Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for iron and steel smelting (such as pig iron and ferroalloys of Chapter 72) and certain mechanical and electrical products (such as Chapters 84/85). This chapter includes steel pipes, hollow profiles, steel structures, containers, cables, nails, bolts, springs, etc. The core feature is that these articles are mainly made of iron or steel and are not more specifically named in other chapters. 7326 covers other articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified, and is the residual heading of this chapter. Heading 7326 covers other articles of iron or steel not specified in other headings, including various iron or steel articles forged, stamped, cast, or machined. Common goods include steel balls, steel segments, grinding media, blanks for hand tools, horseshoes, iron or steel ladders, etc. Note, however, that parts specially designed for a certain machine, if already classified in Chapters 84/85, are classified in the latter. 7326 is a broad residual heading applicable to finished articles of iron or steel not specifically named in other headings. First 2 digits 73: indicates Chapter 73, namely articles of iron or steel. Digits 3-4 26: indicates heading 7326, namely other articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified. Digits 5-6 11: indicates subheading 732611, namely forged or stamped steel balls. Among these, subheading 732611 is further limited to forged or stamped forming, rather than cast or machined. Full code 732611: represents steel balls made by forging or stamping processes, usually used for grinding, crushing, and other industrial purposes. If they are cast steel balls, they are classified under 732591; if made by other processes, they may be classified under 732619. The goods are forged steel balls, which are articles of iron or steel and are not more specifically named in other headings (for example, bearing balls are classified under 8482). The forging process distinguishes them from cast steel balls (732591) and machined steel balls (732619). Therefore, they are classified under 732611, namely forged or stamped steel balls. If they are parts specially for grinding machines, 8474 may need to be considered, but generally steel balls as independent goods are still classified under 732611.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for iron and steel smelting (such as pig iron and ferroalloys of Chapter 72) and certain mechanical and electrical products (such as Chapters 84/85). This chapter includes steel pipes, hollow profiles, steel structures, containers, cables, nails, bolts, springs, etc. The core feature is that these articles are mainly made of iron or steel and are not more specifically named in other chapters. 7326 covers other articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified, and is the residual heading of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 7326 covers other articles of iron or steel not specified in other headings, including various iron or steel articles forged, stamped, cast, or machined. Common goods include steel balls, steel segments, grinding media, blanks for hand tools, horseshoes, iron or steel ladders, etc. Note, however, that parts specially designed for a certain machine, if already classified in Chapters 84/85, are classified in the latter. 7326 is a broad residual heading applicable to finished articles of iron or steel not specifically named in other headings.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 73: indicates Chapter 73, namely articles of iron or steel. Digits 3-4 26: indicates heading 7326, namely other articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified. Digits 5-6 11: indicates subheading 732611, namely forged or stamped steel balls. Among these, subheading 732611 is further limited to forged or stamped forming, rather than cast or machined. Full code 732611: represents steel balls made by forging or stamping processes, usually used for grinding, crushing, and other industrial purposes. If they are cast steel balls, they are classified under 732591; if made by other processes, they may be classified under 732619.
Classification Basis
The goods are forged steel balls, which are articles of iron or steel and are not more specifically named in other headings (for example, bearing balls are classified under 8482). The forging process distinguishes them from cast steel balls (732591) and machined steel balls (732619). Therefore, they are classified under 732611, namely forged or stamped steel balls. If they are parts specially for grinding machines, 8474 may need to be considered, but generally steel balls as independent goods are still classified under 732611.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declared product name should accurately describe them as "forged steel balls" or "forged grinding steel balls"; avoid generally writing "steel balls". Material: Indicate the type of iron or steel, such as carbon steel, alloy steel, etc., and provide the grade (such as 45# steel, GCr15). Processing technology: Clearly state forging or stamping; subsequent heat treatment, polishing, etc. may be added, but the core is forging forming. Specifications and dimensions: Provide diameter, tolerance, etc., such as "diameter 20mm±0.5mm", to facilitate confirmation of use and classification. Use: Explain the specific use, such as "used for grinding ore in mining ball mills" or "used for bearings". Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Model: Fill in the product model or item number for easy identification. Product name: forged steel balls; Material: carbon steel 45#; Processing technology: forging; Specifications: diameter 50mm; Use: used for grinding ore in mining ball mills; Brand: none; Model: D50. Mistakenly declaring the forging process as casting, resulting in classification under 732591 instead of 732611. Failure to indicate the use; if used for bearings, they may should be classified under 8482. Material declaration is not specific, such as only writing "steel", affecting customs valuation and classification.
Product name
Declared product name should accurately describe them as "forged steel balls" or "forged grinding steel balls"; avoid generally writing "steel balls".
⚠️ Only writing "steel balls" without indicating the forging process, leading to classification disputes.
Material
Indicate the type of iron or steel, such as carbon steel, alloy steel, etc., and provide the grade (such as 45# steel, GCr15).
⚠️ Only writing "steel" without specifying the material, affecting classification and customs valuation.
Processing technology
Clearly state forging or stamping; subsequent heat treatment, polishing, etc. may be added, but the core is forging forming.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring forging as casting, resulting in an incorrect code.
Specifications and dimensions
Provide diameter, tolerance, etc., such as "diameter 20mm±0.5mm", to facilitate confirmation of use and classification.
⚠️ Not providing dimensions, making it impossible to determine whether they are grinding media or bearing balls.
Use
Explain the specific use, such as "used for grinding ore in mining ball mills" or "used for bearings".
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as "industrial use", which may affect classification.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Failure to declare the brand, leading to intellectual property risks.
Model
Fill in the product model or item number for easy identification.
⚠️ The model does not match the actual goods, causing inspection issues.
Example: Product name: forged steel balls; Material: carbon steel 45#; Processing technology: forging; Specifications: diameter 50mm; Use: used for grinding ore in mining ball mills; Brand: none; Model: D50.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly declaring the forging process as casting, resulting in classification under 732591 instead of 732611.
Failure to indicate the use; if used for bearings, they may should be classified under 8482.
Material declaration is not specific, such as only writing "steel", affecting customs valuation and classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the goods are made of iron or steel; 2) they are formed by forging or stamping; 3) they are spherical; 4) they are not more specifically named in other headings. Key review points are the processing technology (forging/stamping) and use (non-bearing use). If they are bearing balls, they should be classified under 8482; if they are cast balls, under 732591; if they are machined balls, under 732619. 732591 Cast steel balls: Cast steel balls are formed by casting, while 732611 is formed by forging or stamping; different processes lead to different codes. 732619 Other steel balls: 732619 covers steel balls made by processes other than forging, stamping, and casting (such as machining), while 732611 is limited to forging or stamping. 848291 Bearing balls: Bearing balls are specially used for bearings and must meet bearing precision standards, and are classified under 8482; while 732611 steel balls are usually used for grinding and other non-bearing purposes. 847490 Parts of grinding machines: If steel balls are specially used as parts of grinding machines and are declared together with the machine, they may be classified under 8474; but steel balls declared independently are generally classified under 732611. Is it clearly a forging or stamping process? Is it used for bearings? If so, it should be classified under 8482. Is the material grade provided? Is the specific use indicated? Is it declared mixed with other parts?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the goods are made of iron or steel; 2) they are formed by forging or stamping; 3) they are spherical; 4) they are not more specifically named in other headings. Key review points are the processing technology (forging/stamping) and use (non-bearing use). If they are bearing balls, they should be classified under 8482; if they are cast balls, under 732591; if they are machined balls, under 732619.
Confused Codes:
732591 - Cast steel balls
Cast steel balls are formed by casting, while 732611 is formed by forging or stamping; different processes lead to different codes.
732619 - Other steel balls
732619 covers steel balls made by processes other than forging, stamping, and casting (such as machining), while 732611 is limited to forging or stamping.
848291 - Bearing balls
Bearing balls are specially used for bearings and must meet bearing precision standards, and are classified under 8482; while 732611 steel balls are usually used for grinding and other non-bearing purposes.
847490 - Parts of grinding machines
If steel balls are specially used as parts of grinding machines and are declared together with the machine, they may be classified under 8474; but steel balls declared independently are generally classified under 732611.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it clearly a forging or stamping process?
✓ Is it used for bearings? If so, it should be classified under 8482.
✓ Is the material grade provided?
✓ Is the specific use indicated?
✓ Is it declared mixed with other parts?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between forged steel balls and cast steel balls? Forged steel balls are classified under 732611, and cast steel balls under 732591. The key difference lies in the processing technology: forging is formed by hammering, while casting is formed by pouring. When declaring, process evidence such as a forging report must be provided. If steel balls are used for bearings, can they still be classified under 732611? No. Bearing balls have a dedicated code 848291 because their precision and material requirements are different. If steel balls are used for bearings, they should be classified under 8482. However, if they are general industrial grinding balls, they are classified under 732611. In the declaration elements for 732611, how should the processing technology be filled in? It should be filled in as "forging" or "stamping"; subsequent processes such as "heat treatment" and "polishing" may be added, but the core is forging or stamping forming. Avoid only writing "processing". Does the diameter of steel balls affect classification? Generally no; 732611 covers forged steel balls of various sizes. However, if the size is extremely small (such as less than 1mm), they may be used for precision instruments, and other codes need to be considered. Specific dimensions should be provided when declaring. How can I check the import tariff rate for 732611? Tariff rates change, so it is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Factors such as origin and trade agreements should be noted. What special documents are required for exporting forged steel balls? Generally, a packing list, invoice, contract, and customs declaration form are required. If tax refund is involved, a VAT invoice is required. If they are dangerous goods (such as oil-coated), an MSDS is required. Specific requirements are subject to customs. What is the difference between 732611 and 732619? 732611 specifically refers to forged or stamped steel balls, while 732619 refers to steel balls made by other processes (such as machining). The process must be clearly stated when declaring to avoid confusion. If the steel balls are made of alloy steel, will the code change? No; 732611 covers forged steel balls made of all iron or steel (including alloy steel). However, the material must be indicated when declaring to facilitate customs valuation and classification.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between forged steel balls and cast steel balls?
A: Forged steel balls are classified under 732611, and cast steel balls under 732591. The key difference lies in the processing technology: forging is formed by hammering, while casting is formed by pouring. When declaring, process evidence such as a forging report must be provided.
Q: If steel balls are used for bearings, can they still be classified under 732611?
A: No. Bearing balls have a dedicated code 848291 because their precision and material requirements are different. If steel balls are used for bearings, they should be classified under 8482. However, if they are general industrial grinding balls, they are classified under 732611.
Q: In the declaration elements for 732611, how should the processing technology be filled in?
A: It should be filled in as "forging" or "stamping"; subsequent processes such as "heat treatment" and "polishing" may be added, but the core is forging or stamping forming. Avoid only writing "processing".
Q: Does the diameter of steel balls affect classification?
A: Generally no; 732611 covers forged steel balls of various sizes. However, if the size is extremely small (such as less than 1mm), they may be used for precision instruments, and other codes need to be considered. Specific dimensions should be provided when declaring.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 732611?
A: Tariff rates change, so it is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Factors such as origin and trade agreements should be noted.
Q: What special documents are required for exporting forged steel balls?
A: Generally, a packing list, invoice, contract, and customs declaration form are required. If tax refund is involved, a VAT invoice is required. If they are dangerous goods (such as oil-coated), an MSDS is required. Specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: What is the difference between 732611 and 732619?
A: 732611 specifically refers to forged or stamped steel balls, while 732619 refers to steel balls made by other processes (such as machining). The process must be clearly stated when declaring to avoid confusion.
Q: If the steel balls are made of alloy steel, will the code change?
A: No; 732611 covers forged steel balls made of all iron or steel (including alloy steel). However, the material must be indicated when declaring to facilitate customs valuation and classification.
⚠️ 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.