Chapter 72 is the core chapter in HS classification for iron and steel commodities, covering the complete chain from raw materials to semi-finished and finished steel products, including pig iron, ferroalloys, scrap, steel ingots, semi-finished steel, and various rolled, drawn, and extruded steel products. This chapter focuses primarily on the smelting and preliminary processing forms of steel, forming a clear boundary with Chapter 73 steel articles (such as pipe fittings and structural components). 7225 belongs to the tariff headings in this chapter for alloy steel flat-rolled products and bars, reflecting the classification distinction between alloy steel and ordinary carbon steel. Heading 7225 covers flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (width >= 600mm), as well as further processed products other than hot-rolled or cold-rolled, but does 7225 also include some bars? In fact, 7225 is flat-rolled products, while 7224 is other alloy steel ingots or semi-finished products, and 7227 is alloy steel bars (hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded, etc.). The 722540 provided by the user typically corresponds to hot-rolled alloy steel bars? Need to confirm: 7225 is flat-rolled products of alloy steel with width >= 600mm, while bars should be classified under 7227. But the user specifies 722540, which may be hot-rolled alloy steel bars with circular cross-section? According to HS 2022, 7225 is flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, and 722540 is hot-rolled flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (not in coils, thickness >= 4.75mm?). However, the user's Chinese name is "hot-rolled alloy steel bars," which is contradictory. But as an expert, I should base the explanation on the code 722540 provided by the user. In fact, 722540 in the HS code is "flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, hot-rolled, not in coils, of a thickness of >= 4.75mm, of a width >= 600mm" or similar. But the user explicitly states "hot-rolled alloy steel bars," which may be a clerical error? To be faithful to the user, I will explain 722540 as hot-rolled alloy steel bars, but note that the actual classification may differ. To meet the requirements, I assume 722540 represents hot-rolled alloy steel bars (possibly for certain countries or older code versions). In my response, I will point out that code 722540 typically corresponds to hot-rolled alloy steel flat-rolled products, but if it is bars, it should be classified under 7227. However, the user requires content generation, so I will explain according to the Chinese name given by the user, but note possible classification differences. To maintain professionalism, I will explain 722540 as hot-rolled alloy steel bars and explain its differences from adjacent codes. Code 722540 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "72" represent Chapter 72 iron and steel. Digits 3-4 "25" represent heading 7225, i.e., flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (width >= 600mm), but according to the user's setting, does this represent hot-rolled alloy steel bars? In fact, 7225 is flat-rolled products, while 7227 is bars. But to meet the user's requirement, should I explain 7225 as the heading for alloy steel bars? This does not conform to HS. Therefore, I need to correct: 7225 is flat-rolled products, 7227 is bars. The user may have confused them. But as a response, I will base it on the code 722540 provided by the user and explain: first 2 digits 72 = iron and steel; digits 3-4 25 = flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (but the user calls it bars, actually should be 7227); digits 5-6 40 = hot-rolled, not in coils, thickness >= 4.75mm (or other subheading subdivisions). To avoid misleading, I will state that 722540 typically refers to hot-rolled alloy steel flat-rolled products, not bars. But the user requires content for "hot-rolled alloy steel bars," so I will follow the user's intent but note that the code may be incorrect. This commodity is classified under 722540 because its material is alloy steel (other than stainless steel) and it has been hot-rolled. If it is bars, it should typically be classified under 7227 (alloy steel bars), but 722540 belongs to flat-rolled products. Therefore, if it is actually bars, the classification is incorrect. The correct classification should be the corresponding subheading under 7227, such as 722790, etc. But the user specifies 722540, so I will explain: this code applies to hot-rolled flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, not in coils, of a thickness >= 4.75mm. If it is bars, it needs to be reclassified.
Chapter
Chapter 72 is the core chapter in HS classification for iron and steel commodities, covering the complete chain from raw materials to semi-finished and finished steel products, including pig iron, ferroalloys, scrap, steel ingots, semi-finished steel, and various rolled, drawn, and extruded steel products. This chapter focuses primarily on the smelting and preliminary processing forms of steel, forming a clear boundary with Chapter 73 steel articles (such as pipe fittings and structural components). 7225 belongs to the tariff headings in this chapter for alloy steel flat-rolled products and bars, reflecting the classification distinction between alloy steel and ordinary carbon steel.
Heading
Heading 7225 covers flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (width >= 600mm), as well as further processed products other than hot-rolled or cold-rolled, but does 7225 also include some bars? In fact, 7225 is flat-rolled products, while 7224 is other alloy steel ingots or semi-finished products, and 7227 is alloy steel bars (hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded, etc.). The 722540 provided by the user typically corresponds to hot-rolled alloy steel bars? Need to confirm: 7225 is flat-rolled products of alloy steel with width >= 600mm, while bars should be classified under 7227. But the user specifies 722540, which may be hot-rolled alloy steel bars with circular cross-section? According to HS 2022, 7225 is flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, and 722540 is hot-rolled flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (not in coils, thickness >= 4.75mm?). However, the user's Chinese name is "hot-rolled alloy steel bars," which is contradictory. But as an expert, I should base the explanation on the code 722540 provided by the user. In fact, 722540 in the HS code is "flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, hot-rolled, not in coils, of a thickness of >= 4.75mm, of a width >= 600mm" or similar. But the user explicitly states "hot-rolled alloy steel bars," which may be a clerical error? To be faithful to the user, I will explain 722540 as hot-rolled alloy steel bars, but note that the actual classification may differ. To meet the requirements, I assume 722540 represents hot-rolled alloy steel bars (possibly for certain countries or older code versions). In my response, I will point out that code 722540 typically corresponds to hot-rolled alloy steel flat-rolled products, but if it is bars, it should be classified under 7227. However, the user requires content generation, so I will explain according to the Chinese name given by the user, but note possible classification differences. To maintain professionalism, I will explain 722540 as hot-rolled alloy steel bars and explain its differences from adjacent codes.
Digit Breakdown
Code 722540 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "72" represent Chapter 72 iron and steel. Digits 3-4 "25" represent heading 7225, i.e., flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (width >= 600mm), but according to the user's setting, does this represent hot-rolled alloy steel bars? In fact, 7225 is flat-rolled products, while 7227 is bars. But to meet the user's requirement, should I explain 7225 as the heading for alloy steel bars? This does not conform to HS. Therefore, I need to correct: 7225 is flat-rolled products, 7227 is bars. The user may have confused them. But as a response, I will base it on the code 722540 provided by the user and explain: first 2 digits 72 = iron and steel; digits 3-4 25 = flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (but the user calls it bars, actually should be 7227); digits 5-6 40 = hot-rolled, not in coils, thickness >= 4.75mm (or other subheading subdivisions). To avoid misleading, I will state that 722540 typically refers to hot-rolled alloy steel flat-rolled products, not bars. But the user requires content for "hot-rolled alloy steel bars," so I will follow the user's intent but note that the code may be incorrect.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 722540 because its material is alloy steel (other than stainless steel) and it has been hot-rolled. If it is bars, it should typically be classified under 7227 (alloy steel bars), but 722540 belongs to flat-rolled products. Therefore, if it is actually bars, the classification is incorrect. The correct classification should be the corresponding subheading under 7227, such as 722790, etc. But the user specifies 722540, so I will explain: this code applies to hot-rolled flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, not in coils, of a thickness >= 4.75mm. If it is bars, it needs to be reclassified.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include material, shape, and processing method, such as "hot-rolled alloy steel bars." Material: Specific alloy steel grade and chemical composition, such as 42CrMo, 20MnTiB, etc., must meet the definition of alloy steel. Shape: Bars, round steel, square steel, etc., must correspond to the code. Processing Method: Hot-rolled, forged, cold-drawn, etc. This code is for hot-rolled. Specifications and Dimensions: Diameter, length, or cross-sectional dimensions, such as Φ50mm×6000mm. Grade: Specific steel grade, such as 40Cr, 35CrMo. Use: Such as machining, automotive parts, etc. Product Name: hot-rolled alloy steel bars; Material: 42CrMo; Shape: round steel; Processing Method: hot-rolled; Specifications: Φ80mm×6000mm; Grade: 42CrMo; Use: manufacturing gears. Incorrectly classifying alloy steel bars under 7225 (flat-rolled products), when they should actually be classified under 7227. Confusing hot-rolled with cold-rolled, leading to incorrect subheadings. Failure to provide specific alloy composition, making it impossible to determine whether it is alloy steel.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include material, shape, and processing method, such as "hot-rolled alloy steel bars."
⚠️ Writing only "steel bars" without indicating alloy steel or hot-rolled.
Material
Specific alloy steel grade and chemical composition, such as 42CrMo, 20MnTiB, etc., must meet the definition of alloy steel.
⚠️ Writing only "alloy steel" without specific grade or composition.
Shape
Bars, round steel, square steel, etc., must correspond to the code.
⚠️ Misreporting flat-rolled products as bars.
Processing Method
Hot-rolled, forged, cold-drawn, etc. This code is for hot-rolled.
⚠️ Reporting cold-rolled or cold-drawn as hot-rolled.
Specifications and Dimensions
Diameter, length, or cross-sectional dimensions, such as Φ50mm×6000mm.
Incorrectly classifying alloy steel bars under 7225 (flat-rolled products), when they should actually be classified under 7227.
Confusing hot-rolled with cold-rolled, leading to incorrect subheadings.
Failure to provide specific alloy composition, making it impossible to determine whether it is alloy steel.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification basis: 1) Whether the material is alloy steel (must meet the definition of alloy steel in the notes to HS Chapter 72); 2) Whether the shape is bars or flat-rolled products; 3) Whether the processing method is hot-rolled or cold-rolled; 4) Cross-sectional dimensions and width. If it is alloy steel bars, it should be classified under 7227; if it is alloy steel flat-rolled products, width >= 600mm is classified under 7225, width < 600mm under 7226. 722540 specifically refers to hot-rolled flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, not in coils, of a thickness >= 4.75mm. 7227 Alloy steel bars: 7227 is alloy steel bars (hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded, etc.), while 7225 is flat-rolled products. Bars and flat-rolled products have different shapes and different classifications. 7228 Other alloy steel bars and rods: 7228 is alloy steel angles, shapes, sections, etc., not simple bars. 7226 Alloy steel flat-rolled products width < 600mm: 7226 is alloy steel flat-rolled products with width < 600mm, 7225 is width >= 600mm. 7224 Other alloy steel ingots: 7224 is alloy steel ingots or semi-finished products, not rolled. Is it clearly alloy steel? Is the shape bars or flat-rolled? Is the processing method hot-rolled? Is the width >= 600mm? Is the thickness >= 4.75mm?
Basis
Core classification basis: 1) Whether the material is alloy steel (must meet the definition of alloy steel in the notes to HS Chapter 72); 2) Whether the shape is bars or flat-rolled products; 3) Whether the processing method is hot-rolled or cold-rolled; 4) Cross-sectional dimensions and width. If it is alloy steel bars, it should be classified under 7227; if it is alloy steel flat-rolled products, width >= 600mm is classified under 7225, width < 600mm under 7226. 722540 specifically refers to hot-rolled flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, not in coils, of a thickness >= 4.75mm.
Confused Codes：
7227 - Alloy steel bars
7227 is alloy steel bars (hot-rolled, hot-drawn, extruded, etc.), while 7225 is flat-rolled products. Bars and flat-rolled products have different shapes and different classifications.
7228 - Other alloy steel bars and rods
7228 is alloy steel angles, shapes, sections, etc., not simple bars.
7226 is alloy steel flat-rolled products with width < 600mm, 7225 is width >= 600mm.
7224 - Other alloy steel ingots
7224 is alloy steel ingots or semi-finished products, not rolled.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly alloy steel?
✓ Is the shape bars or flat-rolled?
✓ Is the processing method hot-rolled?
✓ Is the width >= 600mm?
✓ Is the thickness >= 4.75mm?
❓ FAQ
Does HS code 722540 correspond to hot-rolled alloy steel bars? Usually not. 722540 in the HS code corresponds to hot-rolled flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (not in coils, thickness >= 4.75mm, width >= 600mm). Hot-rolled alloy steel bars should be classified under 7227, such as 722790, etc. It is recommended to verify the shape and dimensions of the commodity and classify correctly. How to distinguish alloy steel from ordinary carbon steel? According to the notes to HS Chapter 72, alloy steel must contain a certain proportion of other elements (such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc.) exceeding specified thresholds. Ordinary carbon steel contains only small amounts of silicon, manganese, etc. A chemical composition report is required. What is the difference in classification between hot-rolled and cold-rolled? Hot-rolled generally refers to rolling above the recrystallization temperature, with an oxidized surface; cold-rolled is rolled at room temperature, with a smooth surface. In classification, hot-rolled and cold-rolled correspond to different subheadings, such as 722540 for hot-rolled, 722550 for cold-rolled. How to fill in specifications and dimensions during declaration? For bars, fill in diameter and length; for flat-rolled products, fill in thickness, width, and length. Use millimeters as units. For example: Φ50mm×6000mm or thickness 10mm×width 1500mm×length 6000mm. If the commodity is alloy steel bars but the width is less than 600mm, which code should it be classified under? Bars are not classified by width; bars are classified under 7227. If it is flat-rolled products with width < 600mm, it is classified under 7226. Please confirm the shape first. How to check the import tariff rate for 722540? Tariff rates change. You can check the latest rates 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." You can also use the customs advance classification service to confirm the code and then check. What are the consequences of incorrect classification? It may lead to tax supplements, fines, downgrading of enterprise credit, etc. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification when necessary. How to apply for advance classification? Submit an advance classification application to customs, providing detailed commodity information. Customs will make a decision within 60 days. The advance classification decision has legal effect.
Q: Does HS code 722540 correspond to hot-rolled alloy steel bars?
A: Usually not. 722540 in the HS code corresponds to hot-rolled flat-rolled products of other alloy steel (not in coils, thickness >= 4.75mm, width >= 600mm). Hot-rolled alloy steel bars should be classified under 7227, such as 722790, etc. It is recommended to verify the shape and dimensions of the commodity and classify correctly.
Q: How to distinguish alloy steel from ordinary carbon steel?
A: According to the notes to HS Chapter 72, alloy steel must contain a certain proportion of other elements (such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc.) exceeding specified thresholds. Ordinary carbon steel contains only small amounts of silicon, manganese, etc. A chemical composition report is required.
Q: What is the difference in classification between hot-rolled and cold-rolled?
A: Hot-rolled generally refers to rolling above the recrystallization temperature, with an oxidized surface; cold-rolled is rolled at room temperature, with a smooth surface. In classification, hot-rolled and cold-rolled correspond to different subheadings, such as 722540 for hot-rolled, 722550 for cold-rolled.
Q: How to fill in specifications and dimensions during declaration?
A: For bars, fill in diameter and length; for flat-rolled products, fill in thickness, width, and length. Use millimeters as units. For example: Φ50mm×6000mm or thickness 10mm×width 1500mm×length 6000mm.
Q: If the commodity is alloy steel bars but the width is less than 600mm, which code should it be classified under?
A: Bars are not classified by width; bars are classified under 7227. If it is flat-rolled products with width < 600mm, it is classified under 7226. Please confirm the shape first.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 722540?
A: Tariff rates change. You can check the latest rates 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." You can also use the customs advance classification service to confirm the code and then check.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrect classification?
A: It may lead to tax supplements, fines, downgrading of enterprise credit, etc. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification when necessary.
Q: How to apply for advance classification?
A: Submit an advance classification application to customs, providing detailed commodity information. Customs will make a decision within 60 days. The advance classification decision has legal effect.
⚠️ 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.