HS Code for Cold-finished steel bars

Cold-finished steel bars of non-alloy steel are classified under HS code 7215.50. This code serves as a residual or 'basket' category for bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel that have been cold-formed or cold-finished but do not meet the specific definitions of free-cutting steel (7215.10). The classification is based on the manufacturing process where hot-rolled bars are further processed at room temperature. This typically involves cold drawing through a die, which reduces the diameter and increases the length while improving the tensile strength and surface finish. The absence of significant alloying elements (as defined in Chapter 72, Note 1(f)) and the absence of high sulfur or lead content (which would trigger 7215.10) leads the product to 7215.50. This classification follows the hierarchical structure of the Harmonized System, moving from general hot-rolled products in heading 7214 to more processed cold-finished products in heading 7215.

Products Included

• Cold-drawn 1018 carbon steel rounds
• 1045 turned and polished precision shafting
• Cold-finished non-alloy steel square bars
• Cold-rolled non-alloy steel flats (not flat-rolled products)
• Cold-drawn 1020 grade hexagonal bars

Common Misclassification

A frequent error is misclassifying these bars under HS code 7214.91 or 7214.99, which are reserved for hot-rolled bars. The distinction is the 'cold-working' step; if the bar has been drawn, ground, or turned after hot-rolling, it must move to 7215. Another common mistake is using 7228.50, which is for alloy steel. If the carbon steel contains even small amounts of alloying elements like boron or vanadium above the thresholds in Note 1(f), it is no longer 'non-alloy' and must be moved to Chapter 7228. Finally, if the product is a 'flat-rolled product' (width significantly greater than thickness), it should be in 7209 or 7211 rather than 7215.

FAQ

What is the HS code for cold-finished steel bars?

The standard HS code for non-alloy, non-free-cutting cold-finished steel bars is 7215.50.

What is the difference between 7215.50 and 7215.10?

HS code 7215.10 is specifically for free-cutting steel (high sulfur/lead), while 7215.50 is for standard non-alloy steel bars that do not meet the free-cutting chemical requirements.