stainless steel flat rolled products
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7218910015 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7219210020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7218910060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7220110000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7220201080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7219330080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Stainless Steel Flat Rolled Products (Flat Plates & Sheets)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Stainless Steel Flat Rolled Products"?
Stainless steel flat products are one of the most critical raw materials in global manufacturing, widely used in construction, automotive, kitchenware, and industrial machinery. In international trade, these products are classified primarily by their shape (Flat/Coils) and processing method (Hot/Rolled or Cold-Rolled).
The core characteristic distinguishing these HS codes is "Flat" vs. "Coils". * Flat Plates/Sheets (7218/7220 series with "Flat" descriptors): Usually cut to length, not coiled. * Coils (Often 7219/7225 series): Supplied in rolled coils.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is explicitly described as "Flat Plates" (εΉ³ζΏζ), "Sheets" (ζΏζ), or "Semi-finished Products (εηΊ§ε½’ηΆ/εζε)", it falls under specific subheadings like7218.91or7220.11.
- The provided data focuses heavily on "Flat Plates" (εΉ³ζΏζ) and "Semi-finished/Primary Shapes", indicating products that are cut-to-size or in a basic semi-finished state, distinct from rolled coils.
π¦ Part 2: Detailed HS Code Classification (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
7218.91.00.15 |
Stainless Steel, Semi-finished (Flat Plate Category) | Material: Stainless; Form: Primary Shape/Semi-finished (Flat plate belongs to this category) | Semi-finished stainless steel plates, basic processing stages |
7219.21.00.20 |
Stainless Steel, Flat Rolled Products | Material: Stainless; Form: Flat Plate; Key feature: Flat rolled products | Finished or semi-finished flat sheets, strictly "flat" not coiled |
7218.91.00.60 |
Stainless Steel, Semi-finished (Flat Plate) | Material: Stainless; Form: Flat Plate (Belongs to primary shape/semi-finished) | Similar to .15, focusing on semi-finished flat stock |
7220.11.00.00 |
Stainless Steel, Flat Rolled Products (Low Carbon/Specific Grade) | Material: Stainless; Form: Flat Plate; Matches "Flat Rolled Products" | Specific grade stainless steel flat plates (often lower alloy or specific finish) |
7220.20.10.80 |
Stainless Steel, Flat Rolled Products (Other) | Material: Stainless; Form: Plate; Category: Flat Rolled (7220 scope) | General stainless steel plates not covered by 7220.11 |
7219.33.00.80 |
Stainless Steel, Flat Rolled Products (Not in Coils) | Material: Stainless; Form: Flat Plate; Status: Not in coils | Cut-to-size flat sheets, explicitly non-coiled |
π Important Note:
- The provided data only covers Flat Plates/Sheets (εΉ³ζΏζ).
- If your product is in Coils (ε·ηΆ), these specific HS codes (especially 7219.21, 7220.11) might not be the most accurate if the description explicitly says "Flat Plate." However, 7219.33 explicitly mentions "Not in Coils", confirming the "Flat Sheet" nature.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Implied by the 122 Clause & Additional Tariffs)
β Effective Date: Current (Includes Section 301 & IEEPA provisions)
π― 1. High Tariff Group: 7218.91.00.15, 7219.21.00.20, 7218.91.00.60, 7220.20.10.80, 7219.33.00.80
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (USITC Footnote for Chinese Stainless Steel) |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Tariff | +10.0% (Specific additional levy, often labeled as "122 Clause" in data) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High risk for de minimis claims on steel) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 9903.88.01 β IEEPA/122: 9903.01.25 β USITC: [HS Code] |
π Explanation:
- 25% Additional Tariff: Standard Section 301 tariff on Chinese stainless steel products.
- 10% "122 Clause" Tariff: Refers to specific additional levies (often under US trade acts or specific anti-dumping/countervailing contexts, or new IEEPA provisions).
- Total 35%: This is a very high tariff rate. Importers must factor this into landed cost calculations immediately.
π― 2. Low Tariff Group: 7220.11.00.00
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% (Reduced or specific rate for this subheading) |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 9903.88.01 (Partial) β IEEPA/122: 9903.01.25 β USITC: 7220.11.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- 7.5% Additional Tariff: This subheading (7220.11.00.00) appears to have a lower additional Section 301 rate (7.5% vs 25%). This could be due to specific alloy composition, thickness, or exclusion lists.
- Total 17.5%: Significantly lower than the 35% group. This is a critical savings point if your product qualifies for this specific HS code.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material Grade (e.g., 304, 316), Form (Flat Plate), Thickness, Width/Length. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Stainless Steel Flat Plate/Sheet", not just "Steel Plate". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify if products are in coils or cut plates. Crucial for 7219 vs 7220 classification. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To verify Chinese origin and apply correct Section 301/122 rates. |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | Chemical composition analysis (Cr, Ni content) to confirm "Stainless" status. |
| β Photo of Goods & Markings | βοΈ | Show heat numbers, mill stamps, and physical form (flat vs. coil). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Flat Plate, Not Coil; Check 7220.11 for 17.5%!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code Approach | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Cut-to-Size Flat Plates | Use 7219.xxxx or 7220.xxxx with "Flat" description. |
Misclassification as coils β Different duty rate. |
| Product matches 7220.11 specs | Try to justify 7220.11.00.00 for 17.5% rate. |
Defaulting to 35% codes unnecessarily. |
| Semi-finished/Primary Shape | Use 7218.91.xxxx (35% rate). |
Under-declaring value or misrepresenting form. |
| Coils vs. Flat Plates | 7219.33 explicitly says "Not in Coils". | If you ship coils but declare flat, customs will seize/reject. |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Sizes | Provide detailed cutting diagrams. Ensure "Flat Plate" description is unambiguous. |
| High Alloy Stainless | Verify if it falls under 7220.11 (lower tax) vs 7220.20 (higher tax). Chemical composition is key. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | Avoid. Steel products are heavily scrutinized. Do not attempt to split shipments to avoid 35% duty; risk of penalty is high. |
| Section 301 Exclusions | Check if your specific HTSUS code currently has an exclusion. (Note: Most stainless steel exclusions have expired or are limited). |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Key Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7220.11.00.00 |
17.5% (Best Case) | None (Standard) | Other codes: 35%. High impact on cost. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7218/7219 |
35% (Common) | None | Standard duty for many stainless flat products. |
| π¨π³ China | 7218/7220 |
0% - 5% (MFN) | CCC (if applicable) | No Section 301/122 tariffs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7218/7220 |
~4% - 7.5% (AD/CVD?) | CE (if finished goods) | Watch for Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese stainless. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 7218/7220 |
~0% - 3% | PSE (if finished) | Generally low base tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market for Chinese stainless steel due to the 35% total tariff for most codes.
-7220.11.00.00(17.5%) is the "Golden Code" if your product specifications allow. Carefully match chemical/physical specs to this subheading.
- Avoid "Coil" descriptions if using 7219.33 or flat-plate specific codes.
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Stainless Steel" without specifying "Flat Plate" vs "Coil".
π Consequence: Customs may default to the highest duty rate or hold for inspection.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the 10% "122 Clause" Tariff.
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties. The 10% is mandatory in addition to Section 301.
β Mistake 3: Assuming all stainless steel flat products have a 25% Section 301 tariff.
π Consequence: Missing the opportunity to classify under 7220.11.00.00 (7.5% Section 301 β 17.5% Total).
β Mistake 4: Using generic terms like "Metal Sheet".
π Consequence: Clearance delay. Must specify "Stainless Steel" and "Flat Rolled".
β Correct Practice:
"Stainless Steel Flat Plate, Grade 304, Cold Rolled, Cut to Size, 1m x 2m, No Coils. HS: 7220.11.00.00"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Flat Plate, Check 7220.11; 17.5% is the goal, 35% is the trap!"
πΉ "122 Clause adds 10%, Section 301 adds the rest. Total 35% is the standard pain."
π Pro Tip:
If your stainless steel product can be justified under 7220.11.00.00, save 17.5% on duties compared to other flat plate codes.
Action: Provide detailed chemical composition and physical form documentation to Customs Broker to argue for the lower-rated HS code.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed US Customs Broker.
π Provide Product Data Sheet (Chemical + Physical).
π Optimize your HS Code to7220.11.00.00if possible to reduce tax burden by 50%!
β¨ Professional Classification, Precise Cost Control!
πΌ Your bottom line depends on the first 8 digits of your HS Code.
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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.