Chapter 72 covers the basic raw materials of iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, ingots or other primary forms of iron or steel, semi-finished products (such as slabs and billets), and hot-rolled or cold-rolled plates, sheets, strips, bars, rods, wire, etc. This chapter is the core chapter for the classification of iron and steel products, but further worked iron or steel articles (such as screws and springs) are generally classified in Chapter 73. 7229 belongs to the 'wire' category of products in this chapter, specifically referring to alloy steel wire, as distinct from non-alloy steel wire (7217) and stainless steel wire (7223). Heading 7229 covers 'wire of other alloy steel', i.e., wire made of alloy steel other than stainless steel. Alloy steel must meet the content requirements for alloying elements set out in the Notes to Chapter 72 (such as aluminum, chromium, copper, nickel, etc. exceeding certain thresholds). Wire under this heading is usually obtained by hot rolling, cold drawing, or further processing, but must not have undergone the article processing listed in Chapter 73 (such as deep processing beyond coating). 7229 includes uncoated, plated, or coated alloy steel wire, but excludes formed articles or wire with artificial textile materials. The first 2 digits '72' indicate Chapter 72: Iron and steel. Digits 3-4 '29' indicate heading 7229: Wire of other alloy steel. Digits 5-6 '20' indicate subheading 7229.20: Wire of alloy steel, plated or coated. Specifically, 7229.20 includes alloy steel wire plated with metals such as zinc, copper, nickel, chromium, etc., or coated with non-metallic coatings such as plastics or paint. If uncoated, it is classified under 7229.90. Therefore, 722920 precisely points to 'wire of alloy steel, plated or coated', and its classification must simultaneously satisfy: 1) the material is alloy steel (not stainless steel); 2) the form is wire; 3) the surface has undergone plating or coating treatment. This commodity is plated alloy steel wire, with core characteristics: alloy steel material (not stainless steel), wire form, and plated or coated. Therefore, it is classified under 7229.20, rather than 7229.90 (uncoated alloy steel wire) or 7223 (stainless steel wire). If it were stainless steel wire, even if plated, it would be classified under 7223; if it were non-alloy steel wire, it would be classified under 7217. The determination of alloy steel must be based on the Notes to Chapter 72, such as a chromium content exceeding 0.3%, etc.
Chapter
Chapter 72 covers the basic raw materials of iron and steel and articles thereof, including pig iron, ferroalloys, waste and scrap, ingots or other primary forms of iron or steel, semi-finished products (such as slabs and billets), and hot-rolled or cold-rolled plates, sheets, strips, bars, rods, wire, etc. This chapter is the core chapter for the classification of iron and steel products, but further worked iron or steel articles (such as screws and springs) are generally classified in Chapter 73. 7229 belongs to the 'wire' category of products in this chapter, specifically referring to alloy steel wire, as distinct from non-alloy steel wire (7217) and stainless steel wire (7223).
Heading
Heading 7229 covers 'wire of other alloy steel', i.e., wire made of alloy steel other than stainless steel. Alloy steel must meet the content requirements for alloying elements set out in the Notes to Chapter 72 (such as aluminum, chromium, copper, nickel, etc. exceeding certain thresholds). Wire under this heading is usually obtained by hot rolling, cold drawing, or further processing, but must not have undergone the article processing listed in Chapter 73 (such as deep processing beyond coating). 7229 includes uncoated, plated, or coated alloy steel wire, but excludes formed articles or wire with artificial textile materials.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '72' indicate Chapter 72: Iron and steel. Digits 3-4 '29' indicate heading 7229: Wire of other alloy steel. Digits 5-6 '20' indicate subheading 7229.20: Wire of alloy steel, plated or coated. Specifically, 7229.20 includes alloy steel wire plated with metals such as zinc, copper, nickel, chromium, etc., or coated with non-metallic coatings such as plastics or paint. If uncoated, it is classified under 7229.90. Therefore, 722920 precisely points to 'wire of alloy steel, plated or coated', and its classification must simultaneously satisfy: 1) the material is alloy steel (not stainless steel); 2) the form is wire; 3) the surface has undergone plating or coating treatment.
Classification Basis
This commodity is plated alloy steel wire, with core characteristics: alloy steel material (not stainless steel), wire form, and plated or coated. Therefore, it is classified under 7229.20, rather than 7229.90 (uncoated alloy steel wire) or 7223 (stainless steel wire). If it were stainless steel wire, even if plated, it would be classified under 7223; if it were non-alloy steel wire, it would be classified under 7217. The determination of alloy steel must be based on the Notes to Chapter 72, such as a chromium content exceeding 0.3%, etc.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include key information such as material, shape, and surface treatment, e.g., 'galvanized alloy steel wire'. Material: The specific alloy steel grade or composition, e.g., 'alloy steel, containing 0.5% chromium and 0.2% molybdenum', which must meet the definition of alloy steel in Chapter 72. Shape: Declared as 'wire', with the cross-sectional shape (round, special-shaped) and dimensions (diameter or cross-sectional dimensions) specified. Surface treatment: Clearly specify the plating or coating material, such as 'galvanized', 'plastic-coated', 'copper-plated', etc. Use: Declare the main use of the wire, such as 'for manufacturing welding electrodes', 'for weaving mesh', etc. Specifications: Declare dimensions such as diameter, length, coil weight, etc., usually expressed in millimeters and kilograms. Grade: If there is a specific grade (such as GB/T, ASTM standards), it should be declared, e.g., 'ER70S-6'. Product name: Galvanized alloy steel wire; Material: alloy steel, containing 0.8% chromium and 0.3% silicon; Shape: round wire, diameter 2.0mm; Surface treatment: galvanized; Use: for manufacturing springs; Specifications: diameter 2.0mm, coil weight 500kg; Grade: 60Si2Mn. Mistakenly classifying alloy steel wire under 7217 (non-alloy steel wire), ignoring the alloying element content. Mistakenly classifying plated alloy steel wire under 7229.90 (uncoated), failing to note the surface treatment. Mistakenly classifying stainless steel wire under 7229, when it should actually be classified under 7223.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include key information such as material, shape, and surface treatment, e.g., 'galvanized alloy steel wire'.
⚠️ Writing only 'steel wire' or 'alloy steel wire' without specifying the type of coating.
Material
The specific alloy steel grade or composition, e.g., 'alloy steel, containing 0.5% chromium and 0.2% molybdenum', which must meet the definition of alloy steel in Chapter 72.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as 'stainless steel' or 'carbon steel', leading to classification errors.
Shape
Declared as 'wire', with the cross-sectional shape (round, special-shaped) and dimensions (diameter or cross-sectional dimensions) specified.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting 'wire' as 'rod' or 'bar', affecting classification.
Surface treatment
Clearly specify the plating or coating material, such as 'galvanized', 'plastic-coated', 'copper-plated', etc.
⚠️ Writing only 'coated' without specifying the specific material, or incorrectly reporting as 'uncoated'.
Use
Declare the main use of the wire, such as 'for manufacturing welding electrodes', 'for weaving mesh', etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as 'industrial use', which cannot assist classification.
Specifications
Declare dimensions such as diameter, length, coil weight, etc., usually expressed in millimeters and kilograms.
⚠️ Omitting diameter or coil weight, leading to customs queries.
Grade
If there is a specific grade (such as GB/T, ASTM standards), it should be declared, e.g., 'ER70S-6'.
⚠️ The grade contradicts the material description, e.g., the grade indicates non-alloy steel.
Mistakenly classifying alloy steel wire under 7217 (non-alloy steel wire), ignoring the alloying element content.
Mistakenly classifying plated alloy steel wire under 7229.90 (uncoated), failing to note the surface treatment.
Mistakenly classifying stainless steel wire under 7229, when it should actually be classified under 7223.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) whether the material is alloy steel (not stainless steel), which must meet the definition of alloy steel in the Notes to Chapter 72; 2) whether the form is wire (usually diameter ≤13mm, in coils); 3) whether it has undergone plating or coating treatment. If all three are satisfied, it is classified under 7229.20. If uncoated, it is classified under 7229.90; if stainless steel, under 7223; if non-alloy steel, under 7217. In addition, attention should be paid to whether the wire has undergone further processing (such as being made into welding electrodes); if it has become an article, it may be classified under Chapter 73 or Chapter 83. 722990 Wire of other alloy steel (uncoated): 722990 is alloy steel wire that has not been plated or coated, whereas 722920 specifically refers to alloy steel wire that is plated or coated. The core difference lies in the surface treatment. 722300 Wire of stainless steel: 722300 is stainless steel wire. Stainless steel must contain ≥10.5% chromium and may contain other elements. Alloy steel wire has a lower content of alloying elements and does not meet the definition of stainless steel. 721720 Wire of non-alloy steel (galvanized): 721720 is galvanized wire of non-alloy steel, with the material being non-alloy steel, whereas 722920 is alloy steel. The difference lies in whether the alloying element content meets the alloy steel standard. 731300 Barbed wire: 731300 is barbed wire, which is an article of Chapter 73, having gone beyond simple coating of wire and possessing a specific functional structure. 721710 Wire of non-alloy steel (uncoated): 721710 is non-alloy steel wire and uncoated, differing from 722920 in both material and surface treatment. Is the material alloy steel? Does it contain a plating or coating? Is the cross-sectional shape wire? Is stainless steel excluded? Has it not become an article of Chapter 73?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) whether the material is alloy steel (not stainless steel), which must meet the definition of alloy steel in the Notes to Chapter 72; 2) whether the form is wire (usually diameter ≤13mm, in coils); 3) whether it has undergone plating or coating treatment. If all three are satisfied, it is classified under 7229.20. If uncoated, it is classified under 7229.90; if stainless steel, under 7223; if non-alloy steel, under 7217. In addition, attention should be paid to whether the wire has undergone further processing (such as being made into welding electrodes); if it has become an article, it may be classified under Chapter 73 or Chapter 83.
Confused Codes：
722990 - Wire of other alloy steel (uncoated)
722990 is alloy steel wire that has not been plated or coated, whereas 722920 specifically refers to alloy steel wire that is plated or coated. The core difference lies in the surface treatment.
722300 - Wire of stainless steel
722300 is stainless steel wire. Stainless steel must contain ≥10.5% chromium and may contain other elements. Alloy steel wire has a lower content of alloying elements and does not meet the definition of stainless steel.
721720 - Wire of non-alloy steel (galvanized)
721720 is galvanized wire of non-alloy steel, with the material being non-alloy steel, whereas 722920 is alloy steel. The difference lies in whether the alloying element content meets the alloy steel standard.
731300 - Barbed wire
731300 is barbed wire, which is an article of Chapter 73, having gone beyond simple coating of wire and possessing a specific functional structure.
721710 - Wire of non-alloy steel (uncoated)
721710 is non-alloy steel wire and uncoated, differing from 722920 in both material and surface treatment.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material alloy steel?
✓ Does it contain a plating or coating?
✓ Is the cross-sectional shape wire?
✓ Is stainless steel excluded?
✓ Has it not become an article of Chapter 73?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 722920? You can check by entering the code on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the 'Single Window', or third-party query platforms (such as 'Guileitong'). Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement (such as RCEP), and year, so it is recommended to refer to the latest customs tariff. What is the difference in classification between plated alloy steel wire and galvanized non-alloy steel wire? Plated alloy steel wire is classified under 722920, while galvanized non-alloy steel wire is classified under 721720. The core difference lies in the material: alloy steel must meet the alloying element content requirements of the Notes to Chapter 72 (such as chromium >0.3%), while non-alloy steel does not. If the coating on alloy steel wire is plastic, is it still classified under 722920? Yes. 722920 covers metallic coatings (such as zinc, copper) and non-metallic coatings (such as plastics, paint). As long as the wire itself is alloy steel and has not become an article, the plastic coating does not affect classification under 722920. How do you distinguish between stainless steel wire and alloy steel wire? Stainless steel must contain ≥10.5% chromium and may contain other elements, and is corrosion-resistant; alloy steel wire has a lower content of alloying elements and does not meet the definition of stainless steel. For classification, stainless steel wire is classified under 7223, and alloy steel wire under 7229. What are the common errors when declaring 722920? Common errors include: incorrectly declaring alloy steel as non-alloy steel (leading to classification under 7217); incorrectly declaring plated wire as uncoated (leading to classification under 722990); incorrectly declaring stainless steel wire as alloy steel wire (leading to classification under 7223). If the wire of 722920 is used to manufacture welding electrodes, is it still classified under this code? If the wire is used only as a raw material for manufacturing welding electrodes and has not undergone further processing, it is still classified under 722920. However, if it has been made into welding electrodes, it is classified under 8311. Classification is based on the state at the time of declaration. How do you determine whether alloy steel wire meets the definition of alloy steel in Chapter 72? According to the Notes to Chapter 72, alloy steel must contain a certain amount of alloying elements (such as aluminum, chromium, copper, nickel, etc. exceeding specified thresholds) and must not meet the definition of stainless steel. Specific thresholds can be found in the chapter notes of the 'Import and Export Tariff'. Is there a diameter requirement for the wire of 722920? The HS code does not have a uniform diameter requirement for 'wire', but it generally refers to hot-rolled or cold-drawn wire in coils, with a diameter generally less than 13mm. If the diameter is too large, it may be regarded as rod, classified under 7228.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 722920?
A: You can check by entering the code on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the 'Single Window', or third-party query platforms (such as 'Guileitong'). Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement (such as RCEP), and year, so it is recommended to refer to the latest customs tariff.
Q: What is the difference in classification between plated alloy steel wire and galvanized non-alloy steel wire?
A: Plated alloy steel wire is classified under 722920, while galvanized non-alloy steel wire is classified under 721720. The core difference lies in the material: alloy steel must meet the alloying element content requirements of the Notes to Chapter 72 (such as chromium >0.3%), while non-alloy steel does not.
Q: If the coating on alloy steel wire is plastic, is it still classified under 722920?
A: Yes. 722920 covers metallic coatings (such as zinc, copper) and non-metallic coatings (such as plastics, paint). As long as the wire itself is alloy steel and has not become an article, the plastic coating does not affect classification under 722920.
Q: How do you distinguish between stainless steel wire and alloy steel wire?
A: Stainless steel must contain ≥10.5% chromium and may contain other elements, and is corrosion-resistant; alloy steel wire has a lower content of alloying elements and does not meet the definition of stainless steel. For classification, stainless steel wire is classified under 7223, and alloy steel wire under 7229.
Q: What are the common errors when declaring 722920?
A: Common errors include: incorrectly declaring alloy steel as non-alloy steel (leading to classification under 7217); incorrectly declaring plated wire as uncoated (leading to classification under 722990); incorrectly declaring stainless steel wire as alloy steel wire (leading to classification under 7223).
Q: If the wire of 722920 is used to manufacture welding electrodes, is it still classified under this code?
A: If the wire is used only as a raw material for manufacturing welding electrodes and has not undergone further processing, it is still classified under 722920. However, if it has been made into welding electrodes, it is classified under 8311. Classification is based on the state at the time of declaration.
Q: How do you determine whether alloy steel wire meets the definition of alloy steel in Chapter 72?
A: According to the Notes to Chapter 72, alloy steel must contain a certain amount of alloying elements (such as aluminum, chromium, copper, nickel, etc. exceeding specified thresholds) and must not meet the definition of stainless steel. Specific thresholds can be found in the chapter notes of the 'Import and Export Tariff'.
Q: Is there a diameter requirement for the wire of 722920?
A: The HS code does not have a uniform diameter requirement for 'wire', but it generally refers to hot-rolled or cold-drawn wire in coils, with a diameter generally less than 13mm. If the diameter is too large, it may be regarded as rod, classified under 7228.
⚠️ 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.