HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 72.22 – Stainless steel bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections
What HS 72.22 covers
HS Heading 7222 covers 'Stainless steel bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections.' This classification is essential for identifying semi-finished and finished forms of stainless steel that are not in irregularly wound coils (as in 7221) or drawn into wire (as in 7223). It specifically includes products typically supplied in straight lengths, cut to size, or with specific cross-sectional profiles. These products are characterized by their corrosion resistance, high strength, and aesthetic appeal, making them indispensable in various demanding applications. The heading encompasses a wide array of shapes, from simple round and flat bars to more complex angles, channels, and I-beams. Being part of Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel) and the stainless steel sub-chapter, it highlights the material's specific alloying content. Proper classification under 7222 is critical for trade compliance, impacting applicable tariffs, trade defense measures, and import/export regulations. These forms of stainless steel are foundational components in construction, architectural design, machinery manufacturing, chemical processing, and marine applications, reflecting their versatility and importance in global industrial supply chains. The distinction from other stainless steel forms ensures accurate duty assessment and statistical tracking.
- Covers
- Stainless steel round bars
- Stainless steel square bars
- Stainless steel flat bars
- Stainless steel hexagonal bars
- Stainless steel angle bars
- Stainless steel U-channels
- Stainless steel I-beams
- Stainless steel T-sections
- Stainless steel H-beams
- Stainless steel cold-drawn bars
- Stainless steel bright bars
- Stainless steel polished bars
- Stainless steel forged bars
- Stainless steel threaded bars
- Stainless steel reinforcing bars (straight lengths)
- Stainless steel structural sections
- Stainless steel architectural sections
- Stainless steel special profiles
- Stainless steel marine shafts
- Stainless steel pump shafts
- Stainless steel valve stems
- Stainless steel hollow bars (non-tubular)
- Stainless steel stair nosings
- Stainless steel handrail components
- Examples
A European manufacturer of chemical processing equipment imports stainless steel angle bars and U-channels (7222) from Taiwan for constructing corrosion-resistant frameworks and supports, utilizing the efficient sea freight routes across the Suez Canal. In another instance, a US distributor sources polished stainless steel round bars from India for machining into components for medical devices and food processing machinery, often relying on established trade lanes across the Atlantic. Furthermore, a Japanese construction company imports large stainless steel I-beams and H-sections from South Korea for a high-profile architectural project in Southeast Asia, leveraging regional trade agreements and the specialized production capabilities of Korean steel mills.
Subheadings under 72.22 5
Codes often confused with 72.22
Common mistake. A common error when classifying under HS 7222 is confusing it with other forms of stainless steel or even non-stainless steel products. Traders might mistakenly classify stainless steel bars in irregularly wound coils (7221) under this heading; however, 7222 is specifically for bars and rods in straight lengths or specific shapes/sections, not coils. Another frequent mistake is classifying non-stainless steel bars, angles, or shapes (e.g., under 7214 or 7216) as stainless steel, ignoring the critical alloying element requirement. Confusion also arises with hollow sections classified under Chapter 73 (e.g., 7304 or 7306 for tubes and pipes), as some profiles might resemble them. The key is to verify the material (stainless steel), the form (not in coils), and whether it's solid or hollow (if hollow, it might fall under tubes/pipes).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 7222, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 7222 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 India $1.1B 16% of world exports
- 2 Italy $1.0B 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $878M 12% of world exports
World total: $7.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $1.0B 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $673M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $434M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $7.2B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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. 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 72.22
What is HS code 7222?
HS code 7222 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Stainless steel bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections. HS Heading 7222 covers 'Stainless steel bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections.' This classification is essential for identifying semi-finished and finished forms of stainless steel that are not in irregularly wound coils (as in 7221) or drawn into wire (as in 7223). It specifically includes products typically supplied in straight lengths, cut to size, or with specific cross-sectional profiles. These products are characterized by their corrosion resistance, high strength, and aesthetic appeal, making them indispensable in various demanding applications. The heading encompasses a wide array of shapes, from simple round and flat bars to more complex angles, channels, and I-beams. Being part of Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel) and the stainless steel sub-chapter, it highlights the material's specific alloying content. Proper classification under 7222 is critical for trade compliance, impacting applicable tariffs, trade defense measures, and import/export regulations. These forms of stainless steel are foundational components in construction, architectural design, machinery manufacturing, chemical processing, and marine applications, reflecting their versatility and importance in global industrial supply chains. The distinction from other stainless steel forms ensures accurate duty assessment and statistical tracking.
What products fall under HS code 7222?
Stainless steel round bars, stainless steel square bars, stainless steel flat bars, stainless steel hexagonal bars, stainless steel angle bars, stainless steel U-channels, stainless steel I-beams, stainless steel T-sections, stainless steel H-beams, stainless steel cold-drawn bars, stainless steel bright bars, stainless steel polished bars, stainless steel forged bars, stainless steel threaded bars, stainless steel reinforcing bars (straight lengths), stainless steel structural sections, stainless steel architectural sections, stainless steel special profiles, stainless steel marine shafts, stainless steel pump shafts, stainless steel valve stems, stainless steel hollow bars (non-tubular), stainless steel stair nosings, stainless steel handrail components
What are common misclassifications for HS code 7222?
A common error when classifying under HS 7222 is confusing it with other forms of stainless steel or even non-stainless steel products. Traders might mistakenly classify stainless steel bars in irregularly wound coils (7221) under this heading; however, 7222 is specifically for bars and rods in straight lengths or specific shapes/sections, not coils. Another frequent mistake is classifying non-stainless steel bars, angles, or shapes (e.g., under 7214 or 7216) as stainless steel, ignoring the critical alloying element requirement. Confusion also arises with hollow sections classified under Chapter 73 (e.g., 7304 or 7306 for tubes and pipes), as some profiles might resemble them. The key is to verify the material (stainless steel), the form (not in coils), and whether it's solid or hollow (if hollow, it might fall under tubes/pipes).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 7222?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7222 in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.1B, 16% of world exports), Italy ($1.0B) and Germany ($878M). World exports came to about $7.1B, 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 7222?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7222 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.0B, 14% of world imports), the United States ($673M) and Italy ($434M). World imports came to about $7.2B, 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 7222 structured?
HS code 7222 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 72 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (22) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.