What HS code do I use for stainless steel?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 72
HS chapter 72: Iron and steel
Section XV — Base metals and articles of base metal
Goods classified under this chapter include various forms of iron and steel, such as pig iron, stainless steel bars, and flat-rolled products. For instance, if you're importing stainless steel flat-rolled products over 600mm wide, you'll need to navigate through specific headings to find the correct classification.
To determine the appropriate HS-4 code, start by identifying the product form and intended use. For example, if you have hot-rolled bars, you would look at headings like 7213 or 7214. Pay attention to width and whether the product is clad or coated, as this can affect your classification.
Once you've narrowed down to an HS-4 code, check the notes and exclusions in the chapter. For example, if your product is a flat-rolled steel under 600mm, you would explore headings like 7211 or 7212. Understanding these nuances is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid misclassification.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
iron and steel classification · HS-72 codes · importing stainless steel · ferrous products · flat-rolled steel · pig iron shipping · alloy steel import · metal scrap classification · steel bars and rods · ferro-alloys · non-alloy steel · hot-rolled products · cold-rolled steel · metal product codes · steel ingots · wires of steel · semi-finished steel products
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify stainless steel flat-rolled products
- choosing the right HS code for pig iron shipments
- understanding the differences in iron and steel classifications
- importing alloy steel and its HS code requirements
- navigating the HS-72 chapter for metal products
- determining the HS-4 code for hot-rolled steel bars
- guidelines for classifying ferrous waste and scrap
- what to check in the notes for iron and steel codes
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- Pig iron in blocks for steel production
- Ferro-alloys used in metallurgy
- Cold-rolled steel sheets for automotive parts
- Stainless steel rods for construction
- Iron scrap for recycling
- Hot-rolled steel coils for manufacturing
- Alloy steel bars for machinery components
Common classification questions
How to classify flat-rolled steel products?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Is pig iron classified under HS-72?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What are the differences between HS-7208 and HS-7209?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
How do I determine the right HS-4 code for alloy steel?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What notes should I check for iron and steel classifications?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What is the HS code for pig iron?
- Pig iron is classified under **7201**.
- How do I classify stainless steel products?
- Stainless steel products can fall under various headings, such as **7218** for ingots or **7219** for flat-rolled products over 600mm.
- What should I consider when classifying ferrous scrap?
- Check if the scrap is classified as waste or if it can be remelted; this will guide you to **7204** for ferrous waste and scrap.
- Are there specific notes for alloy steel classifications?
- Yes, make sure to review the chapter notes for any exclusions or specific definitions related to alloy steel.
- What is the difference between hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel?
- Hot-rolled steel is processed at high temperatures, while cold-rolled steel is processed at room temperature, affecting their classifications under headings like **7208** and **7209**.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 72 (29)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
7201
Pig iron and spiegeleisen in pigs, blocks or other primary forms
7202
Ferro-alloys
7203
Ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore and other spongy ferrous products, in lumps, pellets or the like; iron having a minimum purity of 99.94%, in lumps, pellets or similar forms
7204
Ferrous waste and scrap; remelting scrap ingots of iron or steel
7205
Granules and powders, of pig iron, spiegeleisen, iron or steel
7206
Iron and non-alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms (excluding iron of heading no. 7203)
7207
Iron or non-alloy steel; semi-finished products thereof
7208
Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled products of a width of 600mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated
7209
Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled products, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled (cold-reduced), not clad, plated or coated
7210
Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled products, width 600mm or more, clad, plated or coated
7211
Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled products, width less than 600mm, not clad, plated or coated
7212
Iron or non-alloy steel; flat-rolled products, width less than 600mm, clad, plated or coated
7213
Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils
7214
Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot drawn or hot-extruded, but including those twisted after rolling
7215
Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, n.e.c. in chapter 72
7216
Iron or non-alloy steel, angles, shapes and sections
7217
Wire of iron or non-alloy steel
7218
Stainless steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of stainless steel
7219
Stainless steel; flat-rolled products of width of 600mm or more
7220
Stainless steel; flat-rolled products of width less than 600mm
7221
Stainless steel bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils
7222
Stainless steel bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections
7223
Stainless steel wire
7224
Alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms, semi-finished products of other alloy steel
7225
Alloy steel flat-rolled products, of a width 600mm or more
7226
Alloy steel flat-rolled products, of a width of less than 600mm
7227
Steel, alloy; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils
7228
Alloy steel bars, rods, shapes and sections; hollow drill bars and rods, of alloy or non-alloy steel
7229
Wire of other alloy steel
Browse first heading (HS-4 7201)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (7201). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.