Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for steel smelting (such as pig iron, ferroalloys) and ferrous waste and scrap. This chapter includes tubes, hollow profiles, steel structures, containers, cable products, etc. Among these, tubes are divided into seamless tubes (7304) and welded tubes (7305, 7306). Heading 7305 specifically refers to circular welded steel tubes with an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm, used in large-scale engineering fields such as oil and gas transmission, piling, and water pipelines. Heading 7305 covers other welded tubes of circular cross-section with an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm. These tubes are typically manufactured by forming and welding coiled steel plate or strip, including longitudinal welding and spiral welding. They are mainly used for long-distance oil and gas pipelines, urban water supply, piling pipes, structural pipes, etc. Note: 7305 is limited to circular cross-sections only; welded tubes of non-circular cross-section are classified under 7306. The first 2 digits '73' represent Chapter 73, articles of iron or steel, covering all finished steel products but excluding primary steel materials of Chapter 72. The 3rd-4th digits '05' represent heading 7305, i.e., other circular welded steel tubes with an external diameter >406.4 mm. The 5th-6th digits '39' represent subheading 730539, i.e., other welded tubes, referring to welded tubes other than 7305.11 (for oil and gas transmission), 7305.12 (other oil and gas use), 7305.19 (other oil and gas use), and 7305.20 (for oil and gas drilling). These tubes may be used for water, gas, structural, piling, and other non-oil-and-gas-specific purposes. This commodity is a welded tube with an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm, so it is classified under 7305 rather than 7306 (other welded tubes, external diameter ≤406.4 mm). Meanwhile, its use is not for oil and gas transmission or drilling, so 7305.11, 7305.12, 7305.19, and 7305.20 are excluded, and it is ultimately classified under 7305.39. If it were a seamless tube, it would be classified under 7304; if it were a cast iron tube, it would be classified under 7303.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for steel smelting (such as pig iron, ferroalloys) and ferrous waste and scrap. This chapter includes tubes, hollow profiles, steel structures, containers, cable products, etc. Among these, tubes are divided into seamless tubes (7304) and welded tubes (7305, 7306). Heading 7305 specifically refers to circular welded steel tubes with an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm, used in large-scale engineering fields such as oil and gas transmission, piling, and water pipelines.
Heading
Heading 7305 covers other welded tubes of circular cross-section with an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm. These tubes are typically manufactured by forming and welding coiled steel plate or strip, including longitudinal welding and spiral welding. They are mainly used for long-distance oil and gas pipelines, urban water supply, piling pipes, structural pipes, etc. Note: 7305 is limited to circular cross-sections only; welded tubes of non-circular cross-section are classified under 7306.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '73' represent Chapter 73, articles of iron or steel, covering all finished steel products but excluding primary steel materials of Chapter 72. The 3rd-4th digits '05' represent heading 7305, i.e., other circular welded steel tubes with an external diameter >406.4 mm. The 5th-6th digits '39' represent subheading 730539, i.e., other welded tubes, referring to welded tubes other than 7305.11 (for oil and gas transmission), 7305.12 (other oil and gas use), 7305.19 (other oil and gas use), and 7305.20 (for oil and gas drilling). These tubes may be used for water, gas, structural, piling, and other non-oil-and-gas-specific purposes.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a welded tube with an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm, so it is classified under 7305 rather than 7306 (other welded tubes, external diameter ≤406.4 mm). Meanwhile, its use is not for oil and gas transmission or drilling, so 7305.11, 7305.12, 7305.19, and 7305.20 are excluded, and it is ultimately classified under 7305.39. If it were a seamless tube, it would be classified under 7304; if it were a cast iron tube, it would be classified under 7303.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should describe in detail the material, process, and use, such as 'spiral welded steel pipe', 'straight seam welded steel pipe', etc. Material: The grade and chemical composition of the declared steel, such as Q235B, L245, X70, etc., indicating whether it is alloy steel. Specifications and Dimensions: Declare the external diameter, wall thickness, and length. The external diameter must exceed 406.4 mm; otherwise, it cannot be classified under 7305. Processing Technique: Explain the welding method (such as longitudinal welding, spiral welding) and surface treatment (such as galvanizing, coating). Use: Declare the specific use, such as oil and gas transmission, water supply, piling, structural support, etc. Cross-sectional Shape: Declare whether it is of circular cross-section. Non-circular cross-sections should be classified under 7306. Brand Type: Declare the brand and model; if no brand, write 'none'. Export Preference Status: If a free trade agreement is involved, the origin criteria and preference status must be declared. Product Name: Spiral welded steel pipe; Material: Carbon steel Q235B; Specifications: External diameter 508 mm, wall thickness 8 mm, length 12 m; Processing Technique: Spiral welding, outer surface galvanized; Use: Urban water supply pipeline; Cross-sectional Shape: Circular; Brand: Baosteel; Model: SSAW-508; Export Preference Status: General trade, no preference. The external diameter must exceed 406.4 mm; if equal to or less than this, it is classified under 7306. Oil and gas transmission pipes, even if the external diameter exceeds 406.4 mm, should be classified under 7305.11 or 7305.12, not 7305.39. Welded tubes of non-circular cross-section should be classified under 7306; incorrect classification under 7305 will result in rejection. Alloy steel welded tubes need to be checked as to whether they are classified under 7305; if they meet other subheadings, those take priority.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should describe in detail the material, process, and use, such as 'spiral welded steel pipe', 'straight seam welded steel pipe', etc.
⚠️ Writing only 'steel pipe' is too general and does not distinguish between welded or seamless, which can easily lead to classification errors.
Material
The grade and chemical composition of the declared steel, such as Q235B, L245, X70, etc., indicating whether it is alloy steel.
⚠️ Failing to indicate the specific grade, or incorrectly declaring alloy steel as carbon steel.
Specifications and Dimensions
Declare the external diameter, wall thickness, and length. The external diameter must exceed 406.4 mm; otherwise, it cannot be classified under 7305.
⚠️ Using inches as the unit for external diameter without conversion, or omitting wall thickness, making it impossible to determine.
Processing Technique
Explain the welding method (such as longitudinal welding, spiral welding) and surface treatment (such as galvanizing, coating).
⚠️ Failing to distinguish the welding process, or incorrectly declaring seamless tubes as welded tubes.
Use
Declare the specific use, such as oil and gas transmission, water supply, piling, structural support, etc.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as 'industrial use', making it impossible to determine whether it is for oil and gas use.
Cross-sectional Shape
Declare whether it is of circular cross-section. Non-circular cross-sections should be classified under 7306.
⚠️ Ignoring the cross-sectional shape and incorrectly classifying square tubes under 7305.
Brand Type
Declare the brand and model; if no brand, write 'none'.
⚠️ Omitting the brand, or confusing brand with model.
Export Preference Status
If a free trade agreement is involved, the origin criteria and preference status must be declared.
⚠️ Failing to declare preference, resulting in the inability to enjoy tariff preferences.
Example： Product Name: Spiral welded steel pipe; Material: Carbon steel Q235B; Specifications: External diameter 508 mm, wall thickness 8 mm, length 12 m; Processing Technique: Spiral welding, outer surface galvanized; Use: Urban water supply pipeline; Cross-sectional Shape: Circular; Brand: Baosteel; Model: SSAW-508; Export Preference Status: General trade, no preference.
Common Mistakes：
The external diameter must exceed 406.4 mm; if equal to or less than this, it is classified under 7306.
Oil and gas transmission pipes, even if the external diameter exceeds 406.4 mm, should be classified under 7305.11 or 7305.12, not 7305.39.
Welded tubes of non-circular cross-section should be classified under 7306; incorrect classification under 7305 will result in rejection.
Alloy steel welded tubes need to be checked as to whether they are classified under 7305; if they meet other subheadings, those take priority.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) material is iron or steel; 2) manufactured by welding process; 3) circular cross-section; 4) external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm; 5) not for oil and gas transmission or drilling. At the same time, the subheading notes of the Tariff and national subheading notes must be checked to ensure there is no more specific designation. 730511 Welded tubes for oil and gas transmission: 730511 is longitudinally welded, used for oil and gas transmission, external diameter >406.4 mm; while 730539 is other welded tubes, with use not for oil and gas transmission. 730512 Other welded tubes for oil and gas transmission: 730512 is for other welding methods (such as spiral welding), used for oil and gas transmission; if the use is for water or structures, it is classified under 730539. 730519 Other welded tubes for oil and gas use: 730519 covers other welded tubes for oil and gas use, such as for drilling; while 730539 is for non-oil-and-gas use. 730520 Welded tubes for oil and gas drilling: 730520 is specifically for drilling, such as casing and tubing; while 730539 is for general purposes. 730531 Other longitudinally welded tubes: 730531 is longitudinally welded, external diameter >406.4 mm, non-oil-and-gas use; if spiral welded, it is classified under 730539. Is the external diameter greater than 406.4 mm? Is it of circular cross-section? Is it manufactured by welding process? Is it used for oil and gas transmission or drilling? Is the material iron or steel?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) material is iron or steel; 2) manufactured by welding process; 3) circular cross-section; 4) external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm; 5) not for oil and gas transmission or drilling. At the same time, the subheading notes of the Tariff and national subheading notes must be checked to ensure there is no more specific designation.
Confused Codes：
730511 - Welded tubes for oil and gas transmission
730511 is longitudinally welded, used for oil and gas transmission, external diameter >406.4 mm; while 730539 is other welded tubes, with use not for oil and gas transmission.
730512 - Other welded tubes for oil and gas transmission
730512 is for other welding methods (such as spiral welding), used for oil and gas transmission; if the use is for water or structures, it is classified under 730539.
730519 - Other welded tubes for oil and gas use
730519 covers other welded tubes for oil and gas use, such as for drilling; while 730539 is for non-oil-and-gas use.
730520 - Welded tubes for oil and gas drilling
730520 is specifically for drilling, such as casing and tubing; while 730539 is for general purposes.
730531 - Other longitudinally welded tubes
730531 is longitudinally welded, external diameter >406.4 mm, non-oil-and-gas use; if spiral welded, it is classified under 730539.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the external diameter greater than 406.4 mm?
✓ Is it of circular cross-section?
✓ Is it manufactured by welding process?
✓ Is it used for oil and gas transmission or drilling?
✓ Is the material iron or steel?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 730539? You can check the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Internet + Customs' platform, enter HS code 730539, and view the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax, and consumption tax. You may also entrust a customs broker to check. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes; the latest published rates shall prevail. What is the difference between 730539 and 730531? 730531 refers to longitudinally welded circular steel pipes, external diameter >406.4 mm, non-oil-and-gas use; 730539 refers to circular steel pipes of other welding methods (such as spiral welding), external diameter >406.4 mm, non-oil-and-gas use. The main difference lies in the welding process: straight seam welding is classified under 730531, spiral welding under 730539. Under which code should a welded tube with an external diameter of 406.4 mm be classified? A welded tube with an external diameter equal to 406.4 mm should be classified under 7306 (other welded tubes), because 7305 requires an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm. If it is of circular cross-section, it is classified under subheadings such as 7306.30 or 7306.50; if non-circular, under 7306.69, etc. Where are welded tubes for oil and gas transmission classified? If longitudinally welded, they are classified under 7305.11; if of other welding methods (such as spiral welding), under 7305.12; if for other oil and gas use (such as urban gas), under 7305.19. Note: these subheadings all require an external diameter >406.4 mm. What are the declaration elements for 730539? The main declaration elements include: product name, material, specifications and dimensions (external diameter, wall thickness, length), processing technique (welding method, surface treatment), use, cross-sectional shape, brand type, export preference status, etc. The specific requirements shall be subject to customs requirements. How can I determine whether a welded tube is alloy steel? According to the chemical composition of the steel, if it contains one or more alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc.) exceeding the prescribed limits, it is considered alloy steel. Material certification must be provided at the time of declaration. Alloy steel welded tubes may be classified under 7305, but attention must be paid to the subheading notes. What is the export tax rebate rate for 730539? The export tax rebate rate will be adjusted with national policies. You can check the latest rebate rate through the State Taxation Administration or the General Administration of Customs. Generally, the rebate rate for steel products is between 0-13%, subject to the commodity code and the latest policy.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 730539?
A: You can check the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Internet + Customs' platform, enter HS code 730539, and view the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax, and consumption tax. You may also entrust a customs broker to check. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes; the latest published rates shall prevail.
Q: What is the difference between 730539 and 730531?
A: 730531 refers to longitudinally welded circular steel pipes, external diameter >406.4 mm, non-oil-and-gas use; 730539 refers to circular steel pipes of other welding methods (such as spiral welding), external diameter >406.4 mm, non-oil-and-gas use. The main difference lies in the welding process: straight seam welding is classified under 730531, spiral welding under 730539.
Q: Under which code should a welded tube with an external diameter of 406.4 mm be classified?
A: A welded tube with an external diameter equal to 406.4 mm should be classified under 7306 (other welded tubes), because 7305 requires an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm. If it is of circular cross-section, it is classified under subheadings such as 7306.30 or 7306.50; if non-circular, under 7306.69, etc.
Q: Where are welded tubes for oil and gas transmission classified?
A: If longitudinally welded, they are classified under 7305.11; if of other welding methods (such as spiral welding), under 7305.12; if for other oil and gas use (such as urban gas), under 7305.19. Note: these subheadings all require an external diameter >406.4 mm.
Q: What are the declaration elements for 730539?
A: The main declaration elements include: product name, material, specifications and dimensions (external diameter, wall thickness, length), processing technique (welding method, surface treatment), use, cross-sectional shape, brand type, export preference status, etc. The specific requirements shall be subject to customs requirements.
Q: How can I determine whether a welded tube is alloy steel?
A: According to the chemical composition of the steel, if it contains one or more alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc.) exceeding the prescribed limits, it is considered alloy steel. Material certification must be provided at the time of declaration. Alloy steel welded tubes may be classified under 7305, but attention must be paid to the subheading notes.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 730539?
A: The export tax rebate rate will be adjusted with national policies. You can check the latest rebate rate through the State Taxation Administration or the General Administration of Customs. Generally, the rebate rate for steel products is between 0-13%, subject to the commodity code and the latest policy.
⚠️ 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.