Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars, profiles, wire rods, tubes, etc. This chapter classifies headings by smelting, processing form, and composition, and is the core chapter for classification of steel products in international trade. Heading 7220 specifically covers flat-rolled products of stainless steel, of a width less than 600 mm (i.e., narrow strip). It includes hot-rolled or cold-rolled, but further worked (such as pickled, annealed) or not further worked. Note: hot-rolled stainless steel coils of a width of 600 mm or more are classified under 7219. First 2 digits 72 = iron and steel chapter; digits 3-4 20 = stainless steel narrow strip (width < 600 mm); digits 5-6 11 = hot-rolled, not further worked (not further worked than hot-rolled), thickness >= 4.75 mm? No, 722011 is specifically: hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness < 4.75 mm? Actually 722011 is: hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness >= 4.75 mm? Correction: according to HS2022, 722011 is: hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness >= 4.75 mm, width < 600 mm. 722012 is thickness < 4.75 mm. Therefore 722011 specifically refers to the thicker specification. The goods are of stainless steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600 mm, hot-rolled and not further worked (pickling, annealing, etc. do not affect classification), thickness >= 4.75 mm. If width >= 600 mm, classify under 7219; if cold-rolled, classify under 722020; if thickness < 4.75 mm, classify under 722012.
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, profiles, wire rods, tubes, etc. This chapter classifies headings by smelting, processing form, and composition, and is the core chapter for classification of steel products in international trade.
Heading
Heading 7220 specifically covers flat-rolled products of stainless steel, of a width less than 600 mm (i.e., narrow strip). It includes hot-rolled or cold-rolled, but further worked (such as pickled, annealed) or not further worked. Note: hot-rolled stainless steel coils of a width of 600 mm or more are classified under 7219.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 72 = iron and steel chapter; digits 3-4 20 = stainless steel narrow strip (width < 600 mm); digits 5-6 11 = hot-rolled, not further worked (not further worked than hot-rolled), thickness >= 4.75 mm? No, 722011 is specifically: hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness < 4.75 mm? Actually 722011 is: hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness >= 4.75 mm? Correction: according to HS2022, 722011 is: hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness >= 4.75 mm, width < 600 mm. 722012 is thickness < 4.75 mm. Therefore 722011 specifically refers to the thicker specification.
Classification Basis
The goods are of stainless steel, flat-rolled, width less than 600 mm, hot-rolled and not further worked (pickling, annealing, etc. do not affect classification), thickness >= 4.75 mm. If width >= 600 mm, classify under 7219; if cold-rolled, classify under 722020; if thickness < 4.75 mm, classify under 722012.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include key information such as material, processing method, and shape, e.g., "hot-rolled stainless steel strip". Material (stainless steel grade): Fill in the specific stainless steel grade, such as 304, 316L, 430, etc., and indicate the composition standard (e.g., ASTM A240). Processing method: Indicate "hot-rolled" and whether it has undergone subsequent treatment such as pickling or annealing, but this must not change the classification. Specifications and dimensions: Include thickness, width, and length (if cut to fixed length). Thickness must be accurate to the millimeter, and width must be clearly less than 600 mm. State: Such as coil, strip, sheet, etc. Hot-rolled strip is usually in coils. Use: Briefly describe the final use, such as manufacturing tableware, pipes, automotive parts, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, it must be declared; if no brand, fill in "none". Manufacturer: Fill in the name of the manufacturer for traceability. Product name: hot-rolled stainless steel strip; Material: 304 stainless steel; Processing method: hot-rolled, pickled; Specifications: thickness 5.0 mm, width 300 mm; State: coil; Use: manufacturing chemical equipment; Brand: none; Manufacturer: XX Steel Co., Ltd. Mistakenly classifying hot-rolled stainless steel coils of a width >= 600 mm under 722011, when they should actually be classified under 7219. Ignoring the thickness standard and mistakenly declaring hot-rolled strip with thickness < 4.75 mm as 722011, when it should actually be classified under 722012. Mistakenly declaring cold-rolled stainless steel strip as hot-rolled, resulting in incorrect classification.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include key information such as material, processing method, and shape, e.g., "hot-rolled stainless steel strip".
⚠️ Writing only "stainless steel strip" without indicating hot-rolled, or mistakenly writing "stainless steel coil".
Material (stainless steel grade)
Fill in the specific stainless steel grade, such as 304, 316L, 430, etc., and indicate the composition standard (e.g., ASTM A240).
⚠️ Writing only "stainless steel" without grade, or the grade does not match the composition.
Processing method
Indicate "hot-rolled" and whether it has undergone subsequent treatment such as pickling or annealing, but this must not change the classification.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring pickling as "cold-rolled" or "further worked".
Specifications and dimensions
Include thickness, width, and length (if cut to fixed length). Thickness must be accurate to the millimeter, and width must be clearly less than 600 mm.
⚠️ Incorrect unit of thickness (e.g., writing centimeters), or width not indicated.
State
Such as coil, strip, sheet, etc. Hot-rolled strip is usually in coils.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring coil as sheet.
Use
Briefly describe the final use, such as manufacturing tableware, pipes, automotive parts, etc.
⚠️ Use is too general, such as "industrial use".
Brand
If there is a brand, it must be declared; if no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Omitting the brand or inconsistency with the invoice.
Manufacturer
Fill in the name of the manufacturer for traceability.
⚠️ Filling in the trader instead of the manufacturer.
Mistakenly classifying hot-rolled stainless steel coils of a width >= 600 mm under 722011, when they should actually be classified under 7219.
Ignoring the thickness standard and mistakenly declaring hot-rolled strip with thickness < 4.75 mm as 722011, when it should actually be classified under 722012.
Mistakenly declaring cold-rolled stainless steel strip as hot-rolled, resulting in incorrect classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) material is stainless steel; 2) flat-rolled; 3) width less than 600 mm; 4) hot-rolled and not further worked (pickling and annealing do not affect this); 5) thickness >= 4.75 mm. Reference should also be made to the Import and Export Tariff and national subheading notes to ensure consistency with customs determination. 7219 Hot-rolled stainless steel coil (width >= 600 mm): Width is the dividing point; >= 600 mm is classified under 7219, < 600 mm under 7220. 722012 Hot-rolled stainless steel strip (thickness < 4.75 mm): Thickness < 4.75 mm is classified under 722012, >= 4.75 mm under 722011. 722020 Cold-rolled stainless steel strip: Different processing method; cold-rolled is classified under 722020, hot-rolled under 722011. 722090 Other stainless steel strip: Refers to strip that has been further worked (such as plated, coated) or is neither hot-rolled nor cold-rolled. Is the material stainless steel? Is the width less than 600 mm? Is the processing method hot-rolled? Is the thickness >= 4.75 mm? Has it not been further worked (except pickling and annealing)?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) material is stainless steel; 2) flat-rolled; 3) width less than 600 mm; 4) hot-rolled and not further worked (pickling and annealing do not affect this); 5) thickness >= 4.75 mm. Reference should also be made to the Import and Export Tariff and national subheading notes to ensure consistency with customs determination.
Thickness < 4.75 mm is classified under 722012, >= 4.75 mm under 722011.
722020 - Cold-rolled stainless steel strip
Different processing method; cold-rolled is classified under 722020, hot-rolled under 722011.
722090 - Other stainless steel strip
Refers to strip that has been further worked (such as plated, coated) or is neither hot-rolled nor cold-rolled.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material stainless steel?
✓ Is the width less than 600 mm?
✓ Is the processing method hot-rolled?
✓ Is the thickness >= 4.75 mm?
✓ Has it not been further worked (except pickling and annealing)?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 722011? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates vary depending on trade agreements and country of origin, so it is recommended to rely on the customs system feedback at the time of declaration. Will the classification change after hot-rolled stainless steel strip is pickled? No. Pickling is a routine treatment after hot rolling and does not change the basic characteristics of hot-rolled strip, so it remains classified under 722011. However, if it is cold-rolled, it is classified under 722020. Where is stainless steel hot-rolled coil of width 600 mm classified? Stainless steel hot-rolled coil of width >= 600 mm is classified under heading 7219, with specific subheadings further divided according to thickness, whether pickled, etc. What is the main difference between 722011 and 722012? Both are hot-rolled stainless steel strip (width < 600 mm). The difference lies in thickness: 722011 has thickness >= 4.75 mm, and 722012 has thickness < 4.75 mm. Thickness must be accurately measured at the time of declaration. What are the consequences of omitting the manufacturer at the time of declaration? Customs may require supplementary declaration, affecting customs clearance efficiency; if anti-dumping or countervailing issues are involved, preferential agreement rates may not be enjoyed or penalties may be faced. Complete declaration is recommended. Is there any difference in classification between stainless steel grades 304 and 316L? There is no difference in classification; both are stainless steel and are classified by shape, processing method, and dimensions. However, the grade affects composition testing and tariff rates (for example, some trade agreements have different provisions for specific grades). In the declaration elements for hot-rolled stainless steel strip, what does "state" refer to? It refers to the physical form of the goods, such as coil, strip, sheet, etc. Hot-rolled strip is usually in coils; if it is cut-to-length sheet, this must be indicated. If hot-rolled stainless steel strip is used to manufacture tableware, will the classification change? No. Classification is based on the material itself, not the final use. As long as it meets the description of 722011, it is classified under that code; use is only a declaration element.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 722011?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates vary depending on trade agreements and country of origin, so it is recommended to rely on the customs system feedback at the time of declaration.
Q: Will the classification change after hot-rolled stainless steel strip is pickled?
A: No. Pickling is a routine treatment after hot rolling and does not change the basic characteristics of hot-rolled strip, so it remains classified under 722011. However, if it is cold-rolled, it is classified under 722020.
Q: Where is stainless steel hot-rolled coil of width 600 mm classified?
A: Stainless steel hot-rolled coil of width >= 600 mm is classified under heading 7219, with specific subheadings further divided according to thickness, whether pickled, etc.
Q: What is the main difference between 722011 and 722012?
A: Both are hot-rolled stainless steel strip (width < 600 mm). The difference lies in thickness: 722011 has thickness >= 4.75 mm, and 722012 has thickness < 4.75 mm. Thickness must be accurately measured at the time of declaration.
Q: What are the consequences of omitting the manufacturer at the time of declaration?
A: Customs may require supplementary declaration, affecting customs clearance efficiency; if anti-dumping or countervailing issues are involved, preferential agreement rates may not be enjoyed or penalties may be faced. Complete declaration is recommended.
Q: Is there any difference in classification between stainless steel grades 304 and 316L?
A: There is no difference in classification; both are stainless steel and are classified by shape, processing method, and dimensions. However, the grade affects composition testing and tariff rates (for example, some trade agreements have different provisions for specific grades).
Q: In the declaration elements for hot-rolled stainless steel strip, what does "state" refer to?
A: It refers to the physical form of the goods, such as coil, strip, sheet, etc. Hot-rolled strip is usually in coils; if it is cut-to-length sheet, this must be indicated.
Q: If hot-rolled stainless steel strip is used to manufacture tableware, will the classification change?
A: No. Classification is based on the material itself, not the final use. As long as it meets the description of 722011, it is classified under that code; use is only a declaration element.
⚠️ 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.