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, sections, wire rods, tubes, etc. This chapter is classified by smelting form and degree of processing. Stainless steel sections under 722211 are deeply processed steel products, widely used in construction, machinery, chemicals, and other fields. Heading 7222 covers other stainless steel bars, rods, sections and profiles, as well as stainless steel hollow drill bars. Specifically includes: irregularly wound coils of hot-rolled stainless steel bars, other stainless steel bars and rods, stainless steel sections and profiles, stainless steel hollow drill bars. Subheading 722211 specifically covers stainless steel sections and profiles, i.e., rolled or extruded products with cross-sectional shapes that are not simple circles, squares, etc., but have specific profiles. First 2 digits 72 = Chapter for iron and steel, covering all iron and steel materials. Digits 3-4: 22 = stainless steel bars, rods, sections and profiles, distinguished from 7218 (stainless steel ingots), 7219 (stainless steel flat-rolled products), 7220 (stainless steel wire rods). Digits 5-6: 11 = stainless steel sections and profiles, i.e., stainless steel products with complex cross-sectional shapes (such as U-shaped, T-shaped, angle, I-beam, etc.), distinguished from 722210 (stainless steel hollow drill bars) and 722220-722240 (other stainless steel bars and rods). This commodity is a stainless steel section with a non-simple cross-sectional shape, and has been rolled, extruded, or further processed, meeting the description of heading 7222. It is not classified under 7220 (wire rods) because it is not in coils; not under 7219 (flat-rolled products) because it is not flat; not under 7221 (bars) because the cross-section is complex; not under 7304 (steel pipes) because it is not hollow. Therefore, it is classified under 722211.
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, sections, wire rods, tubes, etc. This chapter is classified by smelting form and degree of processing. Stainless steel sections under 722211 are deeply processed steel products, widely used in construction, machinery, chemicals, and other fields.
Heading
Heading 7222 covers other stainless steel bars, rods, sections and profiles, as well as stainless steel hollow drill bars. Specifically includes: irregularly wound coils of hot-rolled stainless steel bars, other stainless steel bars and rods, stainless steel sections and profiles, stainless steel hollow drill bars. Subheading 722211 specifically covers stainless steel sections and profiles, i.e., rolled or extruded products with cross-sectional shapes that are not simple circles, squares, etc., but have specific profiles.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 72 = Chapter for iron and steel, covering all iron and steel materials. Digits 3-4: 22 = stainless steel bars, rods, sections and profiles, distinguished from 7218 (stainless steel ingots), 7219 (stainless steel flat-rolled products), 7220 (stainless steel wire rods). Digits 5-6: 11 = stainless steel sections and profiles, i.e., stainless steel products with complex cross-sectional shapes (such as U-shaped, T-shaped, angle, I-beam, etc.), distinguished from 722210 (stainless steel hollow drill bars) and 722220-722240 (other stainless steel bars and rods).
Classification Basis
This commodity is a stainless steel section with a non-simple cross-sectional shape, and has been rolled, extruded, or further processed, meeting the description of heading 7222. It is not classified under 7220 (wire rods) because it is not in coils; not under 7219 (flat-rolled products) because it is not flat; not under 7221 (bars) because the cross-section is complex; not under 7304 (steel pipes) because it is not hollow. Therefore, it is classified under 722211.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as stainless steel angle, stainless steel channel, etc., which must be consistent with the actual product. Material: The grade or composition of stainless steel, such as 304, 316, 430, etc., which must comply with standards. Cross-sectional shape: Describe the cross-sectional profile of the section, such as U-shaped, T-shaped, angle, I-beam, etc.; a simple diagram may be attached. Specifications and dimensions: Including cross-sectional dimensions (such as side width, leg height, web thickness) and length, in millimeters. Processing method: Explain the production method, such as hot rolling, extrusion, cold drawing, welding, etc. Surface treatment: Such as pickling, polishing, coating, etc., which affects appearance but usually does not change classification. Use: Main application fields, such as building structures, machinery manufacturing, chemical equipment, etc. Brand or manufacturer: If there is brand or manufacturer information, it must be declared for traceability. Product name: Stainless steel angle; Material: 304 stainless steel; Cross-sectional shape: angle, side width 50mm×50mm, side thickness 5mm; Specifications and dimensions: length 6000mm; Processing method: hot rolled; Surface treatment: pickled; Use: building structure support; Brand: XX Steel. Mistakenly classifying stainless steel sections under other subheadings of 7222, such as 722240 (other stainless steel bars and rods), ignoring the complexity of the cross-section. Failure to provide cross-sectional shape and dimensions at declaration, leading to customs questioning the classification and possible referral for inspection. Confusing processing methods, declaring cold-drawn sections as hot-rolled, affecting origin and tax rate application.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as stainless steel angle, stainless steel channel, etc., which must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Writing only 'stainless steel section' is too general and does not specify the specific cross-sectional shape.
Material
The grade or composition of stainless steel, such as 304, 316, 430, etc., which must comply with standards.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing 'stainless steel' without providing the grade, leading to classification disputes.
Cross-sectional shape
Describe the cross-sectional profile of the section, such as U-shaped, T-shaped, angle, I-beam, etc.; a simple diagram may be attached.
⚠️ Failing to describe the cross-sectional shape, or incorrectly reporting it as a circular cross-section.
Specifications and dimensions
Including cross-sectional dimensions (such as side width, leg height, web thickness) and length, in millimeters.
⚠️ Providing only the length and omitting cross-sectional dimensions, affecting classification.
Processing method
Explain the production method, such as hot rolling, extrusion, cold drawing, welding, etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly reporting as 'casting' when it is actually rolling.
Surface treatment
Such as pickling, polishing, coating, etc., which affects appearance but usually does not change classification.
⚠️ Mistaking surface treatment as a basis for changing classification.
Use
Main application fields, such as building structures, machinery manufacturing, chemical equipment, etc.
⚠️ Use description is too broad and lacks specificity.
Brand or manufacturer
If there is brand or manufacturer information, it must be declared for traceability.
⚠️ Ignoring brand information, making verification impossible.
Example： Product name: Stainless steel angle; Material: 304 stainless steel; Cross-sectional shape: angle, side width 50mm×50mm, side thickness 5mm; Specifications and dimensions: length 6000mm; Processing method: hot rolled; Surface treatment: pickled; Use: building structure support; Brand: XX Steel.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying stainless steel sections under other subheadings of 7222, such as 722240 (other stainless steel bars and rods), ignoring the complexity of the cross-section.
Failure to provide cross-sectional shape and dimensions at declaration, leading to customs questioning the classification and possible referral for inspection.
Confusing processing methods, declaring cold-drawn sections as hot-rolled, affecting origin and tax rate application.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) Material is stainless steel; 2) Cross-section is complex (not simple circle, square, etc.); 3) Processing method is rolling, extrusion, or further processing; 4) Not hollow drill bars. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, 722211 specifically refers to stainless steel sections and profiles, requiring both material and shape requirements to be met. 722240 Other stainless steel bars and rods: 722240 is bars and rods with simple cross-sections (such as circular, square), while 722211 is sections with complex cross-sections; shape is the core difference. 722220 Irregularly wound coils of hot-rolled stainless steel bars: 722220 is in coil form, usually for further processing, while 722211 is straight or cut-to-length sections, not in coils. 7304 Stainless steel pipes: 7304 is hollow tubular products, while 722211 is solid sections; hollow versus solid is the fundamental difference. 7219 Stainless steel flat-rolled products: 7219 is flat-rolled products with width far greater than thickness, while 722211 is long sections with non-flat cross-sections. Is the material stainless steel? Is the cross-section a complex shape (not simple circular or square)? Is it not in coils and not hollow? Is the processing method rolling, extrusion, or cold drawing? Is it classified under 7222 rather than 7218, 7219, or 7220?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) Material is stainless steel; 2) Cross-section is complex (not simple circle, square, etc.); 3) Processing method is rolling, extrusion, or further processing; 4) Not hollow drill bars. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, 722211 specifically refers to stainless steel sections and profiles, requiring both material and shape requirements to be met.
Confused Codes：
722240 - Other stainless steel bars and rods
722240 is bars and rods with simple cross-sections (such as circular, square), while 722211 is sections with complex cross-sections; shape is the core difference.
722220 - Irregularly wound coils of hot-rolled stainless steel bars
722220 is in coil form, usually for further processing, while 722211 is straight or cut-to-length sections, not in coils.
7304 - Stainless steel pipes
7304 is hollow tubular products, while 722211 is solid sections; hollow versus solid is the fundamental difference.
7219 - Stainless steel flat-rolled products
7219 is flat-rolled products with width far greater than thickness, while 722211 is long sections with non-flat cross-sections.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material stainless steel?
✓ Is the cross-section a complex shape (not simple circular or square)?
✓ Is it not in coils and not hollow?
✓ Is the processing method rolling, extrusion, or cold drawing?
✓ Is it classified under 7222 rather than 7218, 7219, or 7220?
❓ FAQ
How to check the import tax rate for 722211? 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. Tax rates include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax (if applicable). Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest published rates. How are stainless steel sections and bars distinguished in classification? The key is the cross-sectional shape: bars have simple cross-sections (circular, square, rectangular, etc.), while sections have complex cross-sections (U-shaped, T-shaped, angle, I-beam, etc.). 722211 is sections, and 722240 is other bars and rods. What should be noted when describing cross-sectional shape at declaration? The cross-sectional profile must be accurately described; a simple diagram or standard model (such as angle steel L50×50×5) may be provided. Avoid vague terms such as 'special-shaped'; specify the shape and dimensions. Does the processing method of stainless steel sections affect classification? The processing method usually does not affect classification under 722211, but it must be declared truthfully. Hot rolling, extrusion, cold drawing, etc. may all be classified under this code, but if further processed (such as drilling, bending), the classification may change. What is the difference between 722211 and 722219? 722219 is other stainless steel sections and profiles, usually referring to specific types not covered by 722211, excluding hollow drill bars. 722211 is general sections, while 722219 may include more special shapes or sections not elsewhere specified. What tax rate applies to stainless steel sections imported from Japan? Japan is a WTO member, so the MFN rate generally applies. However, origin rules must be confirmed; if it complies with free trade agreements such as RCEP, the agreement rate may be applied. The specific rate must be checked in the latest tariff. Is brand information mandatory at declaration? Brand information helps customs confirm the value and classification of goods and is recommended for declaration. If there is no brand, 'no brand' may be declared. Brand does not affect classification but affects price review. What is the unit of measurement for stainless steel sections? The legal unit of measurement is usually kilograms, and meters or pieces may also be declared as the transaction unit of measurement. Ensure that the declared data are consistent with the invoice and packing list.
Q: How to check the import tax rate for 722211?
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. Tax rates include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax (if applicable). Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest published rates.
Q: How are stainless steel sections and bars distinguished in classification?
A: The key is the cross-sectional shape: bars have simple cross-sections (circular, square, rectangular, etc.), while sections have complex cross-sections (U-shaped, T-shaped, angle, I-beam, etc.). 722211 is sections, and 722240 is other bars and rods.
Q: What should be noted when describing cross-sectional shape at declaration?
A: The cross-sectional profile must be accurately described; a simple diagram or standard model (such as angle steel L50×50×5) may be provided. Avoid vague terms such as 'special-shaped'; specify the shape and dimensions.
Q: Does the processing method of stainless steel sections affect classification?
A: The processing method usually does not affect classification under 722211, but it must be declared truthfully. Hot rolling, extrusion, cold drawing, etc. may all be classified under this code, but if further processed (such as drilling, bending), the classification may change.
Q: What is the difference between 722211 and 722219?
A: 722219 is other stainless steel sections and profiles, usually referring to specific types not covered by 722211, excluding hollow drill bars. 722211 is general sections, while 722219 may include more special shapes or sections not elsewhere specified.
Q: What tax rate applies to stainless steel sections imported from Japan?
A: Japan is a WTO member, so the MFN rate generally applies. However, origin rules must be confirmed; if it complies with free trade agreements such as RCEP, the agreement rate may be applied. The specific rate must be checked in the latest tariff.
Q: Is brand information mandatory at declaration?
A: Brand information helps customs confirm the value and classification of goods and is recommended for declaration. If there is no brand, 'no brand' may be declared. Brand does not affect classification but affects price review.
Q: What is the unit of measurement for stainless steel sections?
A: The legal unit of measurement is usually kilograms, and meters or pieces may also be declared as the transaction unit of measurement. Ensure that the declared data are consistent with the invoice and packing list.
⚠️ 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.