Chapter 72 covers basic materials of iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, scrap steel, ingots, semi-finished products, plates, bars, wire rods, angles, sections, profiles, tubes, etc. This chapter is the basic chapter for the classification of iron and steel products, involving key elements such as composition, shape, and processing state. Heading 7228 covers bars, rods, angles, sections and profiles of other alloy steel, and hollow drill steel of alloy or non-alloy steel. It includes products that are hot-rolled, forged, extruded, cold-formed or further processed, but excludes cold-drawn or cold-rolled bars and rods (classified under 7227) and steel wire (classified under 7229). The first 2 digits 72 represent the iron and steel chapter; the 3rd-4th digits 28 represent heading 7228, namely bars, rods, angles, sections and profiles of other alloy steel; the 5th-6th digits 50 represent subheading 722850, specifically wire of other alloy steel, namely wire of alloy steel other than stainless steel, usually made by cold drawing or cold rolling, with a smaller diameter, in coils. This commodity is alloy steel wire, which is a wire product of alloy steel, but different from hot-rolled wire rod (classified under 7227) or cold-drawn bars and rods (classified under 7228), because it has been cold-drawn and has a smaller cross-sectional size, conforming to the description of subheading 722850.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers basic materials of iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, direct reduced iron, scrap steel, ingots, semi-finished products, plates, bars, wire rods, angles, sections, profiles, tubes, etc. This chapter is the basic chapter for the classification of iron and steel products, involving key elements such as composition, shape, and processing state.
Heading
Heading 7228 covers bars, rods, angles, sections and profiles of other alloy steel, and hollow drill steel of alloy or non-alloy steel. It includes products that are hot-rolled, forged, extruded, cold-formed or further processed, but excludes cold-drawn or cold-rolled bars and rods (classified under 7227) and steel wire (classified under 7229).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 72 represent the iron and steel chapter; the 3rd-4th digits 28 represent heading 7228, namely bars, rods, angles, sections and profiles of other alloy steel; the 5th-6th digits 50 represent subheading 722850, specifically wire of other alloy steel, namely wire of alloy steel other than stainless steel, usually made by cold drawing or cold rolling, with a smaller diameter, in coils.
Classification Basis
This commodity is alloy steel wire, which is a wire product of alloy steel, but different from hot-rolled wire rod (classified under 7227) or cold-drawn bars and rods (classified under 7228), because it has been cold-drawn and has a smaller cross-sectional size, conforming to the description of subheading 722850.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "alloy steel wire", which must be consistent with the contract and invoice. Material composition: Indicate the specific grade of alloy steel and the content of main alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc.), conforming to the definition of alloy steel. Specifications and dimensions: Declare the diameter, length, and cross-sectional shape (round, square, etc.) of the steel wire, which affect classification. Processing state: State whether it is cold-drawn, cold-rolled, plated, coated, etc., such as "cold-drawn" or "galvanized". Use: Declare the main use, such as "used for manufacturing springs, welding electrodes, wire ropes, etc.". Brand: Declare the manufacturer or brand; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Model: Declare the product model or item number for easy identification. Packaging method: Declare the packaging form, such as coil, spool, bundle, etc. Product name: alloy steel wire; Material composition: grade SCM435, containing carbon 0.35%, chromium 1.0%, molybdenum 0.2%; Specifications and dimensions: diameter 2.0mm, round cross-section, coil; Processing state: cold-drawn, surface galvanized; Use: used for manufacturing high-strength springs; Brand: XX Steel; Model: SCM435-2.0; Packaging method: coil, 500kg per coil. Incorrectly classifying alloy steel wire under 7229 (non-alloy steel wire) due to failure to provide proof of alloying element content. Incorrectly classifying cold-drawn steel wire under 7227 (hot-rolled wire rod), ignoring the difference in processing technology. Incorrectly classifying stainless steel wire under 722850, when it should actually be classified under 722300 (stainless steel wire).
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "alloy steel wire", which must be consistent with the contract and invoice.
⚠️ Writing only "steel wire" without indicating alloy steel, resulting in incorrect classification.
Material composition
Indicate the specific grade of alloy steel and the content of main alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc.), conforming to the definition of alloy steel.
⚠️ Failing to provide composition, or incorrectly declaring it as stainless steel.
Specifications and dimensions
Declare the diameter, length, and cross-sectional shape (round, square, etc.) of the steel wire, which affect classification.
⚠️ Writing only "thin wire" without providing the specific diameter.
Processing state
State whether it is cold-drawn, cold-rolled, plated, coated, etc., such as "cold-drawn" or "galvanized".
⚠️ Failing to indicate cold-drawn, incorrectly classifying as hot-rolled wire rod.
Use
Declare the main use, such as "used for manufacturing springs, welding electrodes, wire ropes, etc.".
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "industrial use".
Brand
Declare the manufacturer or brand; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer.
Model
Declare the product model or item number for easy identification.
⚠️ Confusing model with specifications.
Packaging method
Declare the packaging form, such as coil, spool, bundle, etc.
⚠️ Failing to indicate coil packaging, affecting inspection.
Example： Product name: alloy steel wire; Material composition: grade SCM435, containing carbon 0.35%, chromium 1.0%, molybdenum 0.2%; Specifications and dimensions: diameter 2.0mm, round cross-section, coil; Processing state: cold-drawn, surface galvanized; Use: used for manufacturing high-strength springs; Brand: XX Steel; Model: SCM435-2.0; Packaging method: coil, 500kg per coil.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying alloy steel wire under 7229 (non-alloy steel wire) due to failure to provide proof of alloying element content.
Incorrectly classifying cold-drawn steel wire under 7227 (hot-rolled wire rod), ignoring the difference in processing technology.
Incorrectly classifying stainless steel wire under 722850, when it should actually be classified under 722300 (stainless steel wire).
🎯 Classification Logic
Classification basis: First determine whether it is alloy steel (other than stainless steel), which must conform to the definition of alloy steel in the HS Chapter 72 notes (containing a certain amount of alloying elements). Second, confirm that the processing state is cold-drawn or cold-rolled, and that the cross-sectional size is small (usually diameter less than 14mm), in coils. Finally, exclude stainless steel wire (722300) and non-alloy steel wire (7229). 722300 Stainless steel wire: Stainless steel wire is classified under 722300 according to composition, while alloy steel wire (non-stainless) is classified under 722850. The key difference is whether it contains chromium >= 10.5% and is corrosion-resistant. 722990 Other alloy steel wire (other than 722850): 722990 covers other alloy steel wire, such as boron-containing, but 722850 is a specific subheading, and the subheading notes must be checked. 722790 Other alloy steel hot-rolled wire rod: 722790 is hot-rolled wire rod, not cold-drawn, while 722850 is cold-drawn steel wire, with a different processing technology. 721710 Non-alloy steel wire (uncoated): 721710 is made of non-alloy steel, while 722850 is made of alloy steel, with different compositions. 722880 Alloy steel hollow drill steel: 722880 is hollow drill steel used for mining, while 722850 is solid steel wire, with different uses and cross-sections. Is proof of alloying element content provided? Is the processing technology cold-drawn or cold-rolled? Is the cross-sectional size within the steel wire range? Is stainless steel excluded? Is it in coils?
Basis
Classification basis: First determine whether it is alloy steel (other than stainless steel), which must conform to the definition of alloy steel in the HS Chapter 72 notes (containing a certain amount of alloying elements). Second, confirm that the processing state is cold-drawn or cold-rolled, and that the cross-sectional size is small (usually diameter less than 14mm), in coils. Finally, exclude stainless steel wire (722300) and non-alloy steel wire (7229).
Confused Codes：
722300 - Stainless steel wire
Stainless steel wire is classified under 722300 according to composition, while alloy steel wire (non-stainless) is classified under 722850. The key difference is whether it contains chromium >= 10.5% and is corrosion-resistant.
722990 - Other alloy steel wire (other than 722850)
722990 covers other alloy steel wire, such as boron-containing, but 722850 is a specific subheading, and the subheading notes must be checked.
722790 - Other alloy steel hot-rolled wire rod
722790 is hot-rolled wire rod, not cold-drawn, while 722850 is cold-drawn steel wire, with a different processing technology.
721710 - Non-alloy steel wire (uncoated)
721710 is made of non-alloy steel, while 722850 is made of alloy steel, with different compositions.
722880 - Alloy steel hollow drill steel
722880 is hollow drill steel used for mining, while 722850 is solid steel wire, with different uses and cross-sections.
Self-Check：
✓ Is proof of alloying element content provided?
✓ Is the processing technology cold-drawn or cold-rolled?
✓ Is the cross-sectional size within the steel wire range?
✓ Is stainless steel excluded?
✓ Is it in coils?
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish alloy steel wire from stainless steel wire? Stainless steel wire must contain chromium >= 10.5% and be corrosion-resistant, classified under 722300; alloy steel wire (non-stainless) contains other alloying elements such as manganese, silicon, nickel, etc., but with chromium content less than 10.5%, classified under 722850. What is the difference in HS codes between cold-drawn and hot-rolled steel wire? Hot-rolled steel wire is usually classified under 7227 (hot-rolled wire rod), while cold-drawn steel wire is classified under 7228 or 7229. Cold drawing makes the dimensions more precise and the surface smoother, and proof of processing technology must be provided for classification. In the declaration elements for alloy steel wire, how should the composition be filled in? The specific grade and content of main alloying elements must be filled in, such as "SCM435, containing carbon 0.35%, chromium 1.0%, molybdenum 0.2%", to prove conformity with the definition of alloy steel. If alloy steel wire is used to manufacture welding electrodes, does it affect classification? Classification depends on the steel wire itself, not the final use. As long as it conforms to the definition of alloy steel wire, it is still classified under 722850; the use can be a declaration element but is not the basis for classification. What is the difference between 722850 and 722990? 722850 is a specific subheading covering other alloy steel wire; 722990 is a residual subheading covering alloy steel wire not otherwise specified. The subheading notes must be checked, and priority should be given to classification under 722850. What documents are required for importing alloy steel wire? Usually, contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, material certificates, certificates of origin, etc. are required. The material certificate must indicate composition, processing technology, and specifications and dimensions. How to check the tariff rate for alloy steel wire? You can log in to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use an HS code query tool, enter 722850 to check the latest tariff rate. Tariff rates may vary depending on trade agreements and country of origin. What should be noted when declaring alloy steel wire sold via cross-border e-commerce? The product name, composition, specifications, and use must be accurately declared to avoid customs clearance delays caused by incorrect classification. Small batches can go through express channels, but complete declaration information must be provided.
Q: How to distinguish alloy steel wire from stainless steel wire?
A: Stainless steel wire must contain chromium >= 10.5% and be corrosion-resistant, classified under 722300; alloy steel wire (non-stainless) contains other alloying elements such as manganese, silicon, nickel, etc., but with chromium content less than 10.5%, classified under 722850.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between cold-drawn and hot-rolled steel wire?
A: Hot-rolled steel wire is usually classified under 7227 (hot-rolled wire rod), while cold-drawn steel wire is classified under 7228 or 7229. Cold drawing makes the dimensions more precise and the surface smoother, and proof of processing technology must be provided for classification.
Q: In the declaration elements for alloy steel wire, how should the composition be filled in?
A: The specific grade and content of main alloying elements must be filled in, such as "SCM435, containing carbon 0.35%, chromium 1.0%, molybdenum 0.2%", to prove conformity with the definition of alloy steel.
Q: If alloy steel wire is used to manufacture welding electrodes, does it affect classification?
A: Classification depends on the steel wire itself, not the final use. As long as it conforms to the definition of alloy steel wire, it is still classified under 722850; the use can be a declaration element but is not the basis for classification.
Q: What is the difference between 722850 and 722990?
A: 722850 is a specific subheading covering other alloy steel wire; 722990 is a residual subheading covering alloy steel wire not otherwise specified. The subheading notes must be checked, and priority should be given to classification under 722850.
Q: What documents are required for importing alloy steel wire?
A: Usually, contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, material certificates, certificates of origin, etc. are required. The material certificate must indicate composition, processing technology, and specifications and dimensions.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for alloy steel wire?
A: You can log in to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use an HS code query tool, enter 722850 to check the latest tariff rate. Tariff rates may vary depending on trade agreements and country of origin.
Q: What should be noted when declaring alloy steel wire sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: The product name, composition, specifications, and use must be accurately declared to avoid customs clearance delays caused by incorrect classification. Small batches can go through express channels, but complete declaration information must be provided.
⚠️ 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.