Chapter 72 covers basic materials of iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products (such as billets, slabs), flat-rolled products, bars, wire rods, angles, shapes, profiles, tubes, etc. This chapter mainly addresses primary forms and semi-manufactured products of iron and steel, but certain further-processed products (such as coated, plated products as specified in the notes to this chapter) remain classified in this chapter. Heading 722230 falls within this chapter and belongs to the category of stainless steel wire rods. Heading 7222 covers other stainless steel bars and rods and wire rods (excluding irregularly wound coils of wire rod of heading 7221). Specifically, it includes: bars and rods (including hollow drill steel) that have been forged, rolled, drawn or extruded, wire rods (except irregularly wound coils of heading 7221), as well as profiles and shapes. Subheading 722230 specifically refers to other stainless steel wire rods with cross-sections other than circular, i.e., wire rods with non-circular cross-sectional shapes such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, flat, etc. First 2 digits 72: indicates Chapter 72, iron and steel. Digits 3-4, 22: indicates heading 7222, other stainless steel bars and rods and wire rods; note the distinction from 7221 (irregularly wound coils of stainless steel wire rod). Digits 5-6, 30: indicates subheading 722230, other stainless steel wire rods (non-circular cross-section). Full code 722230: 72 (chapter) + 22 (heading) + 30 (subheading), referring to stainless steel wire rods with non-circular cross-sections, whether or not in coils, but excluding irregularly wound circular cross-section wire rods under heading 7221. The product is stainless steel wire, but with a non-circular cross-section (such as square, rectangular, etc.), and it is not an irregularly wound circular cross-section wire rod of 7221, nor a bar or rod under 7222 (which typically has a larger diameter or is in straight lengths). Therefore, it is classified under 722230, i.e., other stainless steel wire rods. If it were circular in cross-section and irregularly wound, it should be classified under 7221; if it were circular in cross-section in straight lengths or not in coils, it might be classified under other subheadings of 7222 (such as 722220).
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers basic materials of iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, ingots, semi-finished products (such as billets, slabs), flat-rolled products, bars, wire rods, angles, shapes, profiles, tubes, etc. This chapter mainly addresses primary forms and semi-manufactured products of iron and steel, but certain further-processed products (such as coated, plated products as specified in the notes to this chapter) remain classified in this chapter. Heading 722230 falls within this chapter and belongs to the category of stainless steel wire rods.
Heading
Heading 7222 covers other stainless steel bars and rods and wire rods (excluding irregularly wound coils of wire rod of heading 7221). Specifically, it includes: bars and rods (including hollow drill steel) that have been forged, rolled, drawn or extruded, wire rods (except irregularly wound coils of heading 7221), as well as profiles and shapes. Subheading 722230 specifically refers to other stainless steel wire rods with cross-sections other than circular, i.e., wire rods with non-circular cross-sectional shapes such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, flat, etc.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 72: indicates Chapter 72, iron and steel. Digits 3-4, 22: indicates heading 7222, other stainless steel bars and rods and wire rods; note the distinction from 7221 (irregularly wound coils of stainless steel wire rod). Digits 5-6, 30: indicates subheading 722230, other stainless steel wire rods (non-circular cross-section). Full code 722230: 72 (chapter) + 22 (heading) + 30 (subheading), referring to stainless steel wire rods with non-circular cross-sections, whether or not in coils, but excluding irregularly wound circular cross-section wire rods under heading 7221.
Classification Basis
The product is stainless steel wire, but with a non-circular cross-section (such as square, rectangular, etc.), and it is not an irregularly wound circular cross-section wire rod of 7221, nor a bar or rod under 7222 (which typically has a larger diameter or is in straight lengths). Therefore, it is classified under 722230, i.e., other stainless steel wire rods. If it were circular in cross-section and irregularly wound, it should be classified under 7221; if it were circular in cross-section in straight lengths or not in coils, it might be classified under other subheadings of 7222 (such as 722220).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "stainless steel wire" or "non-circular cross-section stainless steel wire rod", which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: Fill in the grade or composition of the stainless steel, such as 304, 316, etc., and indicate the content of major alloying elements. Cross-sectional Shape: Clearly specify the cross-sectional shape of the wire rod, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, flat, etc. Non-circular is the key point. Cross-sectional Dimensions: Provide the specific dimensions of the cross-section, such as side length, width, thickness, etc., in millimeters. Condition: Indicate the condition of the wire rod, such as in coils, straight lengths, whether cold-drawn, annealed, etc. Surface Treatment: Describe whether the surface has undergone pickling, coating, plating, etc., such as "cold-drawn bright", "galvanized", etc. Use: Briefly describe the final use of the wire rod, such as for manufacturing springs, welding electrodes, woven mesh, etc. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write "None". Product Name: Non-circular cross-section stainless steel wire; Material: 304 stainless steel; Cross-sectional Shape: Square; Cross-sectional Dimensions: side length 3mm; Condition: In coils, cold-drawn; Surface Treatment: Bright; Use: For manufacturing springs; Brand: XX. Mistakenly declaring circular cross-section wire rod as 722230, when it should actually be classified under 7221 or 722220. Failing to provide cross-sectional shape and dimensions, making it impossible to determine whether it is non-circular. Ignoring the condition (whether in coils), which may confuse 7221 with 7222.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "stainless steel wire" or "non-circular cross-section stainless steel wire rod", which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Writing only "steel wire" without indicating stainless steel, or mistakenly writing "stainless steel bar".
Material
Fill in the grade or composition of the stainless steel, such as 304, 316, etc., and indicate the content of major alloying elements.
⚠️ Writing only "stainless steel" without providing a specific grade, or the grade does not match the actual goods.
Cross-sectional Shape
Clearly specify the cross-sectional shape of the wire rod, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, flat, etc. Non-circular is the key point.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring it as circular, leading to classification under 7221 or other subheadings of 7222.
Cross-sectional Dimensions
Provide the specific dimensions of the cross-section, such as side length, width, thickness, etc., in millimeters.
⚠️ Providing only the diameter (applicable to circular), without providing dimensions for non-circular shapes.
Condition
Indicate the condition of the wire rod, such as in coils, straight lengths, whether cold-drawn, annealed, etc.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether it is in coils, which affects the distinction from 7221.
Surface Treatment
Describe whether the surface has undergone pickling, coating, plating, etc., such as "cold-drawn bright", "galvanized", etc.
⚠️ Ignoring surface treatment, which may affect classification (e.g., coating may be classified under other chapters).
Use
Briefly describe the final use of the wire rod, such as for manufacturing springs, welding electrodes, woven mesh, etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "industrial use", lacking specificity.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write "None".
⚠️ The brand does not match the actual goods, or brand information is omitted.
Example： Product Name: Non-circular cross-section stainless steel wire; Material: 304 stainless steel; Cross-sectional Shape: Square; Cross-sectional Dimensions: side length 3mm; Condition: In coils, cold-drawn; Surface Treatment: Bright; Use: For manufacturing springs; Brand: XX.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring circular cross-section wire rod as 722230, when it should actually be classified under 7221 or 722220.
Failing to provide cross-sectional shape and dimensions, making it impossible to determine whether it is non-circular.
Ignoring the condition (whether in coils), which may confuse 7221 with 7222.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: First, confirm the material is stainless steel (meeting the definition of stainless steel in the notes to Chapter 72); second, confirm the cross-sectional shape is non-circular (such as square, rectangular, etc.); third, confirm whether it is in coils: if it is irregularly wound with a circular cross-section, classify under 7221; if it has a non-circular cross-section, whether or not in coils, classify under 722230; if it is circular cross-section in straight lengths or not in coils, classify under other subheadings of 7222 (such as 722220). At the same time, products that have been further processed must be excluded (e.g., coated welding wire is classified under 8311). 722100 Irregularly wound coils of stainless steel wire rod: 722100 applies only to wire rods with circular cross-section and irregularly wound coils; 722230 applies to wire rods with non-circular cross-sections, whether or not in coils. 722220 Other stainless steel wire rods with circular cross-section: 722220 is for wire rods with circular cross-section and not in coils (straight lengths); 722230 is for wire rods with non-circular cross-sections, the cross-sectional shape being the key difference. 722300 Other stainless steel wire: 722240 is stainless steel angles, shapes and profiles; 722230 is wire rod, the difference lying in cross-sectional shape and use. 722240 Stainless steel angles, shapes and profiles: 722240 applies to angles, shapes and profiles, usually in straight lengths with complex cross-sections; 722230 is wire rod, usually in coils or straight lengths but with a simple non-circular cross-section. 722990 Other alloy steel wire: 722990 is wire rod of other alloy steel (not stainless steel); 722230 is stainless steel wire rod, with a different material. Confirm the material is stainless steel, meeting the definition in the notes to Chapter 72. Confirm the cross-sectional shape is non-circular (such as square, rectangular, etc.). Confirm whether it is in coils: non-circular cross-section is classified under 722230 regardless of whether in coils. Confirm it has not undergone further processing (e.g., coating, plating may change classification). Confirm it does not belong to 7221 (circular cross-section irregularly wound coils) or 722220 (circular cross-section straight lengths).
Basis
Core basis for classification: First, confirm the material is stainless steel (meeting the definition of stainless steel in the notes to Chapter 72); second, confirm the cross-sectional shape is non-circular (such as square, rectangular, etc.); third, confirm whether it is in coils: if it is irregularly wound with a circular cross-section, classify under 7221; if it has a non-circular cross-section, whether or not in coils, classify under 722230; if it is circular cross-section in straight lengths or not in coils, classify under other subheadings of 7222 (such as 722220). At the same time, products that have been further processed must be excluded (e.g., coated welding wire is classified under 8311).
Confused Codes：
722100 - Irregularly wound coils of stainless steel wire rod
722100 applies only to wire rods with circular cross-section and irregularly wound coils; 722230 applies to wire rods with non-circular cross-sections, whether or not in coils.
722220 - Other stainless steel wire rods with circular cross-section
722220 is for wire rods with circular cross-section and not in coils (straight lengths); 722230 is for wire rods with non-circular cross-sections, the cross-sectional shape being the key difference.
722300 - Other stainless steel wire
722240 is stainless steel angles, shapes and profiles; 722230 is wire rod, the difference lying in cross-sectional shape and use.
722240 - Stainless steel angles, shapes and profiles
722240 applies to angles, shapes and profiles, usually in straight lengths with complex cross-sections; 722230 is wire rod, usually in coils or straight lengths but with a simple non-circular cross-section.
722990 - Other alloy steel wire
722990 is wire rod of other alloy steel (not stainless steel); 722230 is stainless steel wire rod, with a different material.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the material is stainless steel, meeting the definition in the notes to Chapter 72.
✓ Confirm the cross-sectional shape is non-circular (such as square, rectangular, etc.).
✓ Confirm whether it is in coils: non-circular cross-section is classified under 722230 regardless of whether in coils.
✓ Confirm it has not undergone further processing (e.g., coating, plating may change classification).
✓ Confirm it does not belong to 7221 (circular cross-section irregularly wound coils) or 722220 (circular cross-section straight lengths).
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish 722230 from 722100? 722100 applies only to stainless steel wire rods with circular cross-section and irregularly wound coils; 722230 applies to stainless steel wire rods with non-circular cross-sections (such as square, rectangular), whether or not in coils. The key is the cross-sectional shape. Can stainless steel wire under 722230 be in coils? Yes. 722230 does not restrict whether it is in coils, as long as the cross-section is non-circular. Both coils and straight lengths can be classified under this code. What key elements are required to declare 722230? Material (stainless steel grade), cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional dimensions, condition (coils/straight lengths), surface treatment, etc. must be provided. Cross-sectional shape and dimensions are the core for determining classification. If the stainless steel wire is circular in cross-section but has been cold-drawn, where should it be classified? If it is circular cross-section and irregularly wound coils, classify under 722100; if it is circular cross-section in straight lengths or not in coils, classify under 722220. Cold drawing does not affect the determination of cross-sectional shape. What is the difference between 722230 and 722240? 722240 is angles, shapes and profiles, usually in straight lengths with complex cross-sectional shapes (such as L-shaped, T-shaped); 722230 is wire rod, with a non-circular but relatively simple cross-section (such as square, rectangular), and usually smaller in size. Does surface coating of stainless steel wire affect classification? If the coating is only ordinary treatment such as rust prevention, it may still be classified under 722230; but if the coating is of another metal (such as copper plating) and constitutes an essential character, it may be classified under other chapters (such as 8311 welding wire). Judgment should be based on the specific coating and use. Where can I inquire about the import tariff rate for 722230? You can consult the China Customs "Import and Export Tariff" or inquire through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates may vary depending on trade agreements, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to refer to the latest tariff schedule. In which industries can stainless steel wire under 722230 be used? It is commonly used in the manufacture of springs, woven mesh, welding electrodes, medical devices, precision instruments, etc. Different uses may affect the completion of declaration elements, but classification is still based on cross-sectional shape and material.
Q: How to distinguish 722230 from 722100?
A: 722100 applies only to stainless steel wire rods with circular cross-section and irregularly wound coils; 722230 applies to stainless steel wire rods with non-circular cross-sections (such as square, rectangular), whether or not in coils. The key is the cross-sectional shape.
Q: Can stainless steel wire under 722230 be in coils?
A: Yes. 722230 does not restrict whether it is in coils, as long as the cross-section is non-circular. Both coils and straight lengths can be classified under this code.
Q: What key elements are required to declare 722230?
A: Material (stainless steel grade), cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional dimensions, condition (coils/straight lengths), surface treatment, etc. must be provided. Cross-sectional shape and dimensions are the core for determining classification.
Q: If the stainless steel wire is circular in cross-section but has been cold-drawn, where should it be classified?
A: If it is circular cross-section and irregularly wound coils, classify under 722100; if it is circular cross-section in straight lengths or not in coils, classify under 722220. Cold drawing does not affect the determination of cross-sectional shape.
Q: What is the difference between 722230 and 722240?
A: 722240 is angles, shapes and profiles, usually in straight lengths with complex cross-sectional shapes (such as L-shaped, T-shaped); 722230 is wire rod, with a non-circular but relatively simple cross-section (such as square, rectangular), and usually smaller in size.
Q: Does surface coating of stainless steel wire affect classification?
A: If the coating is only ordinary treatment such as rust prevention, it may still be classified under 722230; but if the coating is of another metal (such as copper plating) and constitutes an essential character, it may be classified under other chapters (such as 8311 welding wire). Judgment should be based on the specific coating and use.
Q: Where can I inquire about the import tariff rate for 722230?
A: You can consult the China Customs "Import and Export Tariff" or inquire through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates may vary depending on trade agreements, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to refer to the latest tariff schedule.
Q: In which industries can stainless steel wire under 722230 be used?
A: It is commonly used in the manufacture of springs, woven mesh, welding electrodes, medical devices, precision instruments, etc. Different uses may affect the completion of declaration elements, but classification is still based on cross-sectional shape and material.
⚠️ 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.