Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, ferrous waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes, etc. This chapter is divided by smelting, processing form, and composition, and is the basic classification chapter for iron and steel products. Heading 7220 covers flat-rolled products of stainless steel, but only cold-rolled products of a width less than 600 mm (whether or not further worked), including cold-rolled conditions such as not annealed, annealed, pickled, brushed, polished, coated, etc. Cold-rolled stainless steel sheet of a width of 600 mm or more is classified under 7219. First 2 digits 72: Chapter 72 iron and steel; digits 3-4 20: heading 7220, referring to cold-rolled stainless steel sheet of a width less than 600 mm; digits 5-6 00: subheading 722000, indicating that there is no further subdivision under this heading, and all cold-rolled stainless steel strip meeting the description is classified under this subheading. Note: 7220 and 7219 (width 600 mm or more) form the width boundary, and 7221 (hot-rolled narrow strip) forms the processing method boundary. The goods are cold-rolled stainless steel strip, of a width less than 600 mm, and not further worked (or only cold-rolled after-treatment), meeting the description of heading 7220. If the width is 600 mm or more, it should be classified under 7219; if hot-rolled, under 7221; if cold-rolled and then subjected to other processing (such as coating), it is still classified under 7220, but if the processing exceeds the scope of Chapter 72, it may be classified under other chapters.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, ferrous waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products, flat-rolled products, bars, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes, etc. This chapter is divided by smelting, processing form, and composition, and is the basic classification chapter for iron and steel products.
Heading
Heading 7220 covers flat-rolled products of stainless steel, but only cold-rolled products of a width less than 600 mm (whether or not further worked), including cold-rolled conditions such as not annealed, annealed, pickled, brushed, polished, coated, etc. Cold-rolled stainless steel sheet of a width of 600 mm or more is classified under 7219.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 72: Chapter 72 iron and steel; digits 3-4 20: heading 7220, referring to cold-rolled stainless steel sheet of a width less than 600 mm; digits 5-6 00: subheading 722000, indicating that there is no further subdivision under this heading, and all cold-rolled stainless steel strip meeting the description is classified under this subheading. Note: 7220 and 7219 (width 600 mm or more) form the width boundary, and 7221 (hot-rolled narrow strip) forms the processing method boundary.
Classification Basis
The goods are cold-rolled stainless steel strip, of a width less than 600 mm, and not further worked (or only cold-rolled after-treatment), meeting the description of heading 7220. If the width is 600 mm or more, it should be classified under 7219; if hot-rolled, under 7221; if cold-rolled and then subjected to other processing (such as coating), it is still classified under 7220, but if the processing exceeds the scope of Chapter 72, it may be classified under other chapters.
📝 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., 'cold-rolled stainless steel strip'. Material: The specific grade or composition of stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc., which must comply with the corresponding standard. Processing method: Clearly state cold-rolled, and indicate whether it has undergone subsequent treatment such as annealing or pickling. Shape: Strip (coiled or flat), distinguished from sheet and plate. Specifications and dimensions: Thickness, width, length (if flat); width must be less than 600 mm. State: Such as coiled, flat, whether coated, polished, etc. Use: Main use, such as manufacturing tableware, medical devices, automotive parts, etc. Brand or manufacturer: If there is a brand or manufacturer, it must be declared; if none, 'none' may be entered. Product name: cold-rolled stainless steel strip; Material: 304 stainless steel; Processing method: cold-rolled, annealed and pickled; Shape: coiled; Specifications: thickness 0.5 mm, width 300 mm; State: coiled, uncoated; Use: manufacturing tableware; Brand: none. Incorrect width declaration: width 600 mm or more should be classified under 7219, not 7220. Confusion of processing method: hot-rolled narrow strip is classified under 7221, while cold-rolled narrow strip is classified under 7220. Material declaration not specific: failure to provide grade may lead to classification disputes or valuation questions.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include key information such as material, processing method, and shape, e.g., 'cold-rolled stainless steel strip'.
⚠️ Writing only 'stainless steel strip' or 'steel strip' without indicating cold-rolled and width.
Material
The specific grade or composition of stainless steel, such as 304, 316L, etc., which must comply with the corresponding standard.
⚠️ Writing only 'stainless steel' without providing the specific grade or composition.
Processing method
Clearly state cold-rolled, and indicate whether it has undergone subsequent treatment such as annealing or pickling.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring cold-rolled as hot-rolled, or omitting subsequent treatment.
Shape
Strip (coiled or flat), distinguished from sheet and plate.
⚠️ Declaring strip as sheet, resulting in classification errors.
Specifications and dimensions
Thickness, width, length (if flat); width must be less than 600 mm.
⚠️ Incorrect width entry or failure to indicate it, causing confusion with 7219.
State
Such as coiled, flat, whether coated, polished, etc.
⚠️ Failure to state whether further worked, affecting classification.
Use
Main use, such as manufacturing tableware, medical devices, automotive parts, etc.
⚠️ Use description too general, such as 'industrial use'.
Brand or manufacturer
If there is a brand or manufacturer, it must be declared; if none, 'none' may be entered.
⚠️ Omitting brand information or incomplete entry.
Incorrect width declaration: width 600 mm or more should be classified under 7219, not 7220.
Confusion of processing method: hot-rolled narrow strip is classified under 7221, while cold-rolled narrow strip is classified under 7220.
Material declaration not specific: failure to provide grade may lead to classification disputes or valuation questions.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material is stainless steel; 2) the processing method is cold-rolled (including annealing, pickling, etc. after cold rolling); 3) the width is less than 600 mm; 4) the shape is strip (coiled or flat). At the same time, it is necessary to confirm whether it has undergone further processing, such as coating, polishing, etc. If the processing does not change the essential characteristics, it is still classified under 7220. 7219 Cold-rolled stainless steel sheet (width 600 mm or more): Different width: 7219 is width 600 mm or more, 7220 is width less than 600 mm. 7221 Hot-rolled stainless steel narrow strip: Different processing method: 7221 is hot-rolled, 7220 is cold-rolled. 7222 Other stainless steel narrow strip: 7222 is cold-rolled and then further worked (such as coated) or hot-rolled and then cold-rolled but width less than 600 mm? Note: 7222 is other stainless steel narrow strip, including cold-rolled and then further worked, but 7220 is cold-rolled without further working. 7223 Stainless steel wire: Different shape: 7223 is wire, 7220 is strip. 7224 Other alloy steel ingots: Different material: 7224 is other alloy steel, 7220 is stainless steel. Confirm the material is stainless steel. Confirm the processing method is cold-rolled. Confirm the width is less than 600 mm. Confirm the shape is strip. Confirm whether it has been further worked.
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material is stainless steel; 2) the processing method is cold-rolled (including annealing, pickling, etc. after cold rolling); 3) the width is less than 600 mm; 4) the shape is strip (coiled or flat). At the same time, it is necessary to confirm whether it has undergone further processing, such as coating, polishing, etc. If the processing does not change the essential characteristics, it is still classified under 7220.
Confused Codes：
7219 - Cold-rolled stainless steel sheet (width 600 mm or more)
Different width: 7219 is width 600 mm or more, 7220 is width less than 600 mm.
7221 - Hot-rolled stainless steel narrow strip
Different processing method: 7221 is hot-rolled, 7220 is cold-rolled.
7222 - Other stainless steel narrow strip
7222 is cold-rolled and then further worked (such as coated) or hot-rolled and then cold-rolled but width less than 600 mm? Note: 7222 is other stainless steel narrow strip, including cold-rolled and then further worked, but 7220 is cold-rolled without further working.
7223 - Stainless steel wire
Different shape: 7223 is wire, 7220 is strip.
7224 - Other alloy steel ingots
Different material: 7224 is other alloy steel, 7220 is stainless steel.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the material is stainless steel.
✓ Confirm the processing method is cold-rolled.
✓ Confirm the width is less than 600 mm.
✓ Confirm the shape is strip.
✓ Confirm whether it has been further worked.
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 722020? You can obtain the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools by entering HS code 722020 and the country of origin. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published rates should prevail. What is the difference between cold-rolled stainless steel strip and cold-rolled stainless steel sheet? The main difference is width: cold-rolled stainless steel sheet of a width of 600 mm or more is classified under 7219, while cold-rolled stainless steel strip of a width less than 600 mm is classified under 7220. Strip is usually coiled, while sheet can be flat or coiled, but classification is based on width. Does the HS code change after stainless steel strip is polished? If polishing does not change the essential characteristics of the strip, it remains classified under 7220. However, if after polishing it is used for a specific purpose (such as mirror finish) and the processing exceeds simple treatment, other headings may need to be considered. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker. When declaring 722020, is it necessary to provide a material certificate? Yes, customs may require a material certificate (such as a quality certificate or composition report) to confirm the stainless steel grade. The material must be accurately declared to avoid penalties due to false declaration. What is the difference between 722020 and 722220? 7220 is cold-rolled stainless steel narrow strip not further worked, while 7222 is cold-rolled and then further worked (such as coated, plated) or hot-rolled and then cold-rolled but not further worked? In fact, 7222 includes other stainless steel narrow strip, such as cold-rolled and then coated. The difference lies in the processing state. For cross-border e-commerce sales of stainless steel strip, how should the HS code be selected? It should be based on the actual commodity attributes: material, processing method, width, shape. If it is cold-rolled, width less than 600 mm, and not further worked, then choose 722020. It is recommended to consult a logistics provider or customs broker to ensure compliance. What is the export tax rebate rate for 722020? The export tax rebate rate needs to be checked in the latest export tax rebate rate database, which can be queried through the State Taxation Administration or the Single Window. The rebate rate may be adjusted, and the rate at the time of declaration should prevail. If the width is exactly 600 mm, which code should it be classified under? When the width is equal to 600 mm, it should be classified under 7219 (width 600 mm or more), not 7220. Accurate measurement is required during classification to avoid errors.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 722020?
A: You can obtain the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools by entering HS code 722020 and the country of origin. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published rates should prevail.
Q: What is the difference between cold-rolled stainless steel strip and cold-rolled stainless steel sheet?
A: The main difference is width: cold-rolled stainless steel sheet of a width of 600 mm or more is classified under 7219, while cold-rolled stainless steel strip of a width less than 600 mm is classified under 7220. Strip is usually coiled, while sheet can be flat or coiled, but classification is based on width.
Q: Does the HS code change after stainless steel strip is polished?
A: If polishing does not change the essential characteristics of the strip, it remains classified under 7220. However, if after polishing it is used for a specific purpose (such as mirror finish) and the processing exceeds simple treatment, other headings may need to be considered. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: When declaring 722020, is it necessary to provide a material certificate?
A: Yes, customs may require a material certificate (such as a quality certificate or composition report) to confirm the stainless steel grade. The material must be accurately declared to avoid penalties due to false declaration.
Q: What is the difference between 722020 and 722220?
A: 7220 is cold-rolled stainless steel narrow strip not further worked, while 7222 is cold-rolled and then further worked (such as coated, plated) or hot-rolled and then cold-rolled but not further worked? In fact, 7222 includes other stainless steel narrow strip, such as cold-rolled and then coated. The difference lies in the processing state.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of stainless steel strip, how should the HS code be selected?
A: It should be based on the actual commodity attributes: material, processing method, width, shape. If it is cold-rolled, width less than 600 mm, and not further worked, then choose 722020. It is recommended to consult a logistics provider or customs broker to ensure compliance.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 722020?
A: The export tax rebate rate needs to be checked in the latest export tax rebate rate database, which can be queried through the State Taxation Administration or the Single Window. The rebate rate may be adjusted, and the rate at the time of declaration should prevail.
Q: If the width is exactly 600 mm, which code should it be classified under?
A: When the width is equal to 600 mm, it should be classified under 7219 (width 600 mm or more), not 7220. Accurate measurement is required during classification to avoid errors.
⚠️ 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.