Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for steelmaking (such as pig iron, ferroalloys) and certain specific items (such as machinery, vehicles). This chapter includes a wide range of finished steel products such as tubes, hollow profiles, fittings, structural components, containers, cables, nails, screws, etc. Its core is general-purpose articles formed from steel materials through further processing (such as casting, forging, welding, stamping), rather than mechanical or electronic equipment specific to other chapters. Heading 7310 covers containers of iron or steel, for the conveyance or packing of any material (except compressed or liquefied gas), and normally presented as separate goods. It includes drums, cans, tins, boxes, cases, etc., generally of a capacity not exceeding 300 liters, but certain specific types (such as containers for transport) may be larger. It does not include containers specialized for a particular machine or containers that have become parts of machines. First 2 digits 73: belongs to Chapter 73 'Articles of iron or steel', indicating the material is iron or steel. Digits 3-4, 10: heading 7310, referring to 'containers of iron or steel, for the conveyance or packing of any material, of a capacity not exceeding 300 liters, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, but not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment'. Digits 5-6, 29: subheading 731029, referring to 'other containers of steel', i.e., steel containers other than specific subheadings (such as 731010 with capacity ≥50 liters, 731021 cans closed by welding or crimping, and 731029 other). Note: 731029 is a 6-digit subheading and may be further subdivided in the tariff schedules of some countries. The product is a steel container, used for storage or transport, with a capacity not exceeding 300 liters, and without mechanical or thermal equipment, meeting the description of heading 7310. Since it does not fall under 731010 for capacity ≥50 liters, nor under 731021 for cans closed by welding or crimping, it is classified under 731029 'other'. If the container is fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment, or is specialized for a particular machine, it should be classified under Chapter 84 or 85.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for steelmaking (such as pig iron, ferroalloys) and certain specific items (such as machinery, vehicles). This chapter includes a wide range of finished steel products such as tubes, hollow profiles, fittings, structural components, containers, cables, nails, screws, etc. Its core is general-purpose articles formed from steel materials through further processing (such as casting, forging, welding, stamping), rather than mechanical or electronic equipment specific to other chapters.
Heading
Heading 7310 covers containers of iron or steel, for the conveyance or packing of any material (except compressed or liquefied gas), and normally presented as separate goods. It includes drums, cans, tins, boxes, cases, etc., generally of a capacity not exceeding 300 liters, but certain specific types (such as containers for transport) may be larger. It does not include containers specialized for a particular machine or containers that have become parts of machines.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 73: belongs to Chapter 73 'Articles of iron or steel', indicating the material is iron or steel. Digits 3-4, 10: heading 7310, referring to 'containers of iron or steel, for the conveyance or packing of any material, of a capacity not exceeding 300 liters, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, but not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment'. Digits 5-6, 29: subheading 731029, referring to 'other containers of steel', i.e., steel containers other than specific subheadings (such as 731010 with capacity ≥50 liters, 731021 cans closed by welding or crimping, and 731029 other). Note: 731029 is a 6-digit subheading and may be further subdivided in the tariff schedules of some countries.
Classification Basis
The product is a steel container, used for storage or transport, with a capacity not exceeding 300 liters, and without mechanical or thermal equipment, meeting the description of heading 7310. Since it does not fall under 731010 for capacity ≥50 liters, nor under 731021 for cans closed by welding or crimping, it is classified under 731029 'other'. If the container is fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment, or is specialized for a particular machine, it should be classified under Chapter 84 or 85.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the specific product name, such as 'steel oil can', 'stainless steel storage tank', etc., avoiding a generic 'steel container'. Material: Indicate the type of iron or steel, such as 'stainless steel', 'carbon steel', 'cast iron', etc., and state whether it is lined or coated. Capacity: Declare the maximum capacity of the container in liters (L), accurate to the unit, such as '50 liters', '200 liters'. Use: Explain what substance the container is used to store or transport, such as 'for storing edible oil', 'transporting chemical raw materials'. Type: Declare by shape or type, such as 'drum', 'can', 'tin', 'box', 'case', etc. Processing method: State the main processing method, such as 'welding', 'crimping', 'stamping', etc., especially noting whether it is closed by welding or crimping. Brand: Declare the brand (if no brand, write 'none'), used for customs intellectual property protection and statistics. Model: Declare the model or specification, such as 'A-100', '200L type', for easy identification. Product name: stainless steel storage tank; Material: stainless steel 304; Capacity: 100 liters; Use: for storing food ingredients; Type: can; Processing method: welding; Brand: none; Model: ST-100. Incorrect capacity declaration: misreporting a 200-liter container as 50 liters, leading to incorrect classification under 731010. Omission of processing method: failing to indicate 'closed by welding or crimping', which may lead to misclassification under 731021. Unclear use description: failing to state the stored substance; if specialized for a machine, it may be classified under Chapter 84.
Product name
Declare the specific product name, such as 'steel oil can', 'stainless steel storage tank', etc., avoiding a generic 'steel container'.
⚠️ Only writing 'steel container', without specifying the specific use or shape.
Material
Indicate the type of iron or steel, such as 'stainless steel', 'carbon steel', 'cast iron', etc., and state whether it is lined or coated.
⚠️ Only writing 'steel', without distinguishing stainless steel or carbon steel, which affects classification.
Capacity
Declare the maximum capacity of the container in liters (L), accurate to the unit, such as '50 liters', '200 liters'.
⚠️ Failing to provide capacity or providing incorrect capacity, leading to misclassification under 731010.
Use
Explain what substance the container is used to store or transport, such as 'for storing edible oil', 'transporting chemical raw materials'.
⚠️ Failing to state the use, making it impossible to determine whether it is specialized for a particular machine.
Type
Declare by shape or type, such as 'drum', 'can', 'tin', 'box', 'case', etc.
⚠️ Confusing 'can' with 'drum', leading to incorrect subheading classification.
Processing method
State the main processing method, such as 'welding', 'crimping', 'stamping', etc., especially noting whether it is closed by welding or crimping.
⚠️ Failing to indicate the processing method, which may lead to misclassification under 731021.
Brand
Declare the brand (if no brand, write 'none'), used for customs intellectual property protection and statistics.
⚠️ Omitting the brand, resulting in incomplete declaration.
Model
Declare the model or specification, such as 'A-100', '200L type', for easy identification.
Incorrect capacity declaration: misreporting a 200-liter container as 50 liters, leading to incorrect classification under 731010.
Omission of processing method: failing to indicate 'closed by welding or crimping', which may lead to misclassification under 731021.
Unclear use description: failing to state the stored substance; if specialized for a machine, it may be classified under Chapter 84.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) material is iron or steel; 2) used for storage or transport; 3) capacity not exceeding 300 liters; 4) no mechanical or thermal equipment; 5) not specialized for a particular machine. It is also necessary to confirm whether it is closed by welding or crimping, to distinguish 731021 from 731029. If the container is fitted with a tap, pump, etc., it may be classified under 8481 or 8413. 731010 Containers of iron or steel, capacity ≥50 liters: Different capacity: 731010 is for containers with capacity ≥50 liters, while 731029 is for other containers with capacity <50 liters or capacity ≥50 liters but not closed by welding or crimping. 731021 Cans closed by welding or crimping, capacity <50 liters: Different processing method: 731021 specifically refers to cans closed by welding or crimping, capacity <50 liters; 731029 is for containers with other processing methods. 731100 Containers for compressed or liquefied gas, of iron or steel: Different use: 731100 is specifically for compressed or liquefied gas, while 731029 is for storage or transport of other materials. 732393 Table, kitchen or other household articles of stainless steel: Different use: 732393 is for household articles, while 731029 is for industrial or transport containers. 841320 Hand pumps, whether or not fitted with a measuring device: Different function: if the container is fitted with a hand pump, it may be classified under 841320, while 731029 is only the container itself. Is the material iron or steel? Is the capacity not exceeding 300 liters? Is it used for storage or transport? Is it without mechanical or thermal equipment? Is it not specialized for a particular machine?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) material is iron or steel; 2) used for storage or transport; 3) capacity not exceeding 300 liters; 4) no mechanical or thermal equipment; 5) not specialized for a particular machine. It is also necessary to confirm whether it is closed by welding or crimping, to distinguish 731021 from 731029. If the container is fitted with a tap, pump, etc., it may be classified under 8481 or 8413.
Confused Codes：
731010 - Containers of iron or steel, capacity ≥50 liters
Different capacity: 731010 is for containers with capacity ≥50 liters, while 731029 is for other containers with capacity <50 liters or capacity ≥50 liters but not closed by welding or crimping.
731021 - Cans closed by welding or crimping, capacity <50 liters
Different processing method: 731021 specifically refers to cans closed by welding or crimping, capacity <50 liters; 731029 is for containers with other processing methods.
731100 - Containers for compressed or liquefied gas, of iron or steel
Different use: 731100 is specifically for compressed or liquefied gas, while 731029 is for storage or transport of other materials.
732393 - Table, kitchen or other household articles of stainless steel
Different use: 732393 is for household articles, while 731029 is for industrial or transport containers.
841320 - Hand pumps, whether or not fitted with a measuring device
Different function: if the container is fitted with a hand pump, it may be classified under 841320, while 731029 is only the container itself.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material iron or steel?
✓ Is the capacity not exceeding 300 liters?
✓ Is it used for storage or transport?
✓ Is it without mechanical or thermal equipment?
✓ Is it not specialized for a particular machine?
❓ FAQ
How to check the import tariff rate for 731029? You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff' to query by entering HS code 731029 and view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate, etc. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest tariff. What is the main difference between 731029 and 731021? 731021 specifically refers to cans closed by welding or crimping, with a capacity of less than 50 liters; 731029 includes steel containers with other processing methods (such as welding, stamping), with capacity less than or greater than 50 liters (but not exceeding 300 liters). The key is the processing method and capacity. If a steel container is fitted with a tap, which code should it be classified under? If the container is fitted with a tap and the tap constitutes the main function of the container, it may be classified under 8481 (taps, cocks, etc.). If the tap is only an accessory and the container remains the essential character, it may still be classified under 731029. Judgment should be based on the specific function. Which code should a steel container with a capacity of 300 liters be classified under? A steel container with a capacity of 300 liters, if used for storage or transport and without mechanical equipment, should be classified under 731010 (capacity ≥50 liters). However, if it is a can closed by welding or crimping, only those with capacity <50 liters are classified under 731021; 300 liters does not apply. Are stainless steel insulated cups classified under 731029? Stainless steel insulated cups are generally household articles and should be classified under 732393 (table, kitchen or other household articles of stainless steel), not 731029. 731029 applies to industrial or transport containers. How to describe the use of 'other steel containers' when declaring? The substance stored or transported should be specifically stated, such as 'for storing lubricating oil', 'transporting chemical solvents'. Avoid a generic 'for industrial use' so that customs can determine whether it is specialized for a particular machine. If a container under 731029 is used for transporting dangerous goods, is additional declaration required? Yes, if used for transporting dangerous goods, it must comply with relevant dangerous goods packaging regulations, and a dangerous goods packaging certificate must be provided during customs declaration. The HS code itself does not distinguish dangerous goods, but regulatory conditions may differ. How to determine whether a steel container is 'specialized for a particular machine'? If the container forms an integral part with the machine, or is designed exclusively for a certain machine and cannot be used without that machine, it is considered specialized for the machine and should be classified under Chapter 84 or 85. If the container is general-purpose and can be used independently, it is classified under 7310.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 731029?
A: You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff' to query by entering HS code 731029 and view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate, etc. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest tariff.
Q: What is the main difference between 731029 and 731021?
A: 731021 specifically refers to cans closed by welding or crimping, with a capacity of less than 50 liters; 731029 includes steel containers with other processing methods (such as welding, stamping), with capacity less than or greater than 50 liters (but not exceeding 300 liters). The key is the processing method and capacity.
Q: If a steel container is fitted with a tap, which code should it be classified under?
A: If the container is fitted with a tap and the tap constitutes the main function of the container, it may be classified under 8481 (taps, cocks, etc.). If the tap is only an accessory and the container remains the essential character, it may still be classified under 731029. Judgment should be based on the specific function.
Q: Which code should a steel container with a capacity of 300 liters be classified under?
A: A steel container with a capacity of 300 liters, if used for storage or transport and without mechanical equipment, should be classified under 731010 (capacity ≥50 liters). However, if it is a can closed by welding or crimping, only those with capacity <50 liters are classified under 731021; 300 liters does not apply.
Q: Are stainless steel insulated cups classified under 731029?
A: Stainless steel insulated cups are generally household articles and should be classified under 732393 (table, kitchen or other household articles of stainless steel), not 731029. 731029 applies to industrial or transport containers.
Q: How to describe the use of 'other steel containers' when declaring?
A: The substance stored or transported should be specifically stated, such as 'for storing lubricating oil', 'transporting chemical solvents'. Avoid a generic 'for industrial use' so that customs can determine whether it is specialized for a particular machine.
Q: If a container under 731029 is used for transporting dangerous goods, is additional declaration required?
A: Yes, if used for transporting dangerous goods, it must comply with relevant dangerous goods packaging regulations, and a dangerous goods packaging certificate must be provided during customs declaration. The HS code itself does not distinguish dangerous goods, but regulatory conditions may differ.
Q: How to determine whether a steel container is 'specialized for a particular machine'?
A: If the container forms an integral part with the machine, or is designed exclusively for a certain machine and cannot be used without that machine, it is considered specialized for the machine and should be classified under Chapter 84 or 85. If the container is general-purpose and can be used independently, it is classified under 7310.
⚠️ 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.