HS Code Subheading

Steel, stainless; semi-finished products, of rectangular (other than square) cross-section

7218.91 Subheading
Section XV — Base metals and articles of base metal

About HS Code 721891

This HS code covers stainless steel in its semi-finished state, specifically products with a rectangular cross-section that is not square. These are intermediate forms, such as slabs or blooms, which are destined for further processing like hot rolling into plates, sheets, or strips. International trade in these goods is dominated by major steel-producing nations and large industrial consumers. Steel mills and metal fabricators are the primary importers, seeking raw materials for their downstream manufacturing processes, while integrated steel producers are the main exporters. Key considerations for traders include the specific alloy composition (e.g., austenitic, ferritic), surface quality, and dimensional tolerances, as these directly impact the suitability for subsequent manufacturing steps and the final product's performance. The global demand for corrosion-resistant materials in construction, automotive, and industrial machinery drives the trade in these essential semi-finished products.

Products Under This Code

Stainless steel rectangular slabs, Stainless steel rectangular blooms, Stainless steel rectangular billets, Stainless steel ingots (rectangular, non-square), Stainless steel pre-rolled rectangular sections, Stainless steel cast rectangular blanks

Real World Examples

Outokumpu rectangular slabs, Aperam rectangular blooms, POSCO stainless rectangular billets, ThyssenKrupp stainless ingots, ArcelorMittal stainless rectangular sections

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with finished stainless steel bars (7222) due to similar shapes, but the "semi-finished" nature is key. It also differs from 721899, which covers other non-rectangular or square semi-finished cross-sections.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.

Products Classified Under 7218.91

Industry

This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.

Trade Overview

China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Germany are significant players in the import and export of these semi-finished stainless steel products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 721891?

HS code 721891 covers: Steel, stainless; semi-finished products, of rectangular (other than square) cross-section. This HS code covers stainless steel in its semi-finished state, specifically products with a rectangular cross-section that is not square. These are intermediate forms, such as slabs or blooms, which are destined for further processing like hot rolling into plates, sheets, or strips. International trade in these goods is dominated by major steel-producing nations and large industrial consumers. Steel mills and metal fabricators are the primary importers, seeking raw materials for their downstream manufacturing processes, while integrated steel producers are the main exporters. Key considerations for traders include the specific alloy composition (e.g., austenitic, ferritic), surface quality, and dimensional tolerances, as these directly impact the suitability for subsequent manufacturing steps and the final product's performance. The global demand for corrosion-resistant materials in construction, automotive, and industrial machinery drives the trade in these essential semi-finished products.

What products fall under HS code 721891?

Stainless steel rectangular slabs, Stainless steel rectangular blooms, Stainless steel rectangular billets, Stainless steel ingots (rectangular, non-square), Stainless steel pre-rolled rectangular sections, Stainless steel cast rectangular blanks

What are common misclassifications for HS code 721891?

This code is often confused with finished stainless steel bars (7222) due to similar shapes, but the "semi-finished" nature is key. It also differs from 721899, which covers other non-rectangular or square semi-finished cross-sections.

How is HS code 721891 structured?

HS code 721891 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.