Product classification
HS code for Cold-finished stainless steel bar: 7222.20
Steel, stainless, bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished.
Classification of cold-finished stainless steel bar under HS 7222.20
The classification for cold-finished stainless steel bars falls under HS code 7222.20. Heading 7222 is dedicated to bars and rods of stainless steel. Within this heading, the subheadings differentiate products based on their cross-sectional shape and, more importantly, their finishing process. Subheading 7222.20 specifically covers bars and rods that have been cold-formed or cold-finished. This includes processes such as cold-drawing, grinding, or polishing after the initial hot-rolling stage. Stainless steel is defined in Note 1(e) to Chapter 72 as alloy steels containing, by weight, 1.2% or less of carbon and 10.5% or more of chromium. If the product meets this metallurgical definition and has been finished through a cold process to achieve tighter tolerances or a brighter finish, 7222.20 is the legally required classification. This code is essential for monitoring the trade of high-performance steel products used in medical, aerospace, and food processing industries.
- Covers
- Cold-drawn stainless steel round bars
- Centerless ground stainless steel rods
- Polished stainless steel bars
- Cold-rolled stainless steel flats
- Cold-finished stainless steel hexagonal bars
- Also under 7222.20
- BGH Edelstahl cold-finished bars
- Ugitech cold-drawn rods
- Carpenter Technology precision bars
- Valbruna cold-finished rounds
Codes often confused with 7222.20
Common mistake. Stainless steel bars are often misclassified under 7222.11 or 7222.19, which are for hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded bars. The presence of a smooth, bright finish or high dimensional precision usually points toward 7222.20. Additionally, if the product is in irregularly wound coils, it might be misclassified here when it should actually be under 7221.00 (stainless steel wire rods).
Top exporters and importers of HS 722220 (the code used for cold-finished stainless steel bar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722220 (the code used for cold-finished stainless steel bar) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 722220, not only cold-finished stainless steel bar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $784M 20% of world exports
- 2 India $571M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $415M 11% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $610M 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $443M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $175M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 stainless steel bar
Brazil classifies cold-finished stainless steel bar under NCM 7222.20.00: HS 7222.20 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 stainless steel bar
What is the HS code for Cold-finished stainless steel bar?
The HS code for Cold-finished stainless steel bar is 722220 (Steel, stainless; bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished). The correct HS code for stainless steel bars that have been cold-formed or cold-finished is 7222.20.
How do I classify Cold-finished stainless steel bar for customs?
Cold-finished stainless steel bar is classified under HS code 722220 — Steel, stainless; bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include stainless steel wire?
No, stainless steel wire is classified under heading 7223. Heading 7222 is specifically for bars and rods, which are typically straight lengths.
Which countries are the top exporters of cold-finished stainless steel bar (HS 722220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722220 (the code used for cold-finished stainless steel bar) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($784M, 20% of world exports), India ($571M) and Germany ($415M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 stainless steel bar (HS 722220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722220 (the code used for cold-finished stainless steel bar) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($610M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($443M) and the United Kingdom ($175M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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 stainless steel bar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722220 for Cold-finished stainless steel bar 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 stainless steel bar in Brazil?
In Brazil, cold-finished stainless steel bar (HS 722220) is classified under NCM 7222.20.00.