In stainless steel exports, the most frequently underestimated stage is classification. The HS code determines customs duties, anti-dumping duties and licensing requirements, anddepending on whether a shipment is declared as \"coil\" or \"sheet,\" the applicable rate can vary by as much as twofold.
Commonly Used Codes (First 6 Digits Are International)
| Product | HS Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel hot-rolled coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.1x | Subdivided by thickness |
| Stainless steel cold-rolled coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x | Subdivided by thickness |
| Stainless steel cold-rolled sheet (not coil, width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x / 7219.4x | Coil and non-coil are listed separately under some tariff lines |
| Stainless steel narrow strip (width <600 mm) | 7220.xx | Commonly used for slit strip |
| Stainless steel round billets / shaped products | 7326.90 or classified as finished articles | Depends on depth of processing; confirm with a customs broker |
Three Common Mistakes
- Mixing up \"coil\" and \"sheet\" in the declaration: declaring uncoiled sheet as coil may lead to additional duties during an anti-dumping review. Declaration elements must be updated before and after uncoiling.
- Mismatch between the product name on the Certificate of Origin and the invoice: the product name on the CO must match the commercial invoice and bill of lading, otherwise the shipment will be rejected at customs clearance at the destination port. Form A / Form E have even more detailed completion requirements.
- Ignoring destination-country anti-dumping measures and CBAM: the EU applies anti-dumping measures to certain stainless steel products, and carbon emissions must also be declared during the CBAM transitional period. Check the destination country's current measures before shipping.
What We Can Provide: an EN 10204 3.1 quality certificate accompanying the shipment (showing heat number and chemical composition), commercial invoice and packing list, certificate of origin (CO / Form A / Form E), as well as a table of declaration elements prepared in accordance with destination-country requirements. If third-party inspection (SGS / BV / Intertek) is required, we arrange it before loading.
We recommend stating the destination country and trade terms (FOB / CIF / CFR) at the quotation stage; we prepare the document list according to the destination port's usual requirements, reducing additional documentation after arrival.
