The most underrated part of stainless steel exports is classification. HS codes determine duties, anti-dumping duties, and licensing requirements, andwhether the same shipment is declared as 'coil' or 'sheet' can mean a rate difference of up to double.
Key Codes (First 6 Digits Are Internationally Standardized)
| Product | HS Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Hot-Rolled Coil (Width ≥600 mm) | 7219.1x | Classified by thickness |
| Stainless Steel Cold-Rolled Coil (Width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x | Classified by thickness |
| Stainless Steel Cold-Rolled Sheet (Non-Coil, Width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x / 7219.4x | Some tariff schedules distinguish coil from non-coil |
| Stainless Steel Narrow Strip (Width <600 mm) | 7220.xx | Mainly used for slitting strip |
| Stainless Steel Discs / Profiles | 7326.90 or product-specific classification | Depends on degree of processing; confirm with a customs broker |
Three Common Pitfalls
- Mixing Up 'Coil' and 'Sheet' Declarations: Declaring sheet as coil after uncoiling can trigger additional duties in anti-dumping investigations. Always update declaration elements before and after uncoiling.
- Mismatch Between Certificate of Origin and Invoice Description: The description on the CO must match the commercial invoice and bill of lading; otherwise, it will be rejected at the destination port during customs clearance. Form A / Form E requirements are even stricter.
- Overlooking Destination Anti-Dumping Measures and CBAM: The EU enforces anti-dumping measures on certain stainless steel products, and during the CBAM transitional period, embedded emissions must also be reported. Check the destination country's current measures before shipment.
What We Provide: EN 10204 3.1 quality certificates (including heat number and chemical composition) shipped with the cargo, commercial invoice and packing list, certificate of origin (CO / Form A / Form E), and a declaration elements sheet tailored to destination country requirements. If third-party inspection (SGS / BV / Intertek) is required, we arrange it before shipment.
Tell us the destination country and trade terms (FOB / CIF / CFR) at the quotation stage, and we will tailor the document list to the destination port's general requirements, reducing supplementary documents needed after arrival.
