The most underestimated step in stainless steel exports is classification. The HS code determines tariffs, anti-dumping duties and whether a license is required, andthe same shipment declared as "coil" versus "plate" may face a duty rate that differs by a factor of two.
Common Codes (the first 6 digits are internationally standardized)
| Product | HS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 in coils, width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x / 7219.4x | Coil and non-coil are listed separately under some tariff schedules |
| Stainless steel narrow strip (width <600 mm) | 7220.xx | Commonly used for slit strip |
| Stainless steel circles / profiled parts | 7326.90 or classified as articles | Depends on the degree of processing; confirm with the customs broker |
Three Common Pitfalls
- Mixing up "coil" and "plate" in declarations: Declaring leveled plate as coil will trigger a duty recovery demand in an anti-dumping verification. Always update the declaration elements before and after leveling.
- Inconsistency between the certificate of origin and the invoice product name: The product name on the CO must match the commercial invoice and bill of lading, otherwise the shipment will be rejected at destination customs clearance. Form A / Form E have even more detailed completion requirements.
- Ignoring destination-country anti-dumping measures and CBAM: The EU has anti-dumping measures on certain stainless steel products, and during the CBAM transitional period embedded carbon emissions must also be declared. Confirm the destination country's current measures before shipping.
What we can provide: EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates accompanying the goods (including heat number and chemical composition), commercial invoice and packing list, certificate of origin (CO / Form A / Form E), and a declaration elements table prepared according to destination-country requirements. If third-party inspection (SGS / BV / Intertek) is required, it will be arranged before shipment.
We recommend informing us of the destination country and trade term (FOB / CIF / CFR) at the inquiry stage; we will customize the document list according to the usual requirements of the destination port to reduce supplementary document requests after arrival.
