Product classification
HS code for Alloy steel rods: 7228.60
Steel, alloy, bars and rods n.e.c. in heading no. 7228.
Classification of alloy steel rods under HS 7228.60
Alloy steel rods and bars are classified under HS code 7228.60 when they do not meet the specific criteria of other subheadings within heading 7228. Heading 7228 covers other bars and rods of other alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, of other alloy steel; and hollow drill bars. The classification of a product as a rod or bar under this heading implies that it is a solid product that does not conform to the definitions of flat-rolled products, wire, or semi-finished products. Subheading 7228.60 specifically captures those bars and rods that are not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded, but which are also not specifically mentioned in subheadings 7228.10 through 7228.50 (which cover high-speed steel, silico-manganese steel, and products not further worked than cold-formed). These rods are essential components in automotive manufacturing, tool making, and general engineering. Proper classification requires a detailed mill test report to confirm the alloying elements and a physical inspection to determine the manufacturing process. The distinction between a rod and wire is also vital; rods are generally straight lengths, whereas wire is typically in coils and has a smaller cross-section, though the HS definition of wire (heading 7227 or 7229) depends on the product being in irregularly wound coils.
- Covers
- Cold-finished alloy steel bars
- Forged alloy steel rods
- Turned and polished alloy steel bars
- Chrome-finished alloy rods
- Ground alloy steel bars for machining
- Also under 7228.60
- Böhler Uddeholm special steel bars
- ThyssenKrupp engineered steel rods
- Daido Steel custom profiles
Codes often confused with 7228.60
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 7227, which covers alloy steel bars and rods in irregularly wound coils. If the product is in a coil, it cannot be in 7228. Another common error is using 7214 or 7215, which are for non-alloy steel bars. Furthermore, if the rod is made of stainless steel, it must be classified under heading 7222. High-speed steel rods have their own subheading, 7228.10, and should not be placed in 7228.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722860 (the code used for alloy steel rods), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722860 (the code used for alloy steel rods) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 722860, not only alloy steel rods.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $83M 19% of world exports
- 2 Romania $61M 14% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$40M 9.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $437M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $109M 18% of world imports
- 2 China $48M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Poland $47M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $592M 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.
Brazil NCM code for alloy steel rods
Brazil classifies alloy steel rods under NCM 7228.60.00: HS 7228.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 alloy steel rods
What is the HS code for Alloy steel rods?
The HS code for Alloy steel rods is 722860 (Steel, alloy; bars and rods n.e.c. in heading no. 7228). The HS code for alloy steel rods (other than high-speed or silico-manganese steel) in straight lengths is 7228.60.
How do I classify Alloy steel rods for customs?
Alloy steel rods is classified under HS code 722860 — Steel, alloy; bars and rods n.e.c. in heading no. 7228. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 7227 and 7228?
Heading 7227 is for alloy steel bars and rods in irregularly wound coils, while heading 7228 is for those in straight lengths or other forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of alloy steel rods (HS 722860)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722860 (the code used for alloy steel rods) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($83M, 19% of world exports), Romania ($61M) and Taiwan (about $40M). World exports came to about $437M, 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 alloy steel rods (HS 722860)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722860 (the code used for alloy steel rods) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($109M, 18% of world imports), China ($48M) and Poland ($47M). World imports came to about $592M, 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.
Is the HS code for Alloy steel rods the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722860 for Alloy steel rods is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alloy steel rods in Brazil?
In Brazil, alloy steel rods (HS 722860) is classified under NCM 7228.60.00.