HTS Code Classifier
HTS Classifier for Steel Products — Chapters 72 & 73
Steel product classification is one of the most error-prone areas in US customs. A single digit wrong across HTS Chapters 72–73 can trigger Section 232 incorrectly, miss antidumping coverage, or misstate the duty rate. This classifier is pre-loaded for steel — describe your product to get the correct 10-digit HTS code, Section 232 status, base MFN rate, and AD/CVD flags instantly.
Section 232 Tariff (Steel)
25%
Applies to HTS Ch. 72 & most Ch. 73 — all countries
HTS Chapters
72 & 73
Ch. 72: iron/steel mill products · Ch. 73: articles of steel
AD/CVD Orders on China Steel
20+
Active orders on flat-rolled, OCTG, pipes, wire rod
Base MFN Rate (most steel)
0–3%
Before Section 232 and any AD/CVD stacking
Steel HTS Code Quick Reference — Chapters 72 & 73
| HTS Code | Product Description | Section 232? | Base MFN | China AD? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7208.xx | Flat-rolled iron/non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, >600mm wide | 25% | 0% | Yes |
| 7209.xx | Flat-rolled iron/non-alloy steel, cold-rolled, >600mm wide | 25% | 0% | Yes |
| 7210.xx | Flat-rolled iron/steel, plated or coated | 25% | 0% | Yes |
| 7213.xx | Wire rod in coils, iron or non-alloy steel | 25% | 0% | Yes |
| 7216.xx | Angles, shapes, sections of iron/steel | 25% | 0–1% | Yes |
| 7219.xx | Flat-rolled stainless steel, >600mm wide | 25% | 0% | Yes (SSSS) |
| 7225.xx | Flat-rolled alloy steel (non-stainless), >600mm | 25% | 0% | Yes |
| 7304.xx | Seamless pipes and tubes of iron or steel | 25% | 0% | Yes (OCTG) |
| 7306.xx | Welded pipes and tubes of iron or steel | 25% | 0% | Yes |
| 7307.xx | Tube and pipe fittings | 25% | 3–5.6% | Yes |
| 7308.xx | Structures and parts of steel (bridges, towers) | 25% | 0% | Some |
| 7318.xx | Screws, bolts, nuts, fasteners of steel | Varies | 2.9–12.5% | Yes (many) |
Section 232 exemptions exist for limited quota amounts from Australia, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK. Verify exact code at the 10-digit level — rates differ by alloy content, dimensions, and form.
Critical Classification Distinctions for Steel Products
- Alloy vs. Non-Alloy Steel: Even trace alloy content (0.02% boron, 0.10% chromium) changes classification from non-alloy (Ch. 72) to alloy steel. Different HTS heading = different duty rate. Alloy steel classification affects Section 232 coverage for derivative products.
- Chapter 72 vs. Chapter 73: HTS Ch. 72 covers iron and steel in primary forms and semi-finished products. Ch. 73 covers manufactured articles of iron or steel. Hot-rolled coil is Ch. 72; cut-to-length plate is typically Ch. 72 (7208.51); fabricated steel frames are Ch. 73 (7308).
- OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods): A specialized sub-classification within 7304/7305/7306 with massive AD/CVD exposure on Chinese imports. Misclassifying OCTG into non-OCTG pipe headings is a CBP fraud risk — the duty differential can be enormous.
- Stainless vs. Carbon Steel: Stainless steel (10.5%+ chromium) is classified in HTS 7219–7223. Carbon steel in 7208–7218. Mixing these is the most common Ch. 72 error — stainless and carbon steel face different AD/CVD orders and rates.
- Derivative Steel Products: USTR has extended Section 232 "derivatives" to cover some downstream steel-containing products (nails, staples, certain construction materials) even if classified outside Ch. 72–73. Check USTR derivative product lists.
Frequently Asked Questions — Steel Products HTS Classification
What HTS chapter covers steel products?
Steel products are classified in HTS Chapter 72 (iron and steel mill products: ingots, billets, hot-rolled coil, bars, rods, wire rod) and Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel: pipes, tubes, fittings, structures, fasteners). The distinction: Ch. 72 is steel in semi-finished or standard mill forms; Ch. 73 is finished steel articles that have been further worked.
Does Section 232 (25%) apply to all steel HTS codes?
Section 232 applies to steel mill products in HTS Chapters 72 and most of 73. It does not automatically apply to steel articles in other chapters (e.g., auto parts in Ch. 87, machinery in Ch. 84). However, "derivative" steel products (nails, staples, certain construction materials) have been added to Section 232 coverage by USTR proclamation — check the full derivatives list at commerce.gov.
What are common steel HTS misclassification errors?
Most common errors: (1) Alloy vs. non-alloy confusion — trace alloy content changes the heading; (2) OCTG misclassification — classifying oil country pipe as general-purpose pipe misses massive AD/CVD exposure; (3) Stainless vs. carbon — classifying stainless steel as carbon or vice versa; (4) Flat-rolled thickness errors — thickness determines 7208 vs. 7209 vs. 7210 subheadings.
Which China steel products have active AD/CVD orders?
Major active orders: Hot-rolled flat products (7208), cold-rolled flat products (7209, 7211), galvanized/coated steel (7210, 7212), OCTG (7304.29, 7306.29), welded pipe (7305, 7306), wire rod (7213, 7227), cut-to-length plate (7208.51). AD rates range from 1% to 265%+ depending on producer.
Do Section 232 exemptions exist for any countries?
Yes — limited exemptions: Canada and Mexico have quota-based TRQ arrangements (above-quota goods face Section 232). Australia has a full exemption. South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, and the EU have TRQ arrangements. The UK has a partial exemption. China, Russia, India, Vietnam, and most other countries pay the full 25% with no quota relief.
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Educational estimates only — final classification determined by CBP at time of entry. Section 232 status and AD/CVD coverage verified against USITC HTS 2026 and Commerce AD/CVD database. Consult a licensed customs broker for binding classification advice. AI Disclaimer · Terms