Chapter 72 covers the full industrial chain products of iron and steel, including pig iron, ferroalloys, ferrous waste and scrap, ingots or other primary forms of iron or steel, semi-finished products (such as billets), as well as flat-rolled products, bars and rods, profiles, etc. This chapter is the most important metal materials chapter in the HS, involving all stages from smelting to finished products, but excludes articles of iron or steel (classified under Chapter 73) and specific machinery or vehicles (classified under Chapters 84, 87, etc.). Heading 7224 covers "Other alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of other alloy steel." Specifically, it includes alloy steel ingots, alloy steel billets (such as square billets, slabs, round billets), and other primary forms of alloy steel obtained by continuous casting or ingot casting. However, it excludes alloy steel products that have been further processed (such as rolled or forged), and also excludes stainless steel (classified under 7218) and high-speed steel (there is a dedicated subheading under 7224? Note: 7224 includes alloy steel other than stainless steel, but high-speed steel has a subheading under 7224). The first 2 digits 72: indicate Chapter 72 "Iron and steel," covering iron and steel smelting and primary products. The 3rd-4th digits 24: indicate heading 7224, i.e., "Other alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of other alloy steel," distinguished from 7225 (flat-rolled products of other alloy steel), 7226 (bars and rods of other alloy steel, etc.). The 5th-6th digits 90: indicate subheading 722490, i.e., "Other" alloy steel billets, covering semi-finished products of other alloy steel not elsewhere specified, such as alloy steel square billets, slabs, round billets, etc., other than stainless steel, high-speed steel, silico-manganese steel, etc. This commodity is an alloy steel billet, which is a semi-finished product of alloy steel and has not undergone further processing such as rolling or forging. Since it does not meet the definitions of specific subheadings such as stainless steel (7218), high-speed steel (7224.10), or silico-manganese steel (7224.20), it is classified under 7224.90 "Other." If it has been rolled into bars and rods, it is classified under 7228; if it is a flat-rolled product, it is classified under 7225.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers the full industrial chain products of iron and steel, including pig iron, ferroalloys, ferrous waste and scrap, ingots or other primary forms of iron or steel, semi-finished products (such as billets), as well as flat-rolled products, bars and rods, profiles, etc. This chapter is the most important metal materials chapter in the HS, involving all stages from smelting to finished products, but excludes articles of iron or steel (classified under Chapter 73) and specific machinery or vehicles (classified under Chapters 84, 87, etc.).
Heading
Heading 7224 covers "Other alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of other alloy steel." Specifically, it includes alloy steel ingots, alloy steel billets (such as square billets, slabs, round billets), and other primary forms of alloy steel obtained by continuous casting or ingot casting. However, it excludes alloy steel products that have been further processed (such as rolled or forged), and also excludes stainless steel (classified under 7218) and high-speed steel (there is a dedicated subheading under 7224? Note: 7224 includes alloy steel other than stainless steel, but high-speed steel has a subheading under 7224).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 72: indicate Chapter 72 "Iron and steel," covering iron and steel smelting and primary products. The 3rd-4th digits 24: indicate heading 7224, i.e., "Other alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of other alloy steel," distinguished from 7225 (flat-rolled products of other alloy steel), 7226 (bars and rods of other alloy steel, etc.). The 5th-6th digits 90: indicate subheading 722490, i.e., "Other" alloy steel billets, covering semi-finished products of other alloy steel not elsewhere specified, such as alloy steel square billets, slabs, round billets, etc., other than stainless steel, high-speed steel, silico-manganese steel, etc.
Classification Basis
This commodity is an alloy steel billet, which is a semi-finished product of alloy steel and has not undergone further processing such as rolling or forging. Since it does not meet the definitions of specific subheadings such as stainless steel (7218), high-speed steel (7224.10), or silico-manganese steel (7224.20), it is classified under 7224.90 "Other." If it has been rolled into bars and rods, it is classified under 7228; if it is a flat-rolled product, it is classified under 7225.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The declared commodity name should accurately reflect the properties of the goods, such as "alloy steel billet," "alloy steel square billet," etc. Material: Specific alloy steel grade or chemical composition, such as "42CrMo," "20MnSi," etc., must meet the definition of alloy steel. Shape: Physical shape of the goods, such as square billet, slab, round billet, ingot, etc., which affects subheading classification. Dimensions: Cross-sectional dimensions or length, such as "150mm×150mm×6000mm," used to distinguish semi-finished products from finished products. Degree of Processing: State whether it has been rolled, forged, etc., such as "continuously cast billet, not further processed." Alloying Element Content: Percentage of major alloying elements (such as Cr, Ni, Mo, etc.), used to confirm alloy steel identity. Use: Final use, such as "for rolling profiles, seamless pipes, etc." Product Name: Alloy steel billet; Material: 42CrMo; Shape: Square billet; Dimensions: 150mm×150mm×6000mm; Degree of Processing: Continuously cast, not rolled or forged; Alloying Element Content: C 0.38-0.45%, Cr 0.90-1.20%, Mo 0.15-0.25%; Use: For rolling alloy steel bars. Misdeclaring alloy steel billets as "steel billets," failing to reflect alloying elements, resulting in classification under 7207 (semi-finished products of non-alloy steel). Declaring continuously cast billets that have not been rolled as "hot-rolled," resulting in incorrect classification under 7225 or 7226. Failing to provide alloying element content, making it impossible to prove compliance with the alloy steel definition, and possibly being classified as ordinary steel.
Product Name
The declared commodity name should accurately reflect the properties of the goods, such as "alloy steel billet," "alloy steel square billet," etc.
⚠️ Misdeclared as "steel billet" or "stainless steel billet," failing to reflect the alloy steel characteristics.
Material
Specific alloy steel grade or chemical composition, such as "42CrMo," "20MnSi," etc., must meet the definition of alloy steel.
⚠️ Only writing "alloy steel" without providing the specific grade or composition.
Shape
Physical shape of the goods, such as square billet, slab, round billet, ingot, etc., which affects subheading classification.
⚠️ Misdeclaring square billets as "bars and rods," resulting in classification under 7228.
Dimensions
Cross-sectional dimensions or length, such as "150mm×150mm×6000mm," used to distinguish semi-finished products from finished products.
⚠️ Failing to provide dimensions, making it impossible to determine whether it is a billet.
Degree of Processing
State whether it has been rolled, forged, etc., such as "continuously cast billet, not further processed."
⚠️ Misdeclared as "hot-rolled," resulting in classification as a rolled product.
Alloying Element Content
Percentage of major alloying elements (such as Cr, Ni, Mo, etc.), used to confirm alloy steel identity.
⚠️ Failing to provide content, making it impossible to determine whether it is alloy steel.
Use
Final use, such as "for rolling profiles, seamless pipes, etc."
⚠️ Use description too broad, such as "industrial use."
Example： Product Name: Alloy steel billet; Material: 42CrMo; Shape: Square billet; Dimensions: 150mm×150mm×6000mm; Degree of Processing: Continuously cast, not rolled or forged; Alloying Element Content: C 0.38-0.45%, Cr 0.90-1.20%, Mo 0.15-0.25%; Use: For rolling alloy steel bars.
Common Mistakes：
Misdeclaring alloy steel billets as "steel billets," failing to reflect alloying elements, resulting in classification under 7207 (semi-finished products of non-alloy steel).
Declaring continuously cast billets that have not been rolled as "hot-rolled," resulting in incorrect classification under 7225 or 7226.
Failing to provide alloying element content, making it impossible to prove compliance with the alloy steel definition, and possibly being classified as ordinary steel.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) The material must be alloy steel (not stainless steel, not high-speed steel), i.e., containing one or more alloying elements exceeding the specified limit by weight; 2) The shape is a primary form or semi-finished product, such as ingots, billets, continuously cast billets, etc.; 3) Not further processed (such as rolled, forged, drawn, etc.). If already rolled into bars, rods, profiles, etc., classify under 7228; if flat-rolled, classify under 7225. Also note the subheading hierarchy: 7224.10 is high-speed steel, 7224.20 is silico-manganese steel, 7224.90 is other. 7207 Semi-finished products of non-alloy steel: 7207 covers semi-finished products of non-alloy steel (ordinary steel), while 7224 requires alloy steel. The key difference is whether the alloying element content exceeds the limit. 7218 Semi-finished products of stainless steel: Stainless steel contains 10.5% or more chromium by weight and may contain other elements, while the alloy steel of 7224 does not contain such high chromium or does not meet the stainless steel definition. 7225 Flat-rolled products of other alloy steel: 7225 covers alloy steel already rolled into flat form (width ≥600mm), while 7224 covers primary forms or semi-finished products that have not been rolled. 7228 Bars, rods, profiles, etc. of other alloy steel: 7228 covers bars, rods, profiles that have been rolled, forged, or further processed, while 7224 covers semi-finished products that have not undergone such processing. Is the material alloy steel? Is the shape a primary form such as ingot or billet? Has it not been rolled or forged? Does it not belong to stainless steel or high-speed steel? Does the alloying element content exceed the limit?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) The material must be alloy steel (not stainless steel, not high-speed steel), i.e., containing one or more alloying elements exceeding the specified limit by weight; 2) The shape is a primary form or semi-finished product, such as ingots, billets, continuously cast billets, etc.; 3) Not further processed (such as rolled, forged, drawn, etc.). If already rolled into bars, rods, profiles, etc., classify under 7228; if flat-rolled, classify under 7225. Also note the subheading hierarchy: 7224.10 is high-speed steel, 7224.20 is silico-manganese steel, 7224.90 is other.
Confused Codes：
7207 - Semi-finished products of non-alloy steel
7207 covers semi-finished products of non-alloy steel (ordinary steel), while 7224 requires alloy steel. The key difference is whether the alloying element content exceeds the limit.
7218 - Semi-finished products of stainless steel
Stainless steel contains 10.5% or more chromium by weight and may contain other elements, while the alloy steel of 7224 does not contain such high chromium or does not meet the stainless steel definition.
7225 - Flat-rolled products of other alloy steel
7225 covers alloy steel already rolled into flat form (width ≥600mm), while 7224 covers primary forms or semi-finished products that have not been rolled.
7228 - Bars, rods, profiles, etc. of other alloy steel
7228 covers bars, rods, profiles that have been rolled, forged, or further processed, while 7224 covers semi-finished products that have not undergone such processing.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material alloy steel?
✓ Is the shape a primary form such as ingot or billet?
✓ Has it not been rolled or forged?
✓ Does it not belong to stainless steel or high-speed steel?
✓ Does the alloying element content exceed the limit?
❓ FAQ
How do I determine whether my alloy steel billet should be classified under 7224 or 7207? The key is the material: if it contains one or more alloying elements exceeding the limits specified in the HS Explanatory Notes by weight (such as chromium >0.3%, nickel >0.3%, etc.), it is alloy steel and classified under 7224; otherwise, it is non-alloy steel and classified under 7207. It is recommended to provide a chemical composition report. What specific alloy steels does "Other" under subheading 722490 refer to? 7224.90 covers semi-finished products of other alloy steel excluding high-speed steel (7224.10) and silico-manganese steel (7224.20), such as alloy steel billets containing chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, etc. Common grades include 42CrMo, 20CrMnTi, etc. After grinding or cutting, is an alloy steel billet still classified under 7224? Simple grinding or cutting (such as cutting to length) does not change its semi-finished product nature, and it remains classified under 7224. However, if it undergoes plastic processing such as rolling or forging, it is classified under 7225 or 7228. How should the "Degree of Processing" field be filled in during declaration? It should clearly state whether it has been rolled, forged, etc., such as "continuously cast billet, not rolled or forged." If it is an ingot cast in a mold, write "ingot cast, not further processed." Avoid vague expressions. What is the export tax rebate rate for 722490? The export tax rebate rate is adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the State Taxation Administration, or use professional customs declaration software. Generally, the rebate rate for alloy steel billets is low or even canceled. What special documents are required for importing alloy steel billets? In addition to regular invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading, material certificates, certificates of origin (if preferential tariff rates apply), and alloying element content test reports may be required. Some countries may require import licenses. If alloy steel billets are used for re-rolling, will the classification change? Classification depends on the state of the goods themselves, not the use. As long as it is in billet state at the time of import, it is classified under 7224. If it is rolled into finished products after import, that is subsequent processing and does not affect the import classification. How can I check the latest tariff rate for 722490? You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China and use the "Customs Clearance Parameters" or "Tariff Query" system, enter the HS code to query. You can also use the Ministry of Commerce's "Foreign Trade Practice Query" or third-party customs declaration software. Note the distinction between MFN rates, preferential rates, etc.
Q: How do I determine whether my alloy steel billet should be classified under 7224 or 7207?
A: The key is the material: if it contains one or more alloying elements exceeding the limits specified in the HS Explanatory Notes by weight (such as chromium >0.3%, nickel >0.3%, etc.), it is alloy steel and classified under 7224; otherwise, it is non-alloy steel and classified under 7207. It is recommended to provide a chemical composition report.
Q: What specific alloy steels does "Other" under subheading 722490 refer to?
A: 7224.90 covers semi-finished products of other alloy steel excluding high-speed steel (7224.10) and silico-manganese steel (7224.20), such as alloy steel billets containing chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, etc. Common grades include 42CrMo, 20CrMnTi, etc.
Q: After grinding or cutting, is an alloy steel billet still classified under 7224?
A: Simple grinding or cutting (such as cutting to length) does not change its semi-finished product nature, and it remains classified under 7224. However, if it undergoes plastic processing such as rolling or forging, it is classified under 7225 or 7228.
Q: How should the "Degree of Processing" field be filled in during declaration?
A: It should clearly state whether it has been rolled, forged, etc., such as "continuously cast billet, not rolled or forged." If it is an ingot cast in a mold, write "ingot cast, not further processed." Avoid vague expressions.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 722490?
A: The export tax rebate rate is adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the State Taxation Administration, or use professional customs declaration software. Generally, the rebate rate for alloy steel billets is low or even canceled.
Q: What special documents are required for importing alloy steel billets?
A: In addition to regular invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading, material certificates, certificates of origin (if preferential tariff rates apply), and alloying element content test reports may be required. Some countries may require import licenses.
Q: If alloy steel billets are used for re-rolling, will the classification change?
A: Classification depends on the state of the goods themselves, not the use. As long as it is in billet state at the time of import, it is classified under 7224. If it is rolled into finished products after import, that is subsequent processing and does not affect the import classification.
Q: How can I check the latest tariff rate for 722490?
A: You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China and use the "Customs Clearance Parameters" or "Tariff Query" system, enter the HS code to query. You can also use the Ministry of Commerce's "Foreign Trade Practice Query" or third-party customs declaration software. Note the distinction between MFN rates, preferential rates, etc.
⚠️ 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.