Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including tubes, chains, nails, nets, springs, etc., of iron or steel, but excluding machinery, mechanical appliances, or vehicles of iron or steel (which fall under Chapter 84 or Chapter 87). This chapter has a broad scope, ranging from simple castings to complex processed articles, with the core being steel materials themselves and their traditional finished products. Heading 7314 covers cloth (including endless bands), netting, grilles, mesh sheets, net belts, etc., of iron or steel, usually used for screening, filtering, protection, reinforcement, and similar purposes. It includes woven mesh, welded mesh, perforated mesh, etc., but excludes mesh of non-steel materials such as plastics or copper, and also excludes mesh that functions as machine parts (which must be classified according to the machine). The first 2 digits 73 = chapter on articles of iron or steel; digits 3-4, 14 = cloth, netting, grilles, etc., of iron or steel; digits 5-6, 49 = other wire mesh, i.e., woven or welded wire mesh not specifically named, distinguished from stainless steel mesh (7314.12/14), galvanized mesh (7314.31), etc. The full code 731449 indicates mesh of other iron or steel wire, usually referring to ordinary steel wire mesh that is not stainless steel, not galvanized, and not plastic-coated. This commodity is steel wire mesh, made of iron or steel, meeting the requirements of heading 7314. Because it is not specifically named as stainless steel mesh or galvanized mesh, etc., it is classified under subheading 7314.49 (other). If made of stainless steel, it would be classified under 7314.12 or 7314.14; if galvanized, under 7314.31; if plastic-coated, under 7314.41, etc.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including tubes, chains, nails, nets, springs, etc., of iron or steel, but excluding machinery, mechanical appliances, or vehicles of iron or steel (which fall under Chapter 84 or Chapter 87). This chapter has a broad scope, ranging from simple castings to complex processed articles, with the core being steel materials themselves and their traditional finished products.
Heading
Heading 7314 covers cloth (including endless bands), netting, grilles, mesh sheets, net belts, etc., of iron or steel, usually used for screening, filtering, protection, reinforcement, and similar purposes. It includes woven mesh, welded mesh, perforated mesh, etc., but excludes mesh of non-steel materials such as plastics or copper, and also excludes mesh that functions as machine parts (which must be classified according to the machine).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 73 = chapter on articles of iron or steel; digits 3-4, 14 = cloth, netting, grilles, etc., of iron or steel; digits 5-6, 49 = other wire mesh, i.e., woven or welded wire mesh not specifically named, distinguished from stainless steel mesh (7314.12/14), galvanized mesh (7314.31), etc. The full code 731449 indicates mesh of other iron or steel wire, usually referring to ordinary steel wire mesh that is not stainless steel, not galvanized, and not plastic-coated.
Classification Basis
This commodity is steel wire mesh, made of iron or steel, meeting the requirements of heading 7314. Because it is not specifically named as stainless steel mesh or galvanized mesh, etc., it is classified under subheading 7314.49 (other). If made of stainless steel, it would be classified under 7314.12 or 7314.14; if galvanized, under 7314.31; if plastic-coated, under 7314.41, etc.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific commodity name should be declared, such as "other steel wire mesh" or "galvanized steel wire mesh," avoiding the general term "steel wire mesh." Material: Declare the material of the steel wire, such as "low carbon steel," "high carbon steel," or "alloy steel," and indicate whether it is stainless steel. Specifications and dimensions: Declare mesh opening size, wire diameter, mesh width, mesh length, etc., such as "mesh opening 10 mm, wire diameter 1.5 mm, width 1 m." Surface treatment: Declare whether it is galvanized, plastic-coated, painted, etc., such as "galvanized," "PVC-coated," or "untreated." Manufacturing process: Declare the process such as weaving, welding, or perforating, such as "woven mesh" or "welded mesh." Use: Declare the main use, such as "building protection," "filtration," or "screening." Brand: Declare the brand, if any; if there is no brand, fill in "none." Model: Declare the model or item number, such as "W-101." Product name: Other steel wire mesh; Material: low carbon steel, not stainless steel; Specifications and dimensions: mesh opening 12.7 mm, wire diameter 1.2 mm, width 1.2 m, length 30 m; Surface treatment: not galvanized, not plastic-coated; Manufacturing process: woven; Use: used for building fences; Brand: none; Model: WM-12. Failure to indicate whether it is stainless steel; stainless steel mesh should be classified under 731412 or 731414. Failure to indicate surface treatment; galvanized mesh should be classified under 731431. Misreporting perforated mesh as woven mesh; perforated mesh should be classified under 731450.
Product name
The specific commodity name should be declared, such as "other steel wire mesh" or "galvanized steel wire mesh," avoiding the general term "steel wire mesh."
⚠️ Writing only "steel wire mesh" without indicating material or surface treatment, leading to classification disputes.
Material
Declare the material of the steel wire, such as "low carbon steel," "high carbon steel," or "alloy steel," and indicate whether it is stainless steel.
⚠️ Misreporting stainless steel mesh as ordinary steel wire mesh, resulting in an incorrect code.
Specifications and dimensions
Declare mesh opening size, wire diameter, mesh width, mesh length, etc., such as "mesh opening 10 mm, wire diameter 1.5 mm, width 1 m."
⚠️ Omitting mesh opening size, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to mesh sheets or another category.
Surface treatment
Declare whether it is galvanized, plastic-coated, painted, etc., such as "galvanized," "PVC-coated," or "untreated."
⚠️ Failing to declare galvanization, resulting in incorrect classification under 731449 instead of 731431.
Manufacturing process
Declare the process such as weaving, welding, or perforating, such as "woven mesh" or "welded mesh."
⚠️ Misreporting perforated mesh as woven mesh; perforated mesh should be classified under 731450.
Use
Declare the main use, such as "building protection," "filtration," or "screening."
⚠️ The use description is too broad to assist classification.
Brand
Declare the brand, if any; if there is no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Omitting the brand, affecting customs valuation or intellectual property verification.
Model
Declare the model or item number, such as "W-101."
⚠️ Confusing model with specifications, resulting in inaccurate declaration.
Example： Product name: Other steel wire mesh; Material: low carbon steel, not stainless steel; Specifications and dimensions: mesh opening 12.7 mm, wire diameter 1.2 mm, width 1.2 m, length 30 m; Surface treatment: not galvanized, not plastic-coated; Manufacturing process: woven; Use: used for building fences; Brand: none; Model: WM-12.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to indicate whether it is stainless steel; stainless steel mesh should be classified under 731412 or 731414.
Failure to indicate surface treatment; galvanized mesh should be classified under 731431.
Misreporting perforated mesh as woven mesh; perforated mesh should be classified under 731450.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material is iron or steel; 2) the form is mesh, cloth, grille, etc.; 3) the manufacturing process is weaving or welding; 4) the surface treatment status (galvanized, plastic-coated, etc.); 5) whether it is stainless steel. According to General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the HS, first determine heading 7314, then classify under the most specific subheading in subheading order. If made of stainless steel, classify first under 7314.12 or 7314.14; if galvanized, under 7314.31; if plastic-coated, under 7314.41; otherwise under 7314.49. 731412 Endless bands for machines, of stainless steel: The material is stainless steel, and it is an endless band for machines, whereas 731449 is other steel wire mesh, not stainless steel and not specially for machines. 731414 Other woven mesh of stainless steel: The material is stainless steel, whereas 731449 is woven mesh of other steel wire (not stainless steel). 731431 Galvanized steel wire mesh: The surface has undergone galvanizing treatment, whereas 731449 is steel wire mesh that is not galvanized or has other surface treatment. 731441 Plastic-coated steel wire mesh: The surface is plastic-coated, whereas 731449 is steel wire mesh that is not plastic-coated. 731450 Perforated mesh: The manufacturing process is perforating, whereas 731449 is woven or welded mesh. Has it been confirmed that the material is not stainless steel? Has it been confirmed that the surface is not galvanized or plastic-coated? Has it been confirmed that the manufacturing process is weaving or welding? Has it been confirmed that it is not a machine-specific part? Have complete specifications and dimensions been provided?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material is iron or steel; 2) the form is mesh, cloth, grille, etc.; 3) the manufacturing process is weaving or welding; 4) the surface treatment status (galvanized, plastic-coated, etc.); 5) whether it is stainless steel. According to General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the HS, first determine heading 7314, then classify under the most specific subheading in subheading order. If made of stainless steel, classify first under 7314.12 or 7314.14; if galvanized, under 7314.31; if plastic-coated, under 7314.41; otherwise under 7314.49.
Confused Codes：
731412 - Endless bands for machines, of stainless steel
The material is stainless steel, and it is an endless band for machines, whereas 731449 is other steel wire mesh, not stainless steel and not specially for machines.
731414 - Other woven mesh of stainless steel
The material is stainless steel, whereas 731449 is woven mesh of other steel wire (not stainless steel).
731431 - Galvanized steel wire mesh
The surface has undergone galvanizing treatment, whereas 731449 is steel wire mesh that is not galvanized or has other surface treatment.
731441 - Plastic-coated steel wire mesh
The surface is plastic-coated, whereas 731449 is steel wire mesh that is not plastic-coated.
731450 - Perforated mesh
The manufacturing process is perforating, whereas 731449 is woven or welded mesh.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been confirmed that the material is not stainless steel?
✓ Has it been confirmed that the surface is not galvanized or plastic-coated?
✓ Has it been confirmed that the manufacturing process is weaving or welding?
✓ Has it been confirmed that it is not a machine-specific part?
✓ Have complete specifications and dimensions been provided?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for 731449? You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Single Window," and you may also refer to the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China. Tariff rates change due to trade agreements and policy adjustments, so it is recommended to rely on the feedback from the customs system at the time of declaration. Which code should stainless steel wire mesh be classified under? If stainless steel wire mesh is woven mesh, it is classified under 731414; if it is an endless band, under 731412. Be careful to distinguish stainless steel from other steels. Can galvanized steel wire mesh be classified under 731449? No. Galvanized steel wire mesh should be classified under 731431. 731449 applies only to steel wire mesh that is not galvanized or has other surface treatment. What is the difference in classification between perforated mesh and woven mesh? Perforated mesh is classified under 731450, and woven mesh under 7314.12 to 7314.49. The main difference lies in the manufacturing process: perforated mesh forms holes by punching, while woven mesh is made by weaving wires. If steel wire mesh is used for machine filtration, is it still classified under 731449? If it is a machine-specific part and meets the notes to Chapter 84, it may be classified under Chapter 84. However, general filter mesh, if it does not constitute a machine feature, is still classified under 7314. It is recommended to judge based on actual use and installation method. Must mesh opening size be provided at declaration? Yes, mesh opening size is an important declaration element and helps customs confirm the commodity attributes and classification. If missing, it may lead to inspection or classification disputes. What is the difference between 731449 and 731439? 731439 is other steel wire mesh, but usually refers to mesh sheets or grilles? Actually, 7314.39 is other welded mesh? Please verify: 7314.39 is other welded mesh? According to the HS, 7314.39 is other welded mesh, while 7314.49 is other woven mesh. The specific distinction depends on the manufacturing process. How should steel wire mesh be declared for cross-border e-commerce retail? It must be declared according to actual commodity information, including material, specifications, use, etc. If it is a small parcel, simplified declaration may apply, but the code must be accurate. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or use the customs advance classification service.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 731449?
A: You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Single Window," and you may also refer to the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China. Tariff rates change due to trade agreements and policy adjustments, so it is recommended to rely on the feedback from the customs system at the time of declaration.
Q: Which code should stainless steel wire mesh be classified under?
A: If stainless steel wire mesh is woven mesh, it is classified under 731414; if it is an endless band, under 731412. Be careful to distinguish stainless steel from other steels.
Q: Can galvanized steel wire mesh be classified under 731449?
A: No. Galvanized steel wire mesh should be classified under 731431. 731449 applies only to steel wire mesh that is not galvanized or has other surface treatment.
Q: What is the difference in classification between perforated mesh and woven mesh?
A: Perforated mesh is classified under 731450, and woven mesh under 7314.12 to 7314.49. The main difference lies in the manufacturing process: perforated mesh forms holes by punching, while woven mesh is made by weaving wires.
Q: If steel wire mesh is used for machine filtration, is it still classified under 731449?
A: If it is a machine-specific part and meets the notes to Chapter 84, it may be classified under Chapter 84. However, general filter mesh, if it does not constitute a machine feature, is still classified under 7314. It is recommended to judge based on actual use and installation method.
Q: Must mesh opening size be provided at declaration?
A: Yes, mesh opening size is an important declaration element and helps customs confirm the commodity attributes and classification. If missing, it may lead to inspection or classification disputes.
Q: What is the difference between 731449 and 731439?
A: 731439 is other steel wire mesh, but usually refers to mesh sheets or grilles? Actually, 7314.39 is other welded mesh? Please verify: 7314.39 is other welded mesh? According to the HS, 7314.39 is other welded mesh, while 7314.49 is other woven mesh. The specific distinction depends on the manufacturing process.
Q: How should steel wire mesh be declared for cross-border e-commerce retail?
A: It must be declared according to actual commodity information, including material, specifications, use, etc. If it is a small parcel, simplified declaration may apply, but the code must be accurate. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or use the customs advance classification service.
⚠️ 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.