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 is divided by smelting, processing, and composition. Heading 7220 belongs to stainless steel flat-rolled products, strip of a width less than 600 mm. Heading 7220 covers stainless steel strip, i.e., cold-rolled or hot-rolled stainless steel flat products of a width less than 600 mm, whether or not further worked (such as annealed, pickled, polished), but not clad, plated, or coated. Includes coils and straight lengths. First 2 digits 72: Chapter 72 iron and steel. Digits 3-4 20: Heading 7220, stainless steel strip (width <600 mm). Digits 5-6 90: Subheading 722090, other stainless steel strip, referring to strip other than 722011 (hot-rolled, thickness <4.75 mm), 722012 (hot-rolled, thickness >=4.75 mm), 722020 (cold-rolled), such as further worked or special specifications. The goods are stainless steel strip, width less than 600 mm, and do not fall under the specific subheadings for hot-rolled or cold-rolled, so they are classified under 722090. If width >=600 mm, they should be classified under 7219 or 7220; if they are strip of other alloy steel, they should be classified under 7225 or 7226.
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 is divided by smelting, processing, and composition. Heading 7220 belongs to stainless steel flat-rolled products, strip of a width less than 600 mm.
Heading
Heading 7220 covers stainless steel strip, i.e., cold-rolled or hot-rolled stainless steel flat products of a width less than 600 mm, whether or not further worked (such as annealed, pickled, polished), but not clad, plated, or coated. Includes coils and straight lengths.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 72: Chapter 72 iron and steel. Digits 3-4 20: Heading 7220, stainless steel strip (width <600 mm). Digits 5-6 90: Subheading 722090, other stainless steel strip, referring to strip other than 722011 (hot-rolled, thickness <4.75 mm), 722012 (hot-rolled, thickness >=4.75 mm), 722020 (cold-rolled), such as further worked or special specifications.
Classification Basis
The goods are stainless steel strip, width less than 600 mm, and do not fall under the specific subheadings for hot-rolled or cold-rolled, so they are classified under 722090. If width >=600 mm, they should be classified under 7219 or 7220; if they are strip of other alloy steel, they should be classified under 7225 or 7226.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declared commodity name, such as "stainless steel strip", must be consistent with contract and invoice. Material: Indicate stainless steel grade (such as 304, 316) and composition content, such as chromium and nickel content. Specifications and dimensions: Thickness, width, length (for coils, indicate inner diameter and outer diameter); width must be less than 600 mm. Processing state: Such as hot-rolled, cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, polished, etc., affecting subheading classification. Use: Such as used for manufacturing knives, springs, pipe fittings, etc., assisting in classification determination. Brand or manufacturer: If there is a brand or manufacturer, it must be declared; if no brand, may fill in "none". Model: Such as specific model or order number, for easy identification. Product name: stainless steel strip; Material: 304 stainless steel, containing 18% chromium, 8% nickel; Specifications: thickness 0.5 mm, width 300 mm, coil; Processing state: cold-rolled then annealed and pickled; Use: used for manufacturing medical devices; Brand: none; Model: SUS304-CR. Width declaration error: misreporting 600 mm or more as less than 600 mm, leading to classification under 7220 instead of 7219. Processing state confusion: cold-rolled and hot-rolled not distinguished, affecting subheadings 722020 and 722011/722012. Material declaration untrue: failing to provide specific grade or composition, may be questioned for classification.
Product name
Declared commodity name, such as "stainless steel strip", must be consistent with contract and invoice.
⚠️ Only writing "steel strip" without indicating stainless steel, leading to classification errors.
Material
Indicate stainless steel grade (such as 304, 316) and composition content, such as chromium and nickel content.
⚠️ Only writing "stainless steel" without providing specific grade or composition.
Specifications and dimensions
Thickness, width, length (for coils, indicate inner diameter and outer diameter); width must be less than 600 mm.
⚠️ Width misreported as 600 mm or more, leading to classification under other headings.
Processing state
Such as hot-rolled, cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, polished, etc., affecting subheading classification.
⚠️ Declaring cold-rolled strip as hot-rolled, or omitting processing state.
Use
Such as used for manufacturing knives, springs, pipe fittings, etc., assisting in classification determination.
⚠️ Use description too general, such as "industrial use".
Brand or manufacturer
If there is a brand or manufacturer, it must be declared; if no brand, may fill in "none".
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting brand.
Model
Such as specific model or order number, for easy identification.
⚠️ Filling in specifications as model, causing confusion.
Example： Product name: stainless steel strip; Material: 304 stainless steel, containing 18% chromium, 8% nickel; Specifications: thickness 0.5 mm, width 300 mm, coil; Processing state: cold-rolled then annealed and pickled; Use: used for manufacturing medical devices; Brand: none; Model: SUS304-CR.
Common Mistakes：
Width declaration error: misreporting 600 mm or more as less than 600 mm, leading to classification under 7220 instead of 7219.
Processing state confusion: cold-rolled and hot-rolled not distinguished, affecting subheadings 722020 and 722011/722012.
Material declaration untrue: failing to provide specific grade or composition, may be questioned for classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) material is stainless steel; 2) width less than 600 mm; 3) strip other than the specific hot-rolled and cold-rolled subheadings. Need to check Chapter 72 notes and subheading notes of the Tariff to ensure compliance with the description of 722090. 722011 Hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness <4.75 mm: Hot-rolled strip of thickness less than 4.75 mm is classified under 722011, while 722090 is for other, such as cold-rolled or further worked. 722012 Hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness >=4.75 mm: Hot-rolled strip of thickness >=4.75 mm is classified under 722012; 722090 does not include this specification. 722020 Cold-rolled stainless steel strip: Cold-rolled strip is classified under 722020, but if further worked (such as polished, coated), it may be classified under 722090. 7219 Stainless steel wide plate (width >=600 mm): Stainless steel flat-rolled products of width >=600 mm are classified under 7219; 7220 applies only to width <600 mm. 7225 Strip of other alloy steel: Strip of alloy steel other than stainless steel is classified under 7225; 722090 is limited to stainless steel. Confirm material is stainless steel (chromium content >=10.5%). Confirm width is less than 600 mm. Confirm it is not hot-rolled with thickness <4.75 mm or >=4.75 mm. Confirm it is not cold-rolled. Confirm it has not been plated or coated.
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) material is stainless steel; 2) width less than 600 mm; 3) strip other than the specific hot-rolled and cold-rolled subheadings. Need to check Chapter 72 notes and subheading notes of the Tariff to ensure compliance with the description of 722090.
Confused Codes：
722011 - Hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness <4.75 mm
Hot-rolled strip of thickness less than 4.75 mm is classified under 722011, while 722090 is for other, such as cold-rolled or further worked.
722012 - Hot-rolled stainless steel strip, thickness >=4.75 mm
Hot-rolled strip of thickness >=4.75 mm is classified under 722012; 722090 does not include this specification.
722020 - Cold-rolled stainless steel strip
Cold-rolled strip is classified under 722020, but if further worked (such as polished, coated), it may be classified under 722090.
Stainless steel flat-rolled products of width >=600 mm are classified under 7219; 7220 applies only to width <600 mm.
7225 - Strip of other alloy steel
Strip of alloy steel other than stainless steel is classified under 7225; 722090 is limited to stainless steel.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm material is stainless steel (chromium content >=10.5%).
✓ Confirm width is less than 600 mm.
✓ Confirm it is not hot-rolled with thickness <4.75 mm or >=4.75 mm.
✓ Confirm it is not cold-rolled.
✓ Confirm it has not been plated or coated.
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the import duty rate for 722090? It can be inquired through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China", or by using customs classification advance ruling. Tax rates may change; it is recommended to refer to the latest tariff. What is the difference between 722090 and 722020? 722020 specifically refers to cold-rolled stainless steel strip, while 722090 covers other stainless steel strip (such as further worked, special specifications). If after cold rolling only annealed and pickled, it is still classified under 722020; if polished, brushed, etc., it may be classified under 722090. If the width is exactly 600 mm, which code should it be classified under? Width of 600 mm or more should be classified under 7219 (stainless steel wide plate); 7220 applies only to width less than 600 mm. Note that "less than 600 mm" in the tariff does not include 600 mm. How to describe the processing state when declaring? It should be described specifically, such as "cold-rolled then annealed and pickled", "hot-rolled then pickled", "cold-rolled then polished", etc., avoiding merely writing "processed". What are the regulatory conditions for 722090? Regulatory conditions vary by country/region and may generally involve automatic import license, tariff quota, etc. Need to check the latest "Customs Regulatory Conditions Code Table". Does the classification of stainless steel strip require a composition test report? It is recommended to provide one, especially for cases where the grade is unclear or may involve other alloy steel. Customs may require a composition test report to confirm classification. If the strip is coated, which code should it be classified under? If the strip is plated or coated, it is usually classified under other subheadings of 7220 or 7219, depending on the type of coating and width. 722090 applies only to uncoated strip. For cross-border e-commerce export of stainless steel strip, how to simplify declaration? Cross-border e-commerce exports may apply simplified declaration, but key elements such as product name, material, and specifications still need to be accurately provided. It is recommended to use customs-recognized list declaration and retain relevant documents.
Q: How to inquire about the import duty rate for 722090?
A: It can be inquired through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China", or by using customs classification advance ruling. Tax rates may change; it is recommended to refer to the latest tariff.
Q: What is the difference between 722090 and 722020?
A: 722020 specifically refers to cold-rolled stainless steel strip, while 722090 covers other stainless steel strip (such as further worked, special specifications). If after cold rolling only annealed and pickled, it is still classified under 722020; if polished, brushed, etc., it may be classified under 722090.
Q: If the width is exactly 600 mm, which code should it be classified under?
A: Width of 600 mm or more should be classified under 7219 (stainless steel wide plate); 7220 applies only to width less than 600 mm. Note that "less than 600 mm" in the tariff does not include 600 mm.
Q: How to describe the processing state when declaring?
A: It should be described specifically, such as "cold-rolled then annealed and pickled", "hot-rolled then pickled", "cold-rolled then polished", etc., avoiding merely writing "processed".
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for 722090?
A: Regulatory conditions vary by country/region and may generally involve automatic import license, tariff quota, etc. Need to check the latest "Customs Regulatory Conditions Code Table".
Q: Does the classification of stainless steel strip require a composition test report?
A: It is recommended to provide one, especially for cases where the grade is unclear or may involve other alloy steel. Customs may require a composition test report to confirm classification.
Q: If the strip is coated, which code should it be classified under?
A: If the strip is plated or coated, it is usually classified under other subheadings of 7220 or 7219, depending on the type of coating and width. 722090 applies only to uncoated strip.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce export of stainless steel strip, how to simplify declaration?
A: Cross-border e-commerce exports may apply simplified declaration, but key elements such as product name, material, and specifications still need to be accurately provided. It is recommended to use customs-recognized list declaration and retain relevant documents.
⚠️ 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.