The most underrated step in stainless steel export is classification. The HS code determines customs duty, anti-dumping duty and licensing requirements — andfor the same shipment, declaring it as a "coil" versus a "sheet" can mean a duty rate that differs by a factor of two.
Common Codes (the first 6 digits are universal internationally)
| Product | HS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-rolled stainless steel coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.1x | Split by thickness |
| Cold-rolled stainless steel coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x | Split by thickness |
| Cold-rolled stainless steel sheet (not in coils, width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x / 7219.4x | Some tariffs separate coils from non-coils |
| Stainless steel narrow strip (width <600 mm) | 7220.xx | Often used for slit strip |
| Stainless steel circles / formed parts | 7326.90 or classified as articles | Depends on degree of processing; confirm with your customs broker |
Three Common Mistakes
- Mixed declaration of "coil" and "sheet": declaring slit sheet as coil will trigger additional duty upon anti-dumping review. Always update declaration details before and after slitting.
- Mismatch between the certificate of origin and the invoice: the name on the CO must match the commercial invoice and bill of lading, otherwise documents will be rejected at the destination port. Form A / Form E have more detailed completion requirements.
- Ignoring destination-country anti-dumping measures and CBAM: the EU applies anti-dumping measures to 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 quality certificate (with heat number and chemical composition), commercial invoice and packing list, certificate of origin (CO / Form A / Form E), and a declaration data sheet prepared to destination-country requirements. If independent inspection (SGS / BV / Intertek) is required, we can arrange it before loading.
We recommend stating the destination country and delivery terms (FOB / CIF / CFR) already at the quotation stage — we will prepare the document package according to the destination port's standard requirements to reduce supplementary document requests after arrival.
