Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars and rods, profiles, wire, etc. This chapter is the basic classification chapter for steel products, covering a wide range from raw materials to primary processed materials. Hot-rolled stainless steel strip, as a type of steel rolled product, is classified in this chapter. Heading 7219 specifically covers flat-rolled products of stainless steel, whether hot-rolled or cold-rolled, but not further worked (such as not clad, plated, or coated). Stainless steel sheet and strip with a width of 600 mm or more is classified under this heading, whether or not in coils. Hot-rolled stainless steel strip usually refers to hot-rolled stainless steel wide strip in coils. Code 721913 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 72 represent Chapter 72, iron and steel; digits 3-4, 19, represent heading 7219, namely flat-rolled products of stainless steel, width >= 600 mm; digits 5-6, 13, represent subheading 721913, specifically hot-rolled stainless steel strip with a thickness of 3 mm to 4.75 mm (according to HS classification, 721913 corresponds to hot-rolled stainless steel coil with thickness >= 3 mm but < 4.75 mm). This subheading further distinguishes the thickness range of hot-rolled stainless steel coil. This product is hot-rolled stainless steel strip, width >= 600 mm, thickness between 3 mm and 4.75 mm, and in coils, therefore classified under 721913. If the thickness is less than 3 mm, it is classified under 721914; if the thickness is >= 4.75 mm, it is classified under 721912; if cold-rolled, it is classified under other subheadings of 7219; if the width is < 600 mm, it is classified under a heading other than 7219 (such as 7220).
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars and rods, profiles, wire, etc. This chapter is the basic classification chapter for steel products, covering a wide range from raw materials to primary processed materials. Hot-rolled stainless steel strip, as a type of steel rolled product, is classified in this chapter.
Heading
Heading 7219 specifically covers flat-rolled products of stainless steel, whether hot-rolled or cold-rolled, but not further worked (such as not clad, plated, or coated). Stainless steel sheet and strip with a width of 600 mm or more is classified under this heading, whether or not in coils. Hot-rolled stainless steel strip usually refers to hot-rolled stainless steel wide strip in coils.
Digit Breakdown
Code 721913 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 72 represent Chapter 72, iron and steel; digits 3-4, 19, represent heading 7219, namely flat-rolled products of stainless steel, width >= 600 mm; digits 5-6, 13, represent subheading 721913, specifically hot-rolled stainless steel strip with a thickness of 3 mm to 4.75 mm (according to HS classification, 721913 corresponds to hot-rolled stainless steel coil with thickness >= 3 mm but < 4.75 mm). This subheading further distinguishes the thickness range of hot-rolled stainless steel coil.
Classification Basis
This product is hot-rolled stainless steel strip, width >= 600 mm, thickness between 3 mm and 4.75 mm, and in coils, therefore classified under 721913. If the thickness is less than 3 mm, it is classified under 721914; if the thickness is >= 4.75 mm, it is classified under 721912; if cold-rolled, it is classified under other subheadings of 7219; if the width is < 600 mm, it is classified under a heading other than 7219 (such as 7220).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should describe the material and shape in detail, such as "hot-rolled stainless steel strip" or "stainless steel hot-rolled coil sheet". Material: The grade or composition of the stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc., and the content of major alloying elements (such as chromium and nickel) must be indicated. Specifications and dimensions: Including thickness, width, and length (coil products usually only report thickness and width), in millimeters. Thickness must be accurate to two decimal places. Processing state: Indicate whether it is hot-rolled or cold-rolled, and whether it is annealed, pickled, etc. Hot-rolled strip is usually black or pickled white. Shape: Describe as coil or flat plate; strip is usually in coils. If it is flat plate, this must be indicated. Use: Main use, such as for manufacturing pipes, kitchenware, automobile parts, etc., which helps customs determine classification. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Origin: The country or region where the goods are produced, affecting tariffs and trade policy. Product name: Hot-rolled stainless steel strip
Material: 304 stainless steel (chromium 18%, nickel 8%)
Specifications: thickness 3.0 mm, width 1219 mm
Processing state: hot-rolled, pickled
Shape: coil
Use: for manufacturing kitchenware
Brand: TISCO
Origin: China Thickness declaration is inaccurate and not precise to two decimal places, leading to errors in subheading determination. Width does not indicate whether it is >= 600 mm, which may lead to incorrect classification under a heading for width < 600 mm. Processing state description is vague and does not distinguish hot-rolled from cold-rolled, affecting classification. Material only states "stainless steel" without providing grade or composition, which may trigger customs questions.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should describe the material and shape in detail, such as "hot-rolled stainless steel strip" or "stainless steel hot-rolled coil sheet".
⚠️ Writing only "stainless steel" or "steel coil" without specifying hot-rolled and strip form.
Material
The grade or composition of the stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc., and the content of major alloying elements (such as chromium and nickel) must be indicated.
⚠️ Writing only "stainless steel" without providing a specific grade or composition.
Specifications and dimensions
Including thickness, width, and length (coil products usually only report thickness and width), in millimeters. Thickness must be accurate to two decimal places.
⚠️ Incorrect unit of thickness (such as centimeters), or failure to indicate whether the width is >= 600 mm.
Processing state
Indicate whether it is hot-rolled or cold-rolled, and whether it is annealed, pickled, etc. Hot-rolled strip is usually black or pickled white.
⚠️ Confusing hot-rolled and cold-rolled, or failing to indicate whether it has been pickled.
Shape
Describe as coil or flat plate; strip is usually in coils. If it is flat plate, this must be indicated.
⚠️ Declaring coil as plate, resulting in classification errors.
Use
Main use, such as for manufacturing pipes, kitchenware, automobile parts, etc., which helps customs determine classification.
⚠️ Use description is too general, such as "industrial use".
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or incomplete filling.
Origin
The country or region where the goods are produced, affecting tariffs and trade policy.
⚠️ Confusing origin with place of shipment.
Example： Product name: Hot-rolled stainless steel strip
Material: 304 stainless steel (chromium 18%, nickel 8%)
Specifications: thickness 3.0 mm, width 1219 mm
Processing state: hot-rolled, pickled
Shape: coil
Use: for manufacturing kitchenware
Brand: TISCO
Origin: China
Common Mistakes：
Thickness declaration is inaccurate and not precise to two decimal places, leading to errors in subheading determination.
Width does not indicate whether it is >= 600 mm, which may lead to incorrect classification under a heading for width < 600 mm.
Processing state description is vague and does not distinguish hot-rolled from cold-rolled, affecting classification.
Material only states "stainless steel" without providing grade or composition, which may trigger customs questions.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification include: 1) the material must be stainless steel (by weight, carbon content <= 1.2%, chromium content >= 10.5%); 2) it is a flat-rolled product with width >= 600 mm; 3) it is hot-rolled, not cold-rolled; 4) it is in coils (strip); 5) thickness is between 3 mm and 4.75 mm (excluding 4.75 mm). It is also necessary to confirm whether it has been further worked (such as plated or coated); if so, it may be classified under another heading. 721912 Hot-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness >= 4.75 mm: Different thickness: 721912 is thickness >= 4.75 mm, while 721913 is 3 mm <= thickness < 4.75 mm. 721914 Hot-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness < 3 mm: Different thickness: 721914 is thickness < 3 mm, while 721913 is thickness >= 3 mm. 721933 Cold-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness 0.5-1 mm: Different processing state: 721933 is cold-rolled, while 721913 is hot-rolled. 722011 Hot-rolled stainless steel narrow strip, width < 600 mm: Different width: 722011 is width < 600 mm, while 721913 is width >= 600 mm. 721921 Hot-rolled stainless steel flat product, not in coils, thickness > 10 mm: Different shape: 721921 is flat product not in coils, while 721913 is in coils. Confirm the material is stainless steel with chromium content >= 10.5%. Confirm the width is >= 600 mm. Confirm the processing state is hot-rolled, not cold-rolled. Confirm the shape is coil. Confirm the thickness is between 3 mm and 4.75 mm.
Basis
The core criteria for classification include: 1) the material must be stainless steel (by weight, carbon content <= 1.2%, chromium content >= 10.5%); 2) it is a flat-rolled product with width >= 600 mm; 3) it is hot-rolled, not cold-rolled; 4) it is in coils (strip); 5) thickness is between 3 mm and 4.75 mm (excluding 4.75 mm). It is also necessary to confirm whether it has been further worked (such as plated or coated); if so, it may be classified under another heading.
Confused Codes：
721912 - Hot-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness >= 4.75 mm
Different thickness: 721912 is thickness >= 4.75 mm, while 721913 is 3 mm <= thickness < 4.75 mm.
721914 - Hot-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness < 3 mm
Different thickness: 721914 is thickness < 3 mm, while 721913 is thickness >= 3 mm.
721933 - Cold-rolled stainless steel coil, thickness 0.5-1 mm
Different processing state: 721933 is cold-rolled, while 721913 is hot-rolled.
Different width: 722011 is width < 600 mm, while 721913 is width >= 600 mm.
721921 - Hot-rolled stainless steel flat product, not in coils, thickness > 10 mm
Different shape: 721921 is flat product not in coils, while 721913 is in coils.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the material is stainless steel with chromium content >= 10.5%.
✓ Confirm the width is >= 600 mm.
✓ Confirm the processing state is hot-rolled, not cold-rolled.
✓ Confirm the shape is coil.
✓ Confirm the thickness is between 3 mm and 4.75 mm.
❓ FAQ
How can one determine whether the HS code for hot-rolled stainless steel strip is 721913 or 721914? The key is thickness. 721913 applies to hot-rolled stainless steel coil with thickness >= 3 mm and < 4.75 mm; 721914 applies to thickness < 3 mm. When declaring, an accurate thickness must be provided; it is recommended to measure with a micrometer and keep the test report. What is the difference in classification between hot-rolled stainless steel strip and cold-rolled stainless steel strip? Hot-rolled and cold-rolled are different processing states and are classified differently. Hot-rolled strip is classified under subheadings of 7219 such as 721912-721914; cold-rolled strip is classified under other subheadings of 7219 such as 721931-721935. When declaring, the processing state must be clear to avoid confusion. How does width affect the classification of stainless steel strip? Width is a key classification factor. Flat-rolled products with width >= 600 mm are classified under 7219; those with width < 600 mm are classified under 7220. Therefore, when declaring, the width must be stated and the measurement must be accurate. If hot-rolled stainless steel strip has been pickled, does this affect classification? Pickling is a common treatment after hot rolling and does not change its hot-rolled state; it is still classified under 7219. However, if it has been further worked such as by plating or coating, it may be classified under another heading (such as 7210, etc.). How should the material of stainless steel be described when declaring? A specific grade (such as 304, 316L) and the content of major components (chromium, nickel, etc.) should be provided. Writing only "stainless steel" may lead customs to request supplementary information, causing clearance delays. In the declaration elements for hot-rolled stainless steel strip, how should the use be filled in? The use should be specific, such as "used to manufacture kitchenware, pipes, automobile parts", etc. A general "industrial use" may trigger questions; it is recommended to fill it in according to the actual downstream product. Where can the tariff rate for hot-rolled stainless steel strip be checked? You can check the "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" issued by the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs classification advance ruling system. Tariff rates change, so it is recommended to rely on the latest tariff schedule or consult a professional customs broker. If the thickness of hot-rolled stainless steel strip is exactly 4.75 mm, under which code should it be classified? According to HS rules, 721912 is for thickness >= 4.75 mm, and 721913 is for < 4.75 mm. Therefore, 4.75 mm should be classified under 721912. When declaring, precise measurement is required to avoid disputes at the threshold value.
Q: How can one determine whether the HS code for hot-rolled stainless steel strip is 721913 or 721914?
A: The key is thickness. 721913 applies to hot-rolled stainless steel coil with thickness >= 3 mm and < 4.75 mm; 721914 applies to thickness < 3 mm. When declaring, an accurate thickness must be provided; it is recommended to measure with a micrometer and keep the test report.
Q: What is the difference in classification between hot-rolled stainless steel strip and cold-rolled stainless steel strip?
A: Hot-rolled and cold-rolled are different processing states and are classified differently. Hot-rolled strip is classified under subheadings of 7219 such as 721912-721914; cold-rolled strip is classified under other subheadings of 7219 such as 721931-721935. When declaring, the processing state must be clear to avoid confusion.
Q: How does width affect the classification of stainless steel strip?
A: Width is a key classification factor. Flat-rolled products with width >= 600 mm are classified under 7219; those with width < 600 mm are classified under 7220. Therefore, when declaring, the width must be stated and the measurement must be accurate.
Q: If hot-rolled stainless steel strip has been pickled, does this affect classification?
A: Pickling is a common treatment after hot rolling and does not change its hot-rolled state; it is still classified under 7219. However, if it has been further worked such as by plating or coating, it may be classified under another heading (such as 7210, etc.).
Q: How should the material of stainless steel be described when declaring?
A: A specific grade (such as 304, 316L) and the content of major components (chromium, nickel, etc.) should be provided. Writing only "stainless steel" may lead customs to request supplementary information, causing clearance delays.
Q: In the declaration elements for hot-rolled stainless steel strip, how should the use be filled in?
A: The use should be specific, such as "used to manufacture kitchenware, pipes, automobile parts", etc. A general "industrial use" may trigger questions; it is recommended to fill it in according to the actual downstream product.
Q: Where can the tariff rate for hot-rolled stainless steel strip be checked?
A: You can check the "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" issued by the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs classification advance ruling system. Tariff rates change, so it is recommended to rely on the latest tariff schedule or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: If the thickness of hot-rolled stainless steel strip is exactly 4.75 mm, under which code should it be classified?
A: According to HS rules, 721912 is for thickness >= 4.75 mm, and 721913 is for < 4.75 mm. Therefore, 4.75 mm should be classified under 721912. When declaring, precise measurement is required to avoid disputes at the threshold value.
⚠️ 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.