Product classification
HS code for Cold-finished alloy steel bars: 7228.50
Steel, alloy, bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished.
Classification of cold-finished alloy steel bars under HS 7228.50
Cold-finished alloy steel bars are classified under HS code 7228.50 because they meet the criteria for 'other alloy steel' as defined in Chapter 72, Note 1(f), and have undergone a cold-finishing process. The Harmonized System distinguishes between non-alloy, stainless, and other alloy steels based on chemical composition. For a product to be classified here, it must contain alloying elements such as chromium, manganese, or molybdenum in percentages exceeding the thresholds set in the legal notes. The 'cold-finished' designation refers to bars that, after hot-rolling, have been subjected to further processing at room temperature, such as cold-drawing, grinding, or polishing. This process improves dimensional accuracy, surface smoothness, and mechanical strength. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the product is specifically directed to heading 7228, which covers bars and rods of other alloy steel, and subheading 7228.50, which is reserved for those that are cold-formed or cold-finished.
- Covers
- Cold-drawn alloy steel rounds (e.g., 4140, 4340, 8620 grades)
- Centerless ground alloy steel bars
- Polished alloy steel hexagonal and square bars
- Cold-finished alloy steel flats for tool and die applications
- Turned and polished alloy steel shafting
- Also under 7228.50
- 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 is frequently confused with HS code 7228.30, which covers alloy steel bars that are only hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded. The primary difference lies in the surface finish and tolerances; cold-finished bars have a much smoother appearance. Another common error is misclassifying these as non-alloy steel under 7215.50. To avoid this, a mill test report (MTR) must be consulted to verify that the alloying elements meet the minimum requirements of Chapter 72, Note 1(f). Furthermore, if the steel contains more than 1.2% carbon or 10.5% chromium, it may be classified as stainless steel under heading 7222.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722850 (the code used for cold-finished alloy steel bars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722850 (the code used for cold-finished alloy steel bars) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 722850, not only cold-finished alloy steel bars.
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 cold-finished alloy steel bars
Brazil classifies cold-finished alloy steel bars under NCM 7228.50.00: HS 7228.50 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 cold-finished alloy steel bars
What is the HS code for Cold-finished alloy steel bars?
The HS code for Cold-finished alloy steel bars is 722850 (Steel, alloy; bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished). The primary HS code for these products is 7228.50, which specifically covers bars and rods of other alloy steel that are cold-formed or cold-finished.
How do I classify Cold-finished alloy steel bars for customs?
Cold-finished alloy steel bars is classified under HS code 722850 — Steel, alloy; bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between cold-finished and hot-rolled alloy bars for customs?
Cold-finished bars typically exhibit a bright, smooth surface and precise dimensions, whereas hot-rolled bars (7228.30) have a dark, oxidized scale and looser tolerances. Customs authorities often require technical specifications or MTRs to confirm the finishing process.
Which countries are the top exporters of cold-finished alloy steel bars (HS 722850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722850 (the code used for cold-finished alloy steel bars) 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 cold-finished alloy steel bars (HS 722850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722850 (the code used for cold-finished alloy steel bars) 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.
Is the HS code for Cold-finished alloy steel bars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722850 for Cold-finished alloy steel bars 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 cold-finished alloy steel bars in Brazil?
In Brazil, cold-finished alloy steel bars (HS 722850) is classified under NCM 7228.50.00.