HS codes for stainless steel products: a practical guide
Stainless flat products, tube, fittings and fasteners fall under different HS headings. Classification depends on width, form and end use — always confirm with your customs broker.
Exporters and importers of stainless steel need the right HS code for duties, licences and statistics. The main headings (WCO HS 2022) are:
Flat-rolled stainless steel:
• 7219 — flat-rolled stainless, width ≥600 mm (hot or cold rolled, not further worked than cold-rolled/annealed etc.)
• 7220 — flat-rolled stainless, width <600 mm (strip)
Long products:
• 7221 — stainless bars and rods, hot-rolled in coils
• 7222 — other stainless bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections
• 7223 — stainless steel wire
Tube and pipe:
• 7304 — seamless tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (stainless seamless falls here)
• 7306 — other welded tubes, pipes and hollow profiles
1) The 6-digit heading is international; the 8/10-digit national tariff line depends on the destination country and product detail (thickness, finish, nickel content).
2) Coil vs cut sheet, width ≥600 mm vs <600 mm and cold vs hot rolled can change the code.
3) Do not guess: ask a customs broker or use the destination customs tariff database; wrong codes cause delays and penalties.
4) Anti-dumping duties apply to some stainless products in the EU/US and vary by origin — check before quoting.
HS classification is a legal declaration, not a marketing description: confirm it for every shipment.
