Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for iron and steel smelting (Chapter 72) and certain mechanical and electrical products (Chapters 84-85). This chapter includes steel pipes, hollow profiles, steel structures, containers, cables, nails, springs, tableware, etc. The core feature is that the goods are finished products of iron or steel and are not more specifically classified under other chapters. Heading 7311 falls under this chapter for 'containers of iron or steel for compressed or liquefied gas'. Heading 7311 specifically refers to containers of iron or steel for compressed or liquefied gas, including seamless steel cylinders, welded steel cylinders, steel tanks, etc. These containers must be able to withstand high pressure or low temperature and are used for storing or transporting oxygen, nitrogen, liquefied petroleum gas, acetylene, etc. Whether or not equipped with valves or pressure-reducing devices, as long as the container itself is made of iron or steel and is used for holding gas, it is classified under this heading. However, permanently installed storage tanks (such as underground storage tanks at gas stations) are not classified under this heading. The first 2 digits '73' represent Chapter 73 'Articles of iron or steel', covering all finished products of iron or steel, but excluding products clearly belonging to other chapters. Digits 3-4 '11' are the heading, indicating 'containers of iron or steel for compressed or liquefied gas', which is a specifically named heading in this chapter. Digits 5-6 '00' are the subheading; since there is no further subdivision under this heading, all steel gas cylinders meeting the description are classified under 731100. Note: The HS code is 6 digits internationally, and countries may add their own subheadings in the last two digits, but the core classification is based on 731100. The product is a steel gas cylinder used for holding compressed or liquefied gas, fully conforming to the description of 7311. It does not belong to 7310 (containers of iron or steel, capacity ≤300L, but for general non-gas goods), nor to 7321 (non-electric heating stoves of iron or steel) or 8481 (valves). The core difference lies in the use: specifically for gas storage or transportation, and made of iron or steel.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for iron and steel smelting (Chapter 72) and certain mechanical and electrical products (Chapters 84-85). This chapter includes steel pipes, hollow profiles, steel structures, containers, cables, nails, springs, tableware, etc. The core feature is that the goods are finished products of iron or steel and are not more specifically classified under other chapters. Heading 7311 falls under this chapter for 'containers of iron or steel for compressed or liquefied gas'.
Heading
Heading 7311 specifically refers to containers of iron or steel for compressed or liquefied gas, including seamless steel cylinders, welded steel cylinders, steel tanks, etc. These containers must be able to withstand high pressure or low temperature and are used for storing or transporting oxygen, nitrogen, liquefied petroleum gas, acetylene, etc. Whether or not equipped with valves or pressure-reducing devices, as long as the container itself is made of iron or steel and is used for holding gas, it is classified under this heading. However, permanently installed storage tanks (such as underground storage tanks at gas stations) are not classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '73' represent Chapter 73 'Articles of iron or steel', covering all finished products of iron or steel, but excluding products clearly belonging to other chapters. Digits 3-4 '11' are the heading, indicating 'containers of iron or steel for compressed or liquefied gas', which is a specifically named heading in this chapter. Digits 5-6 '00' are the subheading; since there is no further subdivision under this heading, all steel gas cylinders meeting the description are classified under 731100. Note: The HS code is 6 digits internationally, and countries may add their own subheadings in the last two digits, but the core classification is based on 731100.
Classification Basis
The product is a steel gas cylinder used for holding compressed or liquefied gas, fully conforming to the description of 7311. It does not belong to 7310 (containers of iron or steel, capacity ≤300L, but for general non-gas goods), nor to 7321 (non-electric heating stoves of iron or steel) or 8481 (valves). The core difference lies in the use: specifically for gas storage or transportation, and made of iron or steel.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared product, such as 'seamless steel gas cylinder', 'welded steel cylinder', etc., which must be consistent with the actual item. Material: Specify the type of iron or steel, such as 'stainless steel', 'carbon steel', etc., and indicate whether seamless or welded. Use: State what kind of gas is being held, such as 'for holding oxygen', 'for liquefied petroleum gas', etc. Volume: Declare the nominal volume of the gas cylinder in liters (L), which affects whether it is classified under 7311 or other containers. Working Pressure: Design working pressure in MPa, reflecting whether it is a compressed gas container. Brand and Model: Fill in the brand and model; if no brand, write 'no brand'; model should be declared as actual. Whether Equipped with Valve: State whether the gas cylinder is equipped with a valve or pressure-reducing device, which affects the customs value and classification. Product Name: Seamless steel gas cylinder; Material: Carbon steel; Use: For holding oxygen; Volume: 40L; Working Pressure: 15MPa; Brand: XYZ; Model: WP-40; Whether Equipped with Valve: Yes. Mistakenly classifying ordinary steel drums (for liquids) with volume ≤300L under 7311, when they should actually be classified under 7310. Ignoring whether the gas cylinder is equipped with a valve; if the valve is imported separately, it should be classified under 8481; if imported together with the cylinder, it is classified together. Mistakenly classifying permanently installed gas storage tanks (such as those at filling stations) under 7311, when they should actually be classified as structural parts or machine parts.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared product, such as 'seamless steel gas cylinder', 'welded steel cylinder', etc., which must be consistent with the actual item.
⚠️ Only writing 'steel cylinder' without indicating gas use or manufacturing process.
Material
Specify the type of iron or steel, such as 'stainless steel', 'carbon steel', etc., and indicate whether seamless or welded.
⚠️ Only writing 'steel' without distinguishing seamless or welded, leading to classification disputes.
Use
State what kind of gas is being held, such as 'for holding oxygen', 'for liquefied petroleum gas', etc.
⚠️ Writing 'industrial use' is too general and does not specify the type of gas.
Volume
Declare the nominal volume of the gas cylinder in liters (L), which affects whether it is classified under 7311 or other containers.
⚠️ Failing to provide volume or incorrect units, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to 7311.
Working Pressure
Design working pressure in MPa, reflecting whether it is a compressed gas container.
⚠️ Omitting pressure parameters, unable to prove its pressure-bearing characteristics.
Brand and Model
Fill in the brand and model; if no brand, write 'no brand'; model should be declared as actual.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the model.
Whether Equipped with Valve
State whether the gas cylinder is equipped with a valve or pressure-reducing device, which affects the customs value and classification.
⚠️ Failing to declare the valve, leading to questions during subsequent inspection.
Example： Product Name: Seamless steel gas cylinder; Material: Carbon steel; Use: For holding oxygen; Volume: 40L; Working Pressure: 15MPa; Brand: XYZ; Model: WP-40; Whether Equipped with Valve: Yes.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying ordinary steel drums (for liquids) with volume ≤300L under 7311, when they should actually be classified under 7310.
Ignoring whether the gas cylinder is equipped with a valve; if the valve is imported separately, it should be classified under 8481; if imported together with the cylinder, it is classified together.
Mistakenly classifying permanently installed gas storage tanks (such as those at filling stations) under 7311, when they should actually be classified as structural parts or machine parts.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the product is made of iron or steel; 2) it is used for holding compressed or liquefied gas; 3) it is usually movable or portable, not permanently installed. Reference should be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Tariff and the Explanatory Notes to the Heading for 7311. If the gas cylinder is equipped with accessories such as valves, as long as the accessories are normal components of the cylinder, they are still classified under 7311. However, if the cylinder is permanently connected to equipment, it may be classified as a part of the equipment. 7310 Containers of iron or steel, capacity ≤300L: 7310 is for holding non-gas goods (such as liquids, solids), while 7311 is specifically for gases. If a cylinder is used for holding liquids, it is classified under 7310. 7321 Non-electric heating stoves of iron or steel: 7321 includes stoves, barbecue grills, etc., which may use gas fuel but are themselves combustion equipment, not containers for storing gas. 8481 Valves and similar devices: 8481 covers valves, pressure-reducing valves, etc. If the valve of a gas cylinder is imported separately, it should be classified under 8481; if imported together with the cylinder, it is classified together under 7311. 7613 Aluminum gas cylinders: 7613 is for aluminum gas cylinders, a different material. Steel gas cylinders are classified under 7311, aluminum under 7613; material must be confirmed during classification. 7309 Large storage tanks of iron or steel: 7309 is for storage tanks with capacity >300L, usually permanently installed. If a gas cylinder has capacity >300L and is permanently installed, it may be classified under 7309. Is it made of iron or steel? Is it used for holding compressed or liquefied gas? Is it movable or portable? Is the volume ≤300L? Is it equipped with accessories such as valves?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the product is made of iron or steel; 2) it is used for holding compressed or liquefied gas; 3) it is usually movable or portable, not permanently installed. Reference should be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Tariff and the Explanatory Notes to the Heading for 7311. If the gas cylinder is equipped with accessories such as valves, as long as the accessories are normal components of the cylinder, they are still classified under 7311. However, if the cylinder is permanently connected to equipment, it may be classified as a part of the equipment.
Confused Codes：
7310 - Containers of iron or steel, capacity ≤300L
7310 is for holding non-gas goods (such as liquids, solids), while 7311 is specifically for gases. If a cylinder is used for holding liquids, it is classified under 7310.
7321 - Non-electric heating stoves of iron or steel
7321 includes stoves, barbecue grills, etc., which may use gas fuel but are themselves combustion equipment, not containers for storing gas.
8481 - Valves and similar devices
8481 covers valves, pressure-reducing valves, etc. If the valve of a gas cylinder is imported separately, it should be classified under 8481; if imported together with the cylinder, it is classified together under 7311.
7613 - Aluminum gas cylinders
7613 is for aluminum gas cylinders, a different material. Steel gas cylinders are classified under 7311, aluminum under 7613; material must be confirmed during classification.
7309 - Large storage tanks of iron or steel
7309 is for storage tanks with capacity >300L, usually permanently installed. If a gas cylinder has capacity >300L and is permanently installed, it may be classified under 7309.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it made of iron or steel?
✓ Is it used for holding compressed or liquefied gas?
✓ Is it movable or portable?
✓ Is the volume ≤300L?
✓ Is it equipped with accessories such as valves?
❓ FAQ
Is the HS code for steel gas cylinders 731100? Yes, the international HS code for steel gas cylinders (used for holding compressed or liquefied gas) is 731100. However, note that countries may add their own subheadings after the 6 digits; the specific code is subject to the importing country's tariff. If the cylinder is made of aluminum, it is classified under 761300. How to distinguish between 731100 and 731010? 731100 is specifically for iron or steel containers for holding gas, while 731010 is for iron or steel containers (capacity ≤300L) for holding non-gas goods. The key is the use: gas goes to 7311, liquids or solids go to 7310. Does having a valve affect the classification of a gas cylinder? If the valve is imported together with the cylinder and is a normal component of the cylinder, it is classified together under 731100. If the valve is imported separately, the valve is classified under 8481. Therefore, it is necessary to state whether a valve is equipped when declaring. What elements need to be declared for exporting steel gas cylinders? Usually, it is necessary to declare the product name, material, use, volume, working pressure, brand and model, whether equipped with a valve, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Specifications for Customs Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China'. How to check the tariff rate for steel gas cylinders? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, origin, etc. You can check the importing country's customs website or search using the HS code in the WTO tariff database. Chinese exporters can check the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' from the General Administration of Customs of China. Can used steel gas cylinders be imported? Used steel gas cylinders may involve safety and environmental restrictions and must comply with the importing country's pressure vessel regulations. Some countries prohibit or restrict the import of used cylinders. It is recommended to consult local customs and regulatory authorities before importing. Is the classification of steel gas cylinders affected by volume? 731100 does not specify an upper limit for volume, but if the volume is >300L and it is a permanently installed storage tank, it may be classified under 7309. Typically, portable gas cylinders have smaller volumes and are classified under 7311. If the cylinder is used for holding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is the code different? No, as long as the cylinder is made of steel and used for holding liquefied gas, it is classified under 731100. LPG itself is classified under 2711, but the cylinder as a container is classified separately.
Q: Is the HS code for steel gas cylinders 731100?
A: Yes, the international HS code for steel gas cylinders (used for holding compressed or liquefied gas) is 731100. However, note that countries may add their own subheadings after the 6 digits; the specific code is subject to the importing country's tariff. If the cylinder is made of aluminum, it is classified under 761300.
Q: How to distinguish between 731100 and 731010?
A: 731100 is specifically for iron or steel containers for holding gas, while 731010 is for iron or steel containers (capacity ≤300L) for holding non-gas goods. The key is the use: gas goes to 7311, liquids or solids go to 7310.
Q: Does having a valve affect the classification of a gas cylinder?
A: If the valve is imported together with the cylinder and is a normal component of the cylinder, it is classified together under 731100. If the valve is imported separately, the valve is classified under 8481. Therefore, it is necessary to state whether a valve is equipped when declaring.
Q: What elements need to be declared for exporting steel gas cylinders?
A: Usually, it is necessary to declare the product name, material, use, volume, working pressure, brand and model, whether equipped with a valve, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Specifications for Customs Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China'.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for steel gas cylinders?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, origin, etc. You can check the importing country's customs website or search using the HS code in the WTO tariff database. Chinese exporters can check the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' from the General Administration of Customs of China.
Q: Can used steel gas cylinders be imported?
A: Used steel gas cylinders may involve safety and environmental restrictions and must comply with the importing country's pressure vessel regulations. Some countries prohibit or restrict the import of used cylinders. It is recommended to consult local customs and regulatory authorities before importing.
Q: Is the classification of steel gas cylinders affected by volume?
A: 731100 does not specify an upper limit for volume, but if the volume is >300L and it is a permanently installed storage tank, it may be classified under 7309. Typically, portable gas cylinders have smaller volumes and are classified under 7311.
Q: If the cylinder is used for holding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is the code different?
A: No, as long as the cylinder is made of steel and used for holding liquefied gas, it is classified under 731100. LPG itself is classified under 2711, but the cylinder as a container is classified separately.
⚠️ 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.