HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 72.21 – Stainless steel bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils
What HS 72.21 covers
Heading 7221 in the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses 'Stainless steel bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils.' This classification is crucial for distinguishing specific forms of stainless steel used primarily as feedstock for further processing. The 'hot-rolled' aspect signifies the manufacturing process, where steel is rolled at high temperatures, creating a product with specific metallurgical properties, often with a rougher surface finish. 'Irregularly wound coils' refers to the manner in which these bars and rods are presented, typically in large bundles or spools, indicating they are not yet cut to specific lengths or further processed into finished products like wire. This heading sits within Chapter 72, which covers 'Iron and Steel,' and specifically within the sub-chapter dedicated to stainless steel. Its scope is precisely defined by the material (stainless steel), the manufacturing process (hot-rolled), and the form (bars and rods in irregularly wound coils). This classification is vital for trade compliance, as it helps customs authorities and traders correctly apply tariffs, anti-dumping duties, and origin rules. Misclassification can lead to significant penalties, delays, and supply chain disruptions. Historically, these raw materials have been essential for industrial growth, supporting downstream manufacturing of fasteners, mesh, springs, and various wire products, highlighting their foundational role in global supply chains.
- Covers
- Stainless steel hot-rolled wire rod
- Stainless steel rebar in coils
- Stainless steel round bars in irregularly wound coils
- Stainless steel square bars in irregularly wound coils
- Stainless steel flat bars in irregularly wound coils
- Stainless steel hexagonal bars in irregularly wound coils
- Stainless steel cold heading quality wire rod
- Stainless steel spring wire rod
- Stainless steel mesh wire rod
- Stainless steel welding electrode core wire rod
- Stainless steel bright bar stock in coils
- Stainless steel fastener stock in coils
- Stainless steel forging stock in coils
- Stainless steel redraw rod
- Stainless steel structural rod in coils
- Stainless steel reinforcing rod in coils
- Stainless steel tie rod in coils
- Stainless steel baling wire rod
- Stainless steel industrial wire rod
- Stainless steel agricultural wire rod
- Stainless steel construction wire rod
- Stainless steel general purpose wire rod
- Examples
A major steel mill in China exports several thousand tons of stainless steel hot-rolled wire rod (7221) to a fastener manufacturer in Vietnam, where it will be drawn into wire and cold-formed into screws and bolts for the automotive industry. This trade route is common in Asia, leveraging lower production costs and regional supply chain integration. Another scenario involves an Indian steel producer shipping stainless steel wire rod to a spring manufacturer in Germany, who processes it into high-performance springs for machinery and medical devices, often navigating EU import regulations and quality standards. Furthermore, a Brazilian supplier might export stainless steel rebar in coils to a construction project in the Middle East, where it will be straightened and cut for use in reinforced concrete structures, benefiting from robust demand in the rapidly developing region.
Subheadings under 72.21 1
Codes often confused with 72.21
Common mistake. Common misclassification mistakes for HS 7221 often involve confusing it with products that are either further processed or made of different materials. Traders sometimes confuse it with 7223 (Stainless steel wire), which are drawn products and thus have undergone additional processing beyond hot-rolling. The key differentiator is that 7221 is the *raw material* for wire. Another common error is classifying it under 7213 (Bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of *other* iron or non-alloy steel), overlooking the 'stainless steel' characteristic. The presence of alloying elements like chromium (typically 10.5% or more) is critical. Finally, 7222 (Stainless steel bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections) might be confused, but 7221 specifically denotes 'irregularly wound coils,' not straight lengths or shaped sections.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 7221, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 7221 in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$262M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Japan $203M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $197M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $247M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $226M 14% of world imports
- 3 China $157M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
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.
Questions about HS 72.21
What is HS code 7221?
HS code 7221 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Stainless steel bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils. Heading 7221 in the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses 'Stainless steel bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils.' This classification is crucial for distinguishing specific forms of stainless steel used primarily as feedstock for further processing. The 'hot-rolled' aspect signifies the manufacturing process, where steel is rolled at high temperatures, creating a product with specific metallurgical properties, often with a rougher surface finish. 'Irregularly wound coils' refers to the manner in which these bars and rods are presented, typically in large bundles or spools, indicating they are not yet cut to specific lengths or further processed into finished products like wire. This heading sits within Chapter 72, which covers 'Iron and Steel,' and specifically within the sub-chapter dedicated to stainless steel. Its scope is precisely defined by the material (stainless steel), the manufacturing process (hot-rolled), and the form (bars and rods in irregularly wound coils). This classification is vital for trade compliance, as it helps customs authorities and traders correctly apply tariffs, anti-dumping duties, and origin rules. Misclassification can lead to significant penalties, delays, and supply chain disruptions. Historically, these raw materials have been essential for industrial growth, supporting downstream manufacturing of fasteners, mesh, springs, and various wire products, highlighting their foundational role in global supply chains.
What products fall under HS code 7221?
Stainless steel hot-rolled wire rod, stainless steel rebar in coils, stainless steel round bars in irregularly wound coils, stainless steel square bars in irregularly wound coils, stainless steel flat bars in irregularly wound coils, stainless steel hexagonal bars in irregularly wound coils, stainless steel cold heading quality wire rod, stainless steel spring wire rod, stainless steel mesh wire rod, stainless steel welding electrode core wire rod, stainless steel bright bar stock in coils, stainless steel fastener stock in coils, stainless steel forging stock in coils, stainless steel redraw rod, stainless steel structural rod in coils, stainless steel reinforcing rod in coils, stainless steel tie rod in coils, stainless steel baling wire rod, stainless steel industrial wire rod, stainless steel agricultural wire rod, stainless steel construction wire rod, stainless steel general purpose wire rod
What are common misclassifications for HS code 7221?
Common misclassification mistakes for HS 7221 often involve confusing it with products that are either further processed or made of different materials. Traders sometimes confuse it with 7223 (Stainless steel wire), which are drawn products and thus have undergone additional processing beyond hot-rolling. The key differentiator is that 7221 is the *raw material* for wire. Another common error is classifying it under 7213 (Bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of *other* iron or non-alloy steel), overlooking the 'stainless steel' characteristic. The presence of alloying elements like chromium (typically 10.5% or more) is critical. Finally, 7222 (Stainless steel bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections) might be confused, but 7221 specifically denotes 'irregularly wound coils,' not straight lengths or shaped sections.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 7221?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7221 in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $262M, 17% of world exports), Japan ($203M) and Italy ($197M). World exports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 7221?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7221 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($247M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($226M) and China ($157M). World imports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 7221 structured?
HS code 7221 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 72 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (21) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.