Chapter 72 covers the basic materials of the entire steel industry chain, including pig iron, ferroalloys, scrap, primary ingots, semi-finished products, and plates, bars, sections, etc. This chapter is arranged by smelting form and processing depth. Heading 7224 is located in the latter half of the primary forms and specifically refers to "other alloy steel ingots" and similar primary forms, serving as a key node in the transition of alloy steel from smelting to rolling. Heading 7224 covers "other alloy steel ingots and other primary forms; semi-finished products of other alloy steel." Specifically, it includes: alloy steel ingots, alloy steel blooms, alloy steel round billets, square billets, slabs, etc., but excludes similar products of stainless steel (7218) and high-speed steel (7223). This heading is the upstream raw material for subsequent rolled products of alloy steel, and customs focuses on its alloy composition, shape, and subsequent processing status. The first 2 digits "72" represent Chapter 72 "Iron and steel," covering all basic materials from pig iron to steel products. Digits 3-4 "24" represent heading 7224, namely "other alloy steel ingots and other primary forms; semi-finished products of other alloy steel." Digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 722410, specifically referring to "alloy steel ingots," i.e., primary alloy steel products cast into ingot form through smelting and not subjected to further processing such as rolling or forging. Under the three-digit coding system, 7224.10 is the exclusive subheading for alloy steel ingots, distinct from 7224.90 (other primary forms and semi-finished products). This commodity is an alloy steel ingot, meets the definition of "alloy steel" (containing one or more alloying elements exceeding the prescribed minimum threshold), and is in the primary form of an ingot, without rolling, forging, or other processing. Therefore, it is classified under 7224.10, rather than 7218 (stainless steel ingots) or 7223 (high-speed steel ingots), and also not 7224.90 (other primary forms such as billets).

Product name: Declare the commodity name accurately as "alloy steel ingot," and specify the specific alloying element types, such as "chrome-molybdenum alloy steel ingot." Material composition: Fill in the main alloying elements and content ranges, such as carbon, silicon, manganese, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc., which must meet the definition of alloy steel. Shape: Describe as "ingot form," and may specify the specific shape such as square ingot, round ingot, flat ingot, as well as size range. Processing status: Indicate "not forged, not rolled," only cast into shape, with the surface possibly only ground or peeled. Grade: Fill in the specific steel grade, such as 42CrMo, 20CrMnTi, etc., to facilitate customs verification of alloy composition. Use: Briefly describe the subsequent processing use, such as "for rolling alloy steel bars" or "for forging gear blanks." Weight: Declare the actual net weight in kilograms, which should be consistent with the packing list and invoice. Origin: Fill in the country or region of production, which affects the application of tariffs and trade policies. Product name: Alloy steel ingot (chrome-molybdenum steel); Material composition: C 0.38-0.45%, Si 0.17-0.37%, Mn 0.50-0.80%, Cr 0.90-1.20%, Mo 0.15-0.25%; Shape: square ingot, size 200mm×200mm×6000mm; Processing status: not forged, not rolled, ground after casting; Grade: 42CrMo; Use: for rolling alloy steel bars; Weight: 25,000 kg; Origin: Japan. Mistakenly classifying alloy steel ingots under 7224.90 (other primary forms), ignoring the difference between "ingot" and "billet." Alloying element content is insufficiently filled in, failing to meet the definition of alloy steel, resulting in classification under carbon steel headings. Processing status is filled in as "forged," resulting in classification under headings such as 7228 (other alloy steel bars). Grade contradicts composition, such as grade 42CrMo but molybdenum element is not declared, triggering customs questioning.

Core basis for classification: 1) The material is alloy steel, i.e., contains at least one alloying element exceeding the minimum threshold specified in the tariff notes (such as chromium >0.3%, molybdenum >0.08%, etc.); 2) The form is ingot, i.e., after casting without rolling, forging, or other plastic processing; 3) Excludes stainless steel and high-speed steel. At the same time, it is necessary to check the subheading notes of the tariff and customs classification decisions to ensure compliance with the description of 7224.10. 7218.10 Stainless steel ingots: Stainless steel refers to alloy steel containing chromium ≥10.5% and carbon ≤1.2%, while the chromium content of 7224.10 alloy steel is usually below 10.5% or the carbon content is higher. If the chromium content is ≥10.5% and it meets the definition of stainless steel, it should be classified under 7218. 7223.00 High-speed steel ingots: High-speed steel contains alloying elements such as tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium, and has red hardness. Its composition and use differ from general alloy steel. High-speed steel ingots are classified under 7223 regardless of shape, not under 7224. 7224.90 Other alloy steel primary forms and semi-finished products: 7224.90 covers alloy steel billets, slabs, square billets, and other semi-finished products, as well as primary forms other than ingots. If the product is continuously cast billet or has been preliminarily rolled, it should be classified under 7224.90; only cast into ingot is classified under 7224.10. 7228.30 Other alloy steel bars: 7228.30 refers to rolled or forged alloy steel bars with clear cross-sectional shape and dimensional precision. If an alloy steel ingot is only ground and the ingot shape is not changed, it remains under 7224.10; if it has been rolled or forged, it is classified under 7228. 7206.10 Pig iron ingots: Pig iron ingots are iron-carbon alloys with high carbon content (>2%) and contain no or trace alloying elements. Alloy steel ingots usually have carbon content below 2% and contain specific alloying elements, meeting the definition of alloy steel. Does it contain one or more alloying elements exceeding the minimum threshold specified in the tariff? Is the product form cast into ingot, without rolling or forging? Are stainless steel (chromium ≥10.5%) and high-speed steel excluded? Are the grade and declared composition consistent? Is the processing status clearly described as "not forged, not rolled"?

How do I determine whether my steel ingot is an alloy steel ingot or a carbon steel ingot? The key is the alloying element content. Carbon steel ingots have extremely low alloying element content and do not meet the tariff definition of alloy steel (such as chromium >0.3%, molybdenum >0.08%, etc.). If it contains one or more alloying elements exceeding the minimum threshold, it is an alloy steel ingot and should be classified under 7224.10; otherwise, it is classified under 7206 (pig iron ingots) or 7207 (carbon steel semi-finished products). What is the difference in HS codes between alloy steel ingots and alloy steel billets? Alloy steel ingots (7224.10) are cast into ingot form without rolling or forging; alloy steel billets (7224.90) are usually continuously cast billets or primary rolled billets, in the shape of square billets, slabs, etc., already possessing the cross-section required for subsequent rolling. The processing status differs, and strict distinction is required when classifying. What are the requirements for filling in composition content when declaring alloy steel ingots? The actual content ranges of all alloying elements must be filled in, especially key elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium, and ensure they meet the definition of alloy steel. The composition should be consistent with the grade; for example, 42CrMo requires indicating chromium and molybdenum content. Content ranges should be specific, avoiding vague expressions such as "trace" or "balance." If the surface of an alloy steel ingot has been ground, will it affect classification? No. Surface grinding, peeling, and other cleaning operations do not change the primary form of the ingot and it remains classified under 7224.10. However, if it has undergone rolling, forging, or other plastic processing, it exceeds the scope of 7224 and should be classified under headings such as 7228. What special documents are required for importing alloy steel ingots? In addition to regular invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading, it is recommended to provide material certificates and certificates of origin. If tariff preferences or anti-dumping are involved, corresponding certificates of origin are also required. Customs may require composition test reports to verify classification. What official channels are available for querying the HS code of alloy steel ingots? It can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, HS code query platforms, and the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" issued by the Tariff Commission. Customs pre-classification services can also be used, or a professional customs broker can be consulted. Note that the tariff is updated annually, and the latest version should be used. Why are alloy steel ingots not classified under 7224.90? 7224.90 covers "other primary forms and semi-finished products," including steel billets, slabs, etc. Alloy steel ingots specifically refer to products cast into ingots, and there is a clear difference from semi-finished products in processing depth and shape. Subheading 7224.10 is specifically established for "ingots," so priority should be given to classification under 7224.10. How can the tariff rate for alloy steel ingots be queried? The tariff rate must be determined based on origin, trade agreements, and the annual tariff. The MFN rate, general rate, agreement rate, etc., for 7224.10 in the Import and Export Tariff can be queried. At the same time, attention should be paid to trade remedy measures such as anti-dumping and countervailing, which will affect the actual tax burden. It is recommended to rely on the latest announcement by customs.