304 Stainless Steel Coil
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7220201015 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7220201080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7219320020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7219320044 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π 304 Stainless Steel Coil β HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026 | Expert Customs Classification & Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Makes a 304 Stainless Steel Coil "304"?
304 Stainless Steel Coil is a high-performance, corrosion-resistant alloy widely used in construction, food processing, chemical equipment, automotive, and industrial manufacturing.
It is defined by its chemical composition: - 18% Chromium, 8% Nickel (Austenitic stainless steel) - Excellent formability, weldability, and resistance to oxidation and corrosion
In international trade, coils (rolled flat steel in continuous form) are classified under flat-rolled products of stainless steel β specifically those meeting specific shape, thickness, and material criteria.
β οΈ Key Classification Rule:
A product must be flat-rolled, coiled, and comply with the material specification of 304 stainless steel to fall under these HS Codes.
- If itβs cut into sheets β may still qualify if not fully processed
- If itβs welded or shaped β may fall into other categories (e.g., tubes, profiles)
π¦ II. HS Code Breakdown (2026 Updated Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Basis | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
7220.20.10.15 |
304 Stainless Steel Coil, conforming to flat-rolled form and material requirements | Flat-rolled, cold-rolled, stainless steel, 304 grade | 35.0% |
7220.20.10.80 |
304 Stainless Steel Coil, meeting stainless flat-rolled product material standards | Cold-rolled, non-heat-treated, 304 stainless steel | 35.0% |
7219.32.00.20 |
304 Stainless Steel Coil, meeting flat-rolled product material and form characteristics | Hot- or cold-rolled, flat-rolled, 304 stainless | 35.0% |
7219.32.00.44 |
304 Stainless Steel Coil in roll form, meeting core classification criteria | General flat-rolled, 304 stainless, coiled | 35.0% |
π Why These Codes?
- 7220.20.10.x β Covers cold-rolled stainless steel coils
- 7219.32.00.x β Covers hot-rolled or cold-rolled stainless steel coils (broader category)
- All four codes are interchangeable in practice for 304 stainless steel coils β the difference lies only in sub-division, not in tax or classification logic.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Structure Explained (US Focus)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and ongoing)
π― 1. 7220.20.10.15 & 7220.20.10.80 β Cold-Rolled 304 Stainless Steel Coils
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) | Standard rate for stainless steel coils |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% | IEEPA: 9903.01.24 | From the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) |
| Total Effective Duty | 35.0% | β | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable | β | No de minimis relief for China-origin goods |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:7220.20.10.15 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
β | Full compliance chain required |
π Explanation:
- 25% USITC (Section 301): Targeted at unfair trade practices by China; applies to over 3000 products, including stainless steel coils.
- 10% IEEPA (Section 122): Imposed under emergency powers for national security concerns; applies to all goods from China in certain categories.
- Total = 35% β one of the highest tariffs on industrial raw materials in the US.
π― 2. 7219.32.00.20 & 7219.32.00.44 β Hot/Cold-Rolled 304 Stainless Steel Coils
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | HTSUS | Standard rate |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Applies to all stainless steel flat-rolled products |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% | IEEPA: 9903.01.24 | Same as above |
| Total Effective Duty | 35.0% | β | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Relief | β Not available | β | No exemption even for small shipments |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:7219.32.00.20 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
β | Same compliance chain |
π Note:
- These codes cover both hot-rolled and cold-rolled coils.
- Even if the coil is hot-rolled, it still attracts the same 35% tariff β no distinction in rate.
- The only difference is the technical classification based on rolling process and thickness.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips for Exporters & Importers)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)
| Document | Why Itβs Critical | Format |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | Must state: "304 Stainless Steel Coil, Cold-Rolled, 1.0 mm thick, 1200 mm wide" | Clear, detailed, accurate |
| β Packing List | Shows coil weight, number of coils, diameter, inner/outer dimensions | Must match invoice |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | Proves origin (China) β triggers 35% tariff | Must be issued by Chamber of Commerce |
| β Material Test Certificate (MTC) | Proves 304 grade (18-8 Cr-Ni), chemical composition | From mill or third-party lab |
| β Mill Test Report (MTR) | Confirms compliance with ASTM A240/A240M | Essential for steel imports |
| β Product Photos (with labels) | Shows coil ID, markings, thickness, width | High-res, clear, labeled |
| β Export License (if applicable) | For controlled materials (rare for 304) | Check EAR/ITAR |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌη³ζ₯ε£θ―οΌ
π₯ βCoil not sheet, 304 not 201, origin matters, tax jumps 35%!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-rolled 304 coil, 1.2 mm thick | 7220.20.10.15 or 7220.20.10.80 |
Misclassified as 7219.32.00.20 β same tax, but wrong sub-code |
| Hot-rolled 304 coil | 7219.32.00.20 or 7219.32.00.44 |
Misclassified as 7220.20.10.x β risk of audit |
| Coil cut into sheets (before import) | Still 7220.20.10.x or 7219.32.00.x |
If not fully processed, still flat-rolled |
| Coil with surface coating (e.g., oil, anti-corrosion) | Still qualifies | Do not declare as "coated" unless it changes function |
β 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Coil from Vietnam/Mexico | Apply for IEEPA exemption β may qualify for 0% tariff if origin is not China |
| Coil used in medical devices | Can apply for non-commercial use exemption β requires documentation |
| Coil with surface defects | Must declare accurately β do not hide; risk of penalties |
| Multiple coils in one shipment | Declare as one entry with total value β avoid split declarations |
| Re-imported coils (re-export) | Must provide re-export documentation β risk of double taxation |
π V. Global Customs Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Additional Duties | Total Effective Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7220.20.10.15 / 7219.32.00.20 |
0% | +25% (USITC) +10% (IEEPA) | 35.0% | No de minimis |
| π¨π³ China | 7220.20.10.15 |
5% | None | 5.0% | Domestic trade |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7220.20.10.15 |
0% | None | 0% | If CE-certified |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 7220.20.10.15 |
0% | None | 0% | RCM compliant |
| π―π΅ Japan | 7220.20.10.15 |
0% | None | 0% | PSE compliant |
π Insight:
- The US is the only major market imposing a 35% tariff on 304 stainless steel coils from China.
- Vietnam, Mexico, India, and Thailand may offer tariff-free or lower-duty alternatives β consider supply chain shift.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real-World Risks)
β Mistake 1: Declaring βstainless steel sheetβ instead of βcoilβ
π Result: Incorrect classification β higher audit risk, delayed clearance
β Mistake 2: Not providing MTR or MTC
π Result: Customs may refuse entry, demand retesting, or impose penalties
β Mistake 3: Using β304β without proof of composition
π Result: If found non-compliant, penalties + re-export possible
β Mistake 4: Splitting shipment to avoid de minimis
π Result: All shipments taxed at 35% β no relief even if small
β Correct Declaration Example:
β304 Stainless Steel Coil, Cold-Rolled, 1.0 mm Γ 1200 mm, 500 kg, ASTM A240, Mill Test Report Attached, Origin: Chinaβ
π― VII. Final Verdict: Your 304 Coil β From China to the US? Think Twice.
π₯ β35% tariff isnβt just a number β itβs a profit killer.β
- If your coil is from China: Expect 35% β no exceptions.
- If youβre sourcing from Vietnam/Mexico: Apply for origin certification β may qualify for 0%.
- If youβre a manufacturer: Consider local production or dual sourcing to avoid tariffs.
π£ Immediate Action Plan
π Contact a US Customs Broker + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Submit MTR, MTC, photos, and specs
π Get pre-approval before shipment β avoid delays, penalties, or rejection
β¨ Pro Tip:
If youβre importing more than 50 tons/month, consider establishing a bonded warehouse or using a free trade zone to defer or reduce tariff exposure.
π― Bottom Line:
πΉ 304 Stainless Steel Coil from China β 35% tariff (0% base + 25% USITC + 10% IEEPA)
πΉ HS Codes:7220.20.10.15,7220.20.10.80,7219.32.00.20,7219.32.00.44β all same tax
πΉ No de minimis relief β even small shipments pay 35%
πΉ Always provide MTR, MTC, photos, and origin proof
π Remember:
πΌ Your HS Code is not just a number β itβs your tax liability, compliance risk, and profit margin.
β Get it right the first time β or pay the price.
π Ready to ship?
π© Contact a certified customs broker today
π Get your 304 Stainless Steel Coil cleared β fast, safe, and compliant!
β¨ Precision Classification. Zero Surprises. Maximum Profit.
πΌ Your supply chain deserves better than guesswork.
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.