In stainless steel exports, classification is the most underestimated step. The HS code determines the customs duty, anti-dumping duty and licensing requirements;declaring the same shipment as "coil" or "sheet" can double the duty rate.
Common Codes (the first 6 digits are internationally valid)
| Product | HS Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel hot-rolled coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.1x | Classified by thickness |
| Stainless steel cold-rolled coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x | Classified by thickness |
| Stainless steel cold-rolled sheet (not coil, width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x / 7219.4x | Some tariff schedules list coil and non-coil separately |
| Stainless steel narrow strip (width <600 mm) | 7220.xx | Common for slit strip |
| Stainless steel round blank / special-shaped part | 7326.90 or classified as an article | Depends on the depth of processing; confirm with a customs broker |
Three Common Pitfalls
- Confusing "coil" and "sheet" in the declaration: Declaring uncoiled (dec oiled) sheet as coil leads to additional duty claims during anti-dumping verification. Declaration elements must be updated before and after uncoiling.
- Mismatch between the certificate of origin and the invoice product name: The product name on the CO must match the commercial invoice and bill of lading, otherwise customs clearance at the port of arrival will be rejected. The rules for issuing Form A / Form E are more detailed.
- Ignoring the destination country's anti-dumping measures and CBAM: The EU applies anti-dumping measures to certain stainless steel products; during the CBAM transitional period, embedded carbon emissions must also be declared. Confirm the destination country's current measures before shipment.
What We Can Provide: Along with each shipment: EN 10204 3.1 quality certificate (including heat number and chemical composition), commercial invoice and packing list, certificate of origin (CO / Form A / Form E), and a declaration elements table prepared according to destination country requirements. If third-party inspection (SGS / BV / Intertek) is required, it is arranged before loading.
We recommend stating the destination country and trade term (FOB / CIF / CFR) at the quotation stage; we prepare documents according to the destination port's usual document list to reduce additional document requests after arrival at the port.
