The most underrated step in stainless steel export is classification. The HS code determines tariffs, anti-dumping duties and whether a license is required, andThe same shipment declared as a \"coil\" or as a \"sheet\" can face a duty rate that differs by a factor of two.
Common Codes (First 6 Digits Internationally Recognized)
| Product | HS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-rolled stainless steel coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.1x | Classified by thickness |
| Cold-rolled stainless steel coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x | Classified by thickness |
| Cold-rolled stainless steel sheet (not coiled, width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x / 7219.4x | Coils and uncoiled sheets are classified separately in some customs tariffs |
| Stainless steel narrow strip (width <600 mm) | 7220.xx | Common for slit strip |
| Stainless steel discs / special shapes | 7326.90 or per product classification | Depends on the degree of processing; confirm with your customs broker |
Three Common Pitfalls
- Mixing up \"coil\" and \"sheet\" in the declaration: Declaring sheets as coils after uncoiling — anti-dumping verification will require additional duties. Declaration items must be updated before and after uncoiling.
- Product name on the Certificate of Origin not matching the invoice: 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 more detailed packing requirements.
- Ignoring anti-dumping measures and CBAM in the destination country: The EU has anti-dumping measures on certain stainless steel products, and during the CBAM transitional period embedded carbon emissions must also be reported. Confirm the current measures in the destination country before shipping.
What We Can Provide: EN 10204 3.1 quality assurance certificate accompanying the shipment (including batch number and chemical composition), commercial invoice and packing list, certificate of origin (CO / Form A / Form E), and a declaration items table prepared according to destination country requirements. If you need third-party inspection (SGS / BV / Intertek), it is arranged before shipment.
We recommend telling us the destination country and trade terms (FOB / CIF / CFR) at the inquiry stage, and we will tailor the document list to the usual practices at the port of arrival to minimize supplementary documents after arrival.
