Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, ferrous waste and scrap, ingots or other primary forms of iron or steel, and semi-finished and finished products of iron or steel obtained by rolling, drawing, extruding, etc. This chapter does not include articles of iron or steel (Chapter 73) or specifically named mechanical and electrical products. Heading 7225 belongs to 'other alloy steel' flat-rolled products in this chapter, distinct from ordinary carbon steel (7208-7212) and stainless steel (7219-7220). Heading 7225 covers flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, whether hot-rolled or cold-rolled, not clad, plated or coated. Under 7225, they are further divided by processing state (hot-rolled, cold-rolled), thickness, whether plated or coated, etc. 722591 specifically refers to 'electrolytically zinc-plated' flat-rolled products of alloy steel, i.e., zinc coating deposited on the surface by electrolysis, distinct from hot-dip galvanizing (722592) and other coating methods. First 2 digits 72 = iron and steel chapter; 3rd-4th digits 25 = flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, width ≥600 mm; 5th-6th digits 91 = electrolytically zinc-plated. Full code 722591: 72 (iron and steel) → 25 (flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, width ≥600 mm) → 91 (electrolytically zinc-plated). Note: if width <600 mm, classify under 7226; if stainless steel, classify under 7219/7220; if ordinary carbon steel, classify under 7208-7212. The goods are made of alloy steel (not stainless steel, not ordinary carbon steel), width ≥600 mm, and the surface has been electrolytically zinc-plated. Therefore, classify under 7225, not 7226 (width <600 mm), 7212 (ordinary carbon steel galvanized) or 7210 (ordinary carbon steel galvanized). The electrolytic zinc plating process is distinct from hot-dip galvanizing, so classify under 722591 rather than 722592.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, ferrous waste and scrap, ingots or other primary forms of iron or steel, and semi-finished and finished products of iron or steel obtained by rolling, drawing, extruding, etc. This chapter does not include articles of iron or steel (Chapter 73) or specifically named mechanical and electrical products. Heading 7225 belongs to 'other alloy steel' flat-rolled products in this chapter, distinct from ordinary carbon steel (7208-7212) and stainless steel (7219-7220).
Heading
Heading 7225 covers flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, whether hot-rolled or cold-rolled, not clad, plated or coated. Under 7225, they are further divided by processing state (hot-rolled, cold-rolled), thickness, whether plated or coated, etc. 722591 specifically refers to 'electrolytically zinc-plated' flat-rolled products of alloy steel, i.e., zinc coating deposited on the surface by electrolysis, distinct from hot-dip galvanizing (722592) and other coating methods.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 72 = iron and steel chapter; 3rd-4th digits 25 = flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, width ≥600 mm; 5th-6th digits 91 = electrolytically zinc-plated. Full code 722591: 72 (iron and steel) → 25 (flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, width ≥600 mm) → 91 (electrolytically zinc-plated). Note: if width <600 mm, classify under 7226; if stainless steel, classify under 7219/7220; if ordinary carbon steel, classify under 7208-7212.
Classification Basis
The goods are made of alloy steel (not stainless steel, not ordinary carbon steel), width ≥600 mm, and the surface has been electrolytically zinc-plated. Therefore, classify under 7225, not 7226 (width <600 mm), 7212 (ordinary carbon steel galvanized) or 7210 (ordinary carbon steel galvanized). The electrolytic zinc plating process is distinct from hot-dip galvanizing, so classify under 722591 rather than 722592.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity should include key information such as material, processing method, shape, etc., e.g., 'electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel sheet'. Material: The specific alloy steel grade or composition, e.g., 'alloy steel, containing manganese 1.5%, silicon 0.5%', etc., must meet the definition of alloy steel. Shape: Flat-rolled products, should indicate 'flat' or 'coil', and state whether further processed. Specifications and Dimensions: Thickness, width, length (if cut to length), width must be ≥600 mm, otherwise classify under 7226. Processing Technology: State the rolling method (hot-rolled/cold-rolled) and coating method (electrolytic zinc plating), electrolytic zinc plating is the key distinguishing point. Grade: The specific grade of alloy steel, e.g., 'Q345B' or 'SS400', etc., to facilitate customs verification of composition. Use: Briefly state the main use, e.g., 'used in construction, automobile manufacturing', etc., to assist classification. Product Name: Electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel sheet; Material: Alloy steel, containing manganese 1.2%, silicon 0.3%; Shape: Flat; Specifications: Thickness 2.0mm, Width 1250mm, Length 2500mm; Processing Technology: Cold-rolled then electrolytically zinc-plated; Grade: HC340LAD+Z; Use: Automobile structural parts. Mistakenly declaring electrolytically zinc-plated as hot-dip galvanized, leading to code error (722591 vs 722592). Inaccurate width declaration, actual <600mm but declared ≥600mm, should be classified under 7226. Material does not indicate alloy element content, unable to prove it is alloy steel.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity should include key information such as material, processing method, shape, etc., e.g., 'electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel sheet'.
⚠️ Only writing 'steel sheet' or 'galvanized sheet', without indicating alloy steel and electrolytic plating process.
Material
The specific alloy steel grade or composition, e.g., 'alloy steel, containing manganese 1.5%, silicon 0.5%', etc., must meet the definition of alloy steel.
⚠️ Only writing 'alloy steel' without providing specific composition, leading to classification disputes.
Shape
Flat-rolled products, should indicate 'flat' or 'coil', and state whether further processed.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing 'coil' but actually flat, or not indicating whether pickled, oiled, etc.
Specifications and Dimensions
Thickness, width, length (if cut to length), width must be ≥600 mm, otherwise classify under 7226.
⚠️ Declared width less than 600 mm, or unit error (e.g., writing mm as cm).
Processing Technology
State the rolling method (hot-rolled/cold-rolled) and coating method (electrolytic zinc plating), electrolytic zinc plating is the key distinguishing point.
⚠️ Generally writing 'galvanized', without distinguishing electrolytic plating from hot-dip.
Grade
The specific grade of alloy steel, e.g., 'Q345B' or 'SS400', etc., to facilitate customs verification of composition.
⚠️ Incorrect grade filled in or inconsistent with material.
Use
Briefly state the main use, e.g., 'used in construction, automobile manufacturing', etc., to assist classification.
⚠️ Use description too broad, e.g., 'industrial use'.
Mistakenly declaring electrolytically zinc-plated as hot-dip galvanized, leading to code error (722591 vs 722592).
Inaccurate width declaration, actual <600mm but declared ≥600mm, should be classified under 7226.
Material does not indicate alloy element content, unable to prove it is alloy steel.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) Material is alloy steel (not stainless steel, not ordinary carbon steel); 2) Width ≥600 mm; 3) Flat-rolled products; 4) Surface has been electrolytically zinc-plated. All four conditions must be met to classify under 722591. If width <600 mm, classify under 7226; if stainless steel, classify under 7219/7220; if ordinary carbon steel, classify under 7210/7212. The electrolytic zinc plating process is the key distinguishing point, must be distinguished from hot-dip galvanizing. 722592 Other galvanized alloy steel sheet: 722592 refers to hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip zinc-coated) flat-rolled products of alloy steel, while 722591 is electrolytically zinc-plated. The difference lies in the galvanizing process; electrolytic zinc coating is thinner and more uniform. 722599 Other alloy steel sheet: 722599 refers to other plated or coated flat-rolled products of alloy steel not elsewhere specified, such as aluminum-plated, painted, etc., excluding electrolytic zinc plating and hot-dip galvanizing. 722540 Other hot-rolled alloy steel sheet: 722540 is unplated or uncoated hot-rolled flat-rolled products of alloy steel; if electrolytically zinc-plated, classify under 722591. 721220 Electrolytically zinc-plated ordinary carbon steel: 721220 is electrolytically zinc-plated flat-rolled products of ordinary carbon steel (non-alloy steel), different material; alloy steel goes to 722591. 722691 Electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel narrow strip: 722691 is electrolytically zinc-plated flat-rolled products of alloy steel, width <600 mm; width is the key to distinguishing 7225 and 7226. Is the material alloy steel? Is the width ≥600 mm? Is it a flat-rolled product? Has it been electrolytically zinc-plated? Are stainless steel and ordinary carbon steel excluded?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) Material is alloy steel (not stainless steel, not ordinary carbon steel); 2) Width ≥600 mm; 3) Flat-rolled products; 4) Surface has been electrolytically zinc-plated. All four conditions must be met to classify under 722591. If width <600 mm, classify under 7226; if stainless steel, classify under 7219/7220; if ordinary carbon steel, classify under 7210/7212. The electrolytic zinc plating process is the key distinguishing point, must be distinguished from hot-dip galvanizing.
Confused Codes：
722592 - Other galvanized alloy steel sheet
722592 refers to hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip zinc-coated) flat-rolled products of alloy steel, while 722591 is electrolytically zinc-plated. The difference lies in the galvanizing process; electrolytic zinc coating is thinner and more uniform.
722599 - Other alloy steel sheet
722599 refers to other plated or coated flat-rolled products of alloy steel not elsewhere specified, such as aluminum-plated, painted, etc., excluding electrolytic zinc plating and hot-dip galvanizing.
722540 - Other hot-rolled alloy steel sheet
722540 is unplated or uncoated hot-rolled flat-rolled products of alloy steel; if electrolytically zinc-plated, classify under 722591.
721220 is electrolytically zinc-plated flat-rolled products of ordinary carbon steel (non-alloy steel), different material; alloy steel goes to 722591.
722691 is electrolytically zinc-plated flat-rolled products of alloy steel, width <600 mm; width is the key to distinguishing 7225 and 7226.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material alloy steel?
✓ Is the width ≥600 mm?
✓ Is it a flat-rolled product?
✓ Has it been electrolytically zinc-plated?
✓ Are stainless steel and ordinary carbon steel excluded?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether my galvanized steel sheet is electrolytically zinc-plated or hot-dip galvanized? Electrolytically zinc-plated surfaces are smoother, with a thin and uniform zinc layer, typically used for automobiles and home appliances; hot-dip galvanized surfaces have zinc spangle, with a thicker zinc layer, used for construction and structural parts. You can check the production process or measure the zinc layer thickness; electrolytic zinc plating is usually <20μm, hot-dip galvanizing >40μm. What is the main difference between HS codes 722591 and 722592? 722591 is electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel sheet, 722592 is hot-dip galvanized alloy steel sheet. The difference lies in the galvanizing process: electrolytic zinc plating deposits zinc by electrolysis, hot-dip galvanizing immerses in molten zinc. Process description must be provided at declaration. If my alloy steel sheet width is 580mm, which code should it be classified under? Flat-rolled products of alloy steel with width <600mm should be classified under 7226, the specific subheading depends on processing state and coating. For example, electrolytically zinc-plated narrow strip goes to 722691. When declaring 722591, is it mandatory to provide the composition of the alloy steel? Yes, specific alloy element content must be provided to prove it is alloy steel. According to the HS definition, alloy steel must contain a certain amount of alloy elements (such as manganese, silicon, chromium, etc.) and exceed the range of ordinary carbon steel. How to distinguish electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel sheet and electrolytically zinc-plated ordinary carbon steel sheet in terms of codes? Electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel sheet goes to 722591, electrolytically zinc-plated ordinary carbon steel sheet goes to 721220. The difference is the material: alloy steel contains specific alloy elements, ordinary carbon steel does not or has very low content. What are the key points of customs classification review for 722591? Customs focuses on: 1) whether the material is alloy steel; 2) whether the width is ≥600mm; 3) whether it is electrolytically zinc-plated; 4) whether it is a flat-rolled product. At declaration, material certificate, specifications and dimensions, and process description must be provided. If my steel sheet is cold-rolled then electrolytically zinc-plated, but the width is 600mm, where should it be classified? Width exactly 600mm meets the condition of ≥600mm, if it is alloy steel and electrolytically zinc-plated, classify under 722591. Note: width must be accurately measured to avoid classification errors due to tolerance. How to inquire about the tax rate for 722591? You can check the latest tax rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, HS code inquiry platforms, or consult a customs broker. Tax rates may change due to trade agreements and policy adjustments; it is recommended to refer to the customs system at the time of declaration.
Q: How to determine whether my galvanized steel sheet is electrolytically zinc-plated or hot-dip galvanized?
A: Electrolytically zinc-plated surfaces are smoother, with a thin and uniform zinc layer, typically used for automobiles and home appliances; hot-dip galvanized surfaces have zinc spangle, with a thicker zinc layer, used for construction and structural parts. You can check the production process or measure the zinc layer thickness; electrolytic zinc plating is usually <20μm, hot-dip galvanizing >40μm.
Q: What is the main difference between HS codes 722591 and 722592?
A: 722591 is electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel sheet, 722592 is hot-dip galvanized alloy steel sheet. The difference lies in the galvanizing process: electrolytic zinc plating deposits zinc by electrolysis, hot-dip galvanizing immerses in molten zinc. Process description must be provided at declaration.
Q: If my alloy steel sheet width is 580mm, which code should it be classified under?
A: Flat-rolled products of alloy steel with width <600mm should be classified under 7226, the specific subheading depends on processing state and coating. For example, electrolytically zinc-plated narrow strip goes to 722691.
Q: When declaring 722591, is it mandatory to provide the composition of the alloy steel?
A: Yes, specific alloy element content must be provided to prove it is alloy steel. According to the HS definition, alloy steel must contain a certain amount of alloy elements (such as manganese, silicon, chromium, etc.) and exceed the range of ordinary carbon steel.
Q: How to distinguish electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel sheet and electrolytically zinc-plated ordinary carbon steel sheet in terms of codes?
A: Electrolytically zinc-plated alloy steel sheet goes to 722591, electrolytically zinc-plated ordinary carbon steel sheet goes to 721220. The difference is the material: alloy steel contains specific alloy elements, ordinary carbon steel does not or has very low content.
Q: What are the key points of customs classification review for 722591?
A: Customs focuses on: 1) whether the material is alloy steel; 2) whether the width is ≥600mm; 3) whether it is electrolytically zinc-plated; 4) whether it is a flat-rolled product. At declaration, material certificate, specifications and dimensions, and process description must be provided.
Q: If my steel sheet is cold-rolled then electrolytically zinc-plated, but the width is 600mm, where should it be classified?
A: Width exactly 600mm meets the condition of ≥600mm, if it is alloy steel and electrolytically zinc-plated, classify under 722591. Note: width must be accurately measured to avoid classification errors due to tolerance.
Q: How to inquire about the tax rate for 722591?
A: You can check the latest tax rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, HS code inquiry platforms, or consult a customs broker. Tax rates may change due to trade agreements and policy adjustments; it is recommended to refer to the customs system at the time of declaration.
⚠️ 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.