HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7228.50 – Steel, alloy; bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished
HS code 7228.50 is the 6-digit subheading for steel, alloy, bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished. It is used for cold-drawn alloy steel bars, cold-rolled alloy steel rods, precision ground alloy steel shafts, polished alloy steel bars and hexagonal alloy steel bars.
What HS 7228.50 covers
This HS code covers alloy steel bars and rods that have undergone cold-forming or cold-finishing processes. These processes, such as cold drawing, cold rolling, or grinding, impart superior surface finish, tighter dimensional tolerances, and enhanced mechanical properties like increased strength and hardness compared to hot-formed products. Consequently, these materials are highly valued in precision engineering applications, including the manufacturing of automotive components, machine parts, hydraulic cylinders, and various tools. International trade in these goods is driven by global manufacturing hubs requiring high-quality, consistent steel inputs. Major importers are typically countries with advanced industrial sectors, while exporters are often nations with robust steel production capabilities and sophisticated processing facilities. Understanding the specific alloy composition and the exact cold-finishing method is crucial for accurate classification and trade compliance.
- Covers
- Cold-drawn alloy steel bars
- Cold-rolled alloy steel rods
- Precision ground alloy steel shafts
- Polished alloy steel bars
- Hexagonal alloy steel bars
- Square alloy steel rods
- Bright steel bars
- Examples
- Sandvik cold-finished bars
- Outokumpu precision bars
- Carpenter Technology cold-drawn rods
- ArcelorMittal cold-finished sections
Codes often confused with 7228.50
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 722830 (other alloy steel bars, hot-rolled) due to similar material but different processing, or 722840 (other alloy steel bars, hot-forged) if the cold-finished aspect isn't clearly distinguished.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 722850, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 722850 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% 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 Germany $533M 26% of world exports
- 2 United States $238M 11% of world exports
- 3 Austria $197M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $394M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $180M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 France $179M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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.
Brazil NCM code for 7228.50
Brazil does not split HS 7228.50: its NCM code is 7228.50.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.28 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
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 7228.50
What is HS code 722850?
HS code 722850 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Steel, alloy; bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished. This HS code covers alloy steel bars and rods that have undergone cold-forming or cold-finishing processes. These processes, such as cold drawing, cold rolling, or grinding, impart superior surface finish, tighter dimensional tolerances, and enhanced mechanical properties like increased strength and hardness compared to hot-formed products. Consequently, these materials are highly valued in precision engineering applications, including the manufacturing of automotive components, machine parts, hydraulic cylinders, and various tools. International trade in these goods is driven by global manufacturing hubs requiring high-quality, consistent steel inputs. Major importers are typically countries with advanced industrial sectors, while exporters are often nations with robust steel production capabilities and sophisticated processing facilities. Understanding the specific alloy composition and the exact cold-finishing method is crucial for accurate classification and trade compliance.
What products fall under HS code 722850?
Cold-drawn alloy steel bars, Cold-rolled alloy steel rods, Precision ground alloy steel shafts, Polished alloy steel bars, Hexagonal alloy steel bars, Square alloy steel rods, Bright steel bars
What are common misclassifications for HS code 722850?
This code can be confused with 722830 (other alloy steel bars, hot-rolled) due to similar material but different processing, or 722840 (other alloy steel bars, hot-forged) if the cold-finished aspect isn't clearly distinguished.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 722850?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 722850 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($533M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($238M) and Austria ($197M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 722850?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 722850 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($394M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($180M) and France ($179M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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.
How is HS code 722850 structured?
HS code 722850 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (28) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 722850?
In Brazil, HS code 722850 is NCM 7228.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.