter 73. Judgment must be based on the degree of processing. What are the consequences of not providing a cross-sectional drawing at declaration? It may make it impossible for customs to determine the classification, requiring supplementary materials or inspection, and delaying customs clearance. It is recommended to attach a cross-sectional sketch or photo with dimensions marked. Under which code should cold-formed sections of alloy steel be classified? Cold-formed sections of alloy steel should be classified under heading 7228, with the specific subheading determined according to shape and processing status, such as 722870. Do not mistakenly classify them under 721669. Is the "grade" among the declaration elements for cold-formed sections mandatory? The grade helps confirm the material and classification and is recommended to be provided. If it cannot be provided, the chemical composition should be stated to meet customs requirements for material determination. What should be noted when exporting cold-formed sections via cross-border e-commerce? The HS code must be accurately declared, the necessary declaration elements must be provided, and the access requirements of the destination country must be understood. If it is a small parcel, it is necessary to confirm whether simplified declaration applies, but the classification must be accurate.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 721669?
A: You can obtain the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. by entering HS code 721669 and the country of origin on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the Single Window, or third-party tariff query platforms. Note that tariff rates are subject to adjustment, and the latest announcement shall prevail.
Q: How can cold-formed sections and hot-rolled sections be distinguished at declaration?
A: Cold-formed sections are formed by cold working such as roll forming, with a smooth surface and high dimensional precision; hot-rolled sections are rolled at high temperature, with oxide scale on the surface. At declaration, the processing method must be stated and a process description provided.
Q: What is the main difference between 721669 and 721661?
A: 721661 specifically refers to sections cold-formed from flat-rolled products and not further worked; 721669 includes other cold-formed sections, such as those directly cold-formed from strip or further worked (such as punched). The key depends on the raw material and processing status.
Q: If cold-formed sections are drilled, are they still classified under 721669?
A: If only simple processing such as drilling or punching is performed, they may still be classified under 721669; but if more complex processing is performed (such as assembly, coating), they may be classified as articles of Chapter 73. Judgment must be based on the degree of processing.
Q: What are the consequences of not providing a cross-sectional drawing at declaration?
A: It may make it impossible for customs to determine the classification, requiring supplementary materials or inspection, and delaying customs clearance. It is recommended to attach a cross-sectional sketch or photo with dimensions marked.
Q: Under which code should cold-formed sections of alloy steel be classified?
A: Cold-formed sections of alloy steel should be classified under heading 7228, with the specific subheading determined according to shape and processing status, such as 722870. Do not mistakenly classify them under 721669.
Q: Is the "grade" among the declaration elements for cold-formed sections mandatory?
A: The grade helps confirm the material and classification and is recommended to be provided. If it cannot be provided, the chemical composition should be stated to meet customs requirements for material determination.
Q: What should be noted when exporting cold-formed sections via cross-border e-commerce?
A: The HS code must be accurately declared, the necessary declaration elements must be provided, and the access requirements of the destination country must be understood. If it is a small parcel, it is necessary to confirm whether simplified declaration applies, but the classification must be accurate.
⚠️ 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.