The most underrated step in stainless steel export is classification. The HS code determines duties, anti-dumping exposure and licensing requirements, andthe same shipment declared as "coil" or as "sheet" can face double the rate.
Common Codes (the first 6 digits are universal)
| Product | HS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-rolled stainless steel coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.1x | Subdivided by thickness |
| Cold-rolled stainless steel coil (width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x | Subdivided by thickness |
| Cold-rolled stainless steel sheet (not in coil, width ≥600 mm) | 7219.3x / 7219.4x | Coil and non-coil are separated in some tariffs |
| Stainless steel narrow strip (width <600 mm) | 7220.xx | Commonly used for slit strip |
| Stainless steel discs / shaped blanks | 7326.90 or classified as an article | Depends on the degree of processing; confirm with the customs broker |
Three Common Mistakes
- Confusing "coil" and "sheet" in declarations: a decoiled sheet declared as coil will trigger additional duties in the event of an anti-dumping verification. Always update the declaration elements before and after decoiling.
- Mismatch between certificate of origin and invoice: the description on the CO must match the commercial invoice and bill of lading, otherwise the destination customs will reject the documents. Form A / Form E requirements are stricter.
- Ignoring destination-country anti-dumping and CBAM: the EU applies anti-dumping measures to certain stainless steel products and, during the CBAM transitional period, requires reporting of embedded emissions. Check the measures in force in the destination country 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-elements table tailored to the destination country's requirements. For third-party inspections (SGS / BV / Intertek), we arrange them before shipment.
We recommend stating the destination country and trade terms (FOB / CIF / CFR) already at the inquiry stage: we prepare the document list according to the destination port's practices, reducing supplements on arrival.
