HS Code for Cold-formed steel sections

Cold-formed steel sections are classified under HS code 7216.69 when they are made of iron or non-alloy steel and are not obtained from flat-rolled products. Heading 7216 covers 'Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel.' The classification within this heading depends on the height of the section and the method of manufacture. Subheading 7216.69 is a specific category for sections that have been cold-formed or cold-finished. The technical distinction here is that these sections are typically produced by cold-drawing a bar or rod through a shape-forming die, rather than by folding or roll-forming a flat sheet or strip. This process results in a product with high dimensional precision and a smooth finish. Under GRI 1 and 6, because the product is a section (not a bar) and is cold-worked but not derived from flat-rolled steel, it is correctly assigned to 7216.69.

Products Included

• Cold-drawn non-alloy steel C-channels
• Cold-finished U-sections (not from strip)
• Precision cold-drawn L-profiles and angles
• Cold-formed non-alloy steel T-sections
• Custom cold-drawn shapes and profiles for machinery

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 7216.61, which covers cold-formed sections 'obtained from flat-rolled products.' Most commercial cold-formed sections (like those used in light-gauge construction) are made by roll-forming steel strip and belong in 7216.61. Code 7216.69 is specifically for those NOT made from strip, such as those drawn from a solid bar. Another error is 7308.90, which is for 'structures and parts of structures.' If the section is simply a raw material and not fabricated into a specific structural component (like a perforated or welded assembly), it must remain in Chapter 72.

FAQ

What is the HS code for cold-formed steel sections?

The HS code is 7216.69 for non-alloy steel sections that are cold-formed or cold-finished and not produced from flat-rolled products.

How does 7216.69 differ from 7216.61?

7216.61 is for sections made by bending or roll-forming flat-rolled steel (like coils or sheets), while 7216.69 is for sections produced by other cold-forming methods, such as cold-drawing solid stock.