Other bars and rods of stainless steel
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326908605 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7222110057 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7215500090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7222110059 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Stainless Steel Bars and Rods (Other)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Stainless Steel Bars"?
Stainless steel bars and rods are essential raw materials in industrial manufacturing, ranging from construction hardware to medical instruments and automotive components. In international trade, classification depends heavily on the material composition, physical form, and specific usage.
Based on the provided data, the product is identified as "Stainless Steel Bars/Rods". However, the classification varies significantly based on precise sub-category matching, leading to vastly different tax liabilities.
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- Precise Match: If the material and form perfectly match specific sub-headings like7222.11.00.57or7222.11.00.59, the base duty is lower.
- Fallback/Catch-all: If it doesn't fit specific sub-headings but is still a stainless steel rod, it falls under7215.50.00.90.
- Other Products: If classified broadly under "other articles" without specific rod definition, it might fall under7326.90.86.05.
- Critical Risk: Misclassification can lead to a massive tax difference (from 35% to 87.9%).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Base Duty | Additional Duties | Total Tax Rate |
|--------|----------|----------|----------------|-------------------|
| 7326.90.86.05 | Stainless steel rods, material is stainless steel, form is rods, classified as other products. | General "Other Articles" (Fallback/Broad Category) | 2.9% | +25% (Section 301) +10% (Section 122) +50% (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | 87.9% |
| 7222.11.00.57 | Stainless steel rods, matching material and form, judged based on other categories. | Specific Stainless Steel Rods (Precise Match) | 0.0% | +25% (Section 301) +10% (Section 122) | 35.0% |
| 7222.11.00.59 | Stainless steel rods, material and form consistent with classification requirements. | Specific Stainless Steel Rods (Precise Match) | 0.0% | +25% (Section 301) +10% (Section 122) | 35.0% |
| 7215.50.00.90 | Stainless steel rods, matching material and form, fits the logic of the catch-all category. | Stainless Steel Bars/Rods (General Catch-all) | 0.0% | +25% (Section 301) +10% (Section 122) | 35.0% |
π Important Reminder:
-7326.90.86.05carries a catastrophic 87.9% tax rate due to the 50% Section 122 surcharge on steel products. This is likely due to a broad "other products" classification that triggers additional penalties.
-7222and7215codes are standard for stainless steel rods, with a much lower 35% total rate.
- Verification is Critical: Ensure your product documentation clearly supports the "Stainless Steel" material and "Rod" form to justify the lower 35% rate under Chapter 72.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025 November 10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 7326.90.86.05 ββ Other Articles (High-Risk Classification)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.9% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| Section 122 Surcharge (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | +50% (Critical Trigger!) |
| Additional Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption Available? | β NO (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7326.90.86.05 β FOOTNOTE:Section 122 Steel β IEEPA:9903.01.25 β Section 301:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 87.9% rate is extremely high. It includes a 50% surcharge specifically targeting steel products under Section 122, plus a 10% additional surcharge, and 25% Section 301 duties.
- This classification is likely used when the product is deemed "other articles" rather than specific steel rods, triggering broader and harsher penalties.
- Avoid this classification if possible! It can wipe out profit margins entirely.
π― 2. 7222.11.00.57 / 7222.11.00.59 ββ Stainless Steel Rods (Precise Match)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Available? | β NO (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7222.11.00.57/59 β Section 122:10% β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β Section 301:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- These codes represent a more accurate classification for stainless steel rods.
- The base duty is 0%, but the 35% total still includes significant surcharges.
- This is significantly better than the 87.9% rate. Proper documentation is key to supporting this classification.
π― 3. 7215.50.00.90 ββ Stainless Steel Bars/Rods (Catch-all Logic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Available? | β NO (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7215.50.00.90 β Section 122:10% β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β Section 301:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- This code is a fallback if the product doesn't fit the precise7222sub-categories but is still recognized as stainless steel bars/rods.
- The tax rate is identical to the7222codes (35%).
- Use this if your product is a standard stainless steel rod but doesn't meet the specific criteria for7222.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Document Checklist (None Missing)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state Material: Stainless Steel (e.g., 304, 316), Form: Rods/Bars, Dimensions. |
| β Material Test Report | βοΈ | Third-party certificate confirming stainless steel composition (chromium/nickel content). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the rods, including cross-sections and packaging. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Explicitly describe as "Stainless Steel Rods" or "Stainless Steel Bars", NOT "Other Metal Articles". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, quantity, and dimensions to prove rod form. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If applicable, for potential preferential treatment (though US has high duties). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Be Precise: Stainless Steel Rods = Chapter 72, NOT Chapter 73!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Stainless Steel Rods | 7222.11.00.57 or 7215.50.00.90 |
Misdeclare as "Other Metal Articles" (7326) β 87.9% Tax |
| Mixed Materials (e.g., Steel + Plastic Coating) | Consult customs for hybrid classification | Declare as pure stainless steel β Seizure/Fine |
| Cut-off Pieces (Short Rods) | 7215.50.00.90 (Bars) |
Declare as "Parts" β Higher Duties |
| "Other Articles" (Non-Rod Forms) | 7326.90.86.05 |
Must accept 87.9% tax; no alternative |
β 3. Special Handling for Edge Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Rods | Provide customer drawings specifying material and form to justify 7222 or 7215. |
| Stainless Steel Wire vs. Rods | Wire (smaller diameter) may fall under different codes. Ensure correct form classification. |
| Rods with Surface Treatment | If coated or painted, may still be classified under Chapter 72, but provide evidence of underlying stainless steel. |
| High-Performance Alloys | Some stainless alloys may have different base rates; verify specific material composition. |
π 5. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7222.11.00.57 / 7215.50.00.90 |
35% (Section 301 + 122) | None specific (but high tax) | AVOID 7326 (87.9%)! |
| π¨π³ China | 7222.11.00.00 |
5-10% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower base duty, no US surcharges |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7222.11.00 |
2.7-4.5% | CE (if used in machinery) | No Section 301/122 equivalents |
| π¬π§ UK | 7222.11.00 |
2.7-4.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 7222.11.00 |
3.0-4.5% | PSE (if electrical) | No significant surcharges |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest-cost market due to Section 301 and Section 122 surcharges.
- Misclassification into Chapter 73 (7326) is fatal, resulting in 87.9% tax.
- Ensure Chapter 72 (7222/7215) classification to secure the 35% rate.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring stainless steel rods as "Other Metal Articles" (7326)
π Consequence: Tax rate jumps from 35% to 87.9% β Profit wiped out!
β Error 2: Failing to provide material certificates
π Consequence: Customs cannot verify "Stainless Steel" β Delayed clearance or downgraded to higher tax category
β Error 3: Using vague terms like "Metal Bars" without specifying "Stainless"
π Consequence: Customs may apply general steel duties or misclassify β Unpredictable taxes
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 122 Surcharge
π Consequence: Assuming only Section 301 (25%) applies β Missing 50% additional tax
β Correct Practice:
"Stainless Steel Rods, 304 Grade, 10mm Diameter, Hot Rolled, HS Code: 7222.11.00.57, Origin: China"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Millions!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Chapter 72 is King, Chapter 73 is Death!"
πΉ "35% vs 87.9%: The difference is documentation!"
πΉ "Don't guess, specify: Stainless Steel Rods = 7222/7215!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your stainless steel rods are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for USMCA or other FTA benefits, potentially reducing tariffs.
- Apply for an Advance Ruling from US Customs before shipment to lock in the 35% rate and avoid surprises.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide material specs + Request HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure your stainless steel rods clear customs smoothly, minimize taxes, and maximize profit!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved is a dollar earned!
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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.