Product classification
HS code for Forged alloy steel bars: 7228.40
Steel, alloy, bars and rods, forged.
Classification of forged alloy steel bars under HS 7228.40
Forged alloy steel bars are classified under HS code 7228.40. This classification is determined by the material composition and the stage of manufacture. According to Chapter 72 Note 1(f), 'other alloy steel' refers to steel that contains specific percentages of elements like manganese, silicon, chromium, or nickel. Heading 7228 covers bars and rods of other alloy steel. The subheading 7228.40 is specifically designated for products that have been 'forged.' Forging is a process where the metal is shaped using localized compressive forces, typically from a hammer or a die. This distinguishes the product from those that are hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded (which fall under 7228.30). The classification process requires verifying the chemical analysis of the steel to ensure it meets the 'alloy' threshold and confirming the manufacturing process through mill test certificates.
- Covers
- Forged high-speed steel bars
- Forged chrome-moly steel rods
- Rough forged alloy steel shafts
- Forged tool steel rounds
- Forged stainless-adjacent alloy bars (meeting 7228 specs)
- Forged square bars of manganese alloy steel
- Also under 7228.40
- ThyssenKrupp forged components
- Bharat Forge forged bars
- Aichi Steel forged products
- Finkl Steel forged tool steel
Codes often confused with 7228.40
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with 7228.30, which covers bars that are hot-rolled or hot-drawn. The physical properties and grain structure of forged bars differ significantly from rolled bars, and customs authorities often require proof of the forging process. Another error is classifying these under 7214, which is for non-alloy steel bars. If the alloying elements do not meet the minimum weight percentages defined in the Chapter 72 notes, the product must be moved to the non-alloy headings. Finally, if the bar has been further worked into a specific part, it may be classified in Chapter 73 or as a machinery part in Chapter 84.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722840 (the code used for forged alloy steel bars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722840 (the code used for forged alloy steel bars) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 722840, not only forged alloy steel bars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $474M 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $244M 20% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $169M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $153M 13% of world imports
- 2 Italy $146M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $97M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 forged alloy steel bars
Brazil classifies forged alloy steel bars under NCM 7228.40.00: HS 7228.40 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 forged alloy steel bars
What is the HS code for Forged alloy steel bars?
The HS code for Forged alloy steel bars is 722840 (Steel, alloy; bars and rods, forged). The HS code for bars and rods of alloy steel that have been forged is 7228.40.
How do I classify Forged alloy steel bars for customs?
Forged alloy steel bars is classified under HS code 722840 — Steel, alloy; bars and rods, forged. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 7228.40 differ from 7228.50?
HS code 7228.40 is for forged bars, while 7228.50 is for bars that are cold-formed or cold-finished (e.g., cold-drawn or turned).
Which countries are the top exporters of forged alloy steel bars (HS 722840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722840 (the code used for forged alloy steel bars) in UN Comtrade data were China ($474M, 39% of world exports), Germany ($244M) and Sweden ($169M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 forged alloy steel bars (HS 722840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722840 (the code used for forged alloy steel bars) in UN Comtrade data were China ($153M, 13% of world imports), Italy ($146M) and Germany ($97M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Forged alloy steel bars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722840 for Forged 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 forged alloy steel bars in Brazil?
In Brazil, forged alloy steel bars (HS 722840) is classified under NCM 7228.40.00.