The most underestimated step in stainless steel export is classification. The HS code determines tariffs, anti-dumping duties and whether a licence is required, andthe same shipment declared as "coil" or as "sheet" may face a duty rate that differs by a factor of two.
Common Codes (First 6 Digits Are Internationally Standardised)
| Product | HS Code | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 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 separated under some tariff schedules |
| Stainless steel narrow strip (width <600 mm) | 7220.xx | Commonly used for slit strip |
| Stainless steel circle / profiled part | 7326.90 or classified as an article | Depends on degree of processing; confirm with customs broker |
Three Common Pitfalls
- Mixing up "coil" and "sheet": Declaring decoiled sheet as coil will trigger a duty reassessment in an anti-dumping verification. Always update the declaration elements before and after decoiling.
- Inconsistency between certificate of origin and invoice description: The product name on the CO must match the commercial invoice and bill of lading, otherwise the shipment will be rejected at the destination port during customs clearance. Form A / Form E have 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 shipment.
What we can provide: EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates (including heat number and chemical composition), commercial invoice and packing list, certificate of origin (CO / Form A / Form E), and a declaration elements sheet prepared according to destination country requirements. If third-party inspection (SGS / BV / Intertek) is required, we arrange it before shipment.
We recommend informing us of the destination country and trade term (FOB / CIF / CFR) at the inquiry stage, so we can customise the document checklist according to the usual requirements of the destination port and reduce supplementary documents after arrival.
