Stainless Steel Bars and Rods
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7215500090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7222110059 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908605 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7222110057 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
๐ Stainless Steel Bars and Rods โ HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026 | Full Customs Clearance Strategy
๐ One-Stop HS Code & Tariff Breakdown | US Import Rules | High-Tax Alert!
โ Product: Stainless Steel Bars and Rods (Solid, Round, Square, Hexagonal, etc.)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Applicable to: U.S. Customs (CBP), Importers, Freight Forwarders, Exporters
โ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (Updated Tariff Schedule)
๐ I. What Is "Stainless Steel Bar"? โ The Key to Correct Classification
Stainless steel bars and rods are solid, non-tubular metal products made from stainless steel alloys (e.g., 304, 316, 410), used in construction, machinery, automotive, and industrial equipment.
โ ๏ธ Critical Distinction: - Bar/Rod: Solid, uniform cross-section (round, square, hex, etc.) โ HS Code applies - Tubular: Hollow, pipe-like โ Different HS Code (e.g., 7306 or 7308)
- Wire/Forged: Not applicable here โ Different classification
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Table (2026 U.S. Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Match? | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
7215.50.00.90 |
Stainless steel bars and rods, not further worked than sawn, cut, or bent | โ Yes | Matches material (stainless steel) & form (bar/rod) |
7222.11.00.59 |
Stainless steel bars and rods, hot-rolled, not further worked than sawn | โ Yes | Matches material & form; hot-rolled is common |
7326.90.86.05 |
Other iron or steel articles, not elsewhere specified โ includes bars/rods under "other" | โ ๏ธ Possible | "Other" category โ applies if no better fit |
7222.11.00.57 |
Stainless steel bars and rods, hot-rolled, not further worked than sawn | โ Yes | Same as 7222.11.00.59 โ minor code variation |
๐ Key Insight:
All four codes are valid for stainless steel bars/rods, but 7215.50.00.90 and 7222.11.00.59/57 are most precise due to direct alignment with material and form.
๐ฐ III. 2026 U.S. Tariff Breakdown โ Full Tax Analysis (China-Origin)
๐ฅ Total Tax Rate: 35% โ 87.9%
๐จ High-risk category โ subject to multiple layers of additional tariffs
๐ฏ 1. HS Code: 7215.50.00.90
Stainless Steel Bars & Rods โ General Category
| Tax Component | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | No standard tariff |
| Section 301 (USITC) โ Add-on Tariff | +25.0% | From U.S. Trade Act 301 (China trade war) |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) โ Emergency Economic Powers | +10.0% | Applies to Chinese-origin goods under national emergency |
| Total Effective Duty | 35.0% | CIF ร 35% |
| De Minimis Threshold | โ Not applicable | No 8% de minimis relief for China-origin goods |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:7215.50.00.90 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Why This Applies:
- Stainless steel is iron-based โ falls under "iron or non-alloy steel"
- Bar/rod shape matches "not further worked than sawn"
- No better-fitting subheading โ "Other" category applies (ๅ ๅบ็ฑป็ฎ)
๐ฏ 2. HS Code: 7222.11.00.59
Hot-Rolled Stainless Steel Bars & Rods โ Most Common
| Tax Component | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | No base tariff |
| Section 301 (USITC) | +25.0% | Applies to all Chinese-origin steel products |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) | +10.0% | Emergency tariff on China-made steel |
| Total Effective Duty | 35.0% | CIF ร 35% |
| De Minimis | โ Not available | China-origin goods excluded |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:7222.11.00.59 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Why This Applies:
- Hot-rolled bars are standard manufacturing form
- Matches "not further worked than sawn"
- Direct match with "stainless steel bars" in 7222.11.00
๐ฏ 3. HS Code: 7222.11.00.57
Same as 7222.11.00.59 โ Minor Code Variant
| Tax Component | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | Standard |
| USITC (301) | +25.0% | Applies |
| IEEPA (122) | +10.0% | Applies |
| Total Duty | 35.0% | Identical to 7222.11.00.59 |
| De Minimis | โ No | China-origin goods blocked |
| Legal Basis | Same as above |
๐ Note:
-7222.11.00.57and7222.11.00.59are nearly identical โ likely different internal code versions
- Both are valid for hot-rolled stainless steel bars
๐ฏ 4. HS Code: 7326.90.86.05
"Other" Category โ Last Resort Classification
| Tax Component | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.9% | Standard rate for "other iron/steel articles" |
| USITC (301) | +25.0% | Applies to Chinese-origin steel |
| IEEPA (122) | +10.0% | Emergency tariff |
| Steel/Aluminum Add-on | +50.0% | NEW 2025 rule: Extra 50% on steel/aluminum products from China |
| Total Effective Duty | 87.9% | CIF ร 87.9% |
| De Minimis | โ No | Not eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:7326.90.86.05 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 + Steel/Aluminum Add-on: 9903.88.02 |
๐ Why This Is Risky:
- Used when no specific HS code fits
- "Other" category triggers the 50% steel/aluminum surcharge
- High-risk for audit, penalties, or seizure
- Only use if no better match exists
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips!)
โ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must state: "Stainless Steel Bars, Hot-Rolled, 304 Grade, 10mm Diameter" |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Include length, weight, quantity per bar |
| โ Bill of Lading (BOL) | โ๏ธ | Proof of shipment |
| โ Material Test Certificate (MTC) | โ๏ธ | Prove stainless steel grade (e.g., 304/316) |
| โ Mill Test Report (MTR) | โ๏ธ | Required for steel imports |
| โ Certificate of Origin (CO) | โ๏ธ | Must show "China" โ affects tariff |
| โ Product Photos (with markings) | โ๏ธ | Show brand, size, finish, and stamping |
โ 2.็ณๆฅๆๅทง (Smart Declaration Tips)
๐ฅ "Match the Code, Avoid the 87.9% Trap!"
| Scenario | Correct Action | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-rolled stainless steel bars | Use 7222.11.00.59 or 7222.11.00.57 |
Use 7326.90.86.05 โ 87.9% tax! |
| Cold-drawn bars | Use 7215.50.00.90 |
Claim "not further worked" โ correct |
| Unclear grade or finish | Provide MTR + MTC | Donโt guess โ risk misclassification |
โ 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Multiple bar types in one shipment | Break down by grade, size, and processing โ assign correct HS code per batch |
| Custom-cut or non-standard lengths | Still qualify under 7215.50.00.90 if not further worked |
| Used or recycled stainless steel | May qualify for lower duty โ need proof of origin and condition |
| Export from Vietnam/Mexico | Can avoid 301/IEEPA tariffs โ apply for origin re-verification |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Extra Taxes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 7222.11.00.59 |
0% | +25% +10% +50% (if misclassified) | High risk! |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 7222.11.00.59 |
5% | None | Domestic trade |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 7222.11.00.00 |
0% | None | No 301/IEEPA |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 7222.11.00.00 |
5% | None | No extra tariffs |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 7222.11.00.00 |
0% | None | No additional duties |
๐ Insight:
- U.S. is the only market with 301 + IEEPA + 50% steel surcharge
- Vietnam/Mexico-origin steel can avoid 35โ87.9% tariffs โ Consider shifting production!
๐จ VI. Common Mistakes & Penalties (Avoid These!)
โ Mistake 1: Using 7326.90.86.05 for standard stainless steel bars
๐ Result: 87.9% tax โ $879 per $1,000 CIF โ huge cost overruns!
โ Mistake 2: Not providing MTR or MTC
๐ Result: Customs delays, rejection, or seizure
โ Mistake 3: Mislabeling "cold-drawn" as "hot-rolled"
๐ Result: Incorrect HS code โ penalties + audit risk
โ Mistake 4: Shipping from China without origin verification
๐ Result: No de minimis, no exemptions, full 35โ87.9%
โ VII. Final Recommendations: How to Win the Tariff Battle
๐ฏ Golden Rule:
"Use the most specific HS code. Never default to 'other'. Avoid 87.9% like the plague!"
โ Action Plan:
- Verify bar type: Hot-rolled? โ Use
7222.11.00.59/57 - Check processing: Not further worked than sawn? โ Use
7215.50.00.90 - Never use
7326.90.86.05unless absolutely necessary - Get MTR & MTC ready
- Consider shifting production to Vietnam/Mexico to avoid tariffs
- Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Review) โ $100โ$500 fee โ peace of mind
๐ฏ Conclusion: Master the Code, Master the Cost
๐ฅ 35% vs 87.9% = $529 difference per $1,000 CIF
๐ธ Thatโs $52,900 on a $1M shipment!๐ Remember: - โ
7222.11.00.59โ Best fit โ 35%
- โ7326.90.86.05โ Last resort โ 87.9%
- ๐จ China-origin steel = 35% minimum, 87.9% max risk
๐ฃ Take Action Now!
๐ Contact a U.S. Customs Broker + Submit Product Photos + Request HS Code Pre-Approval
๐ Reduce tariffs, avoid penalties, ship with confidence!
โจ Your success starts with one correct HS code.
๐ผ Donโt let a wrong classification cost you thousands.
๐ฆ Stainless steel bars? Classify smart. Pay less. Win big.
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.