Product classification
HS code for Forged alloy steel rods: 7228.40
Steel, alloy, bars and rods, forged.
Classification of forged alloy steel rods under HS 7228.40
Forged alloy steel rods are classified under HS code 7228.40. This classification is determined by the material composition and the specific manufacturing process used to shape the steel. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 72 covers iron and steel, while heading 7228 is reserved for other bars and rods of alloy steel. The subheading 7228.40 specifically identifies products that have been forged. Forging is a mechanical process where the metal is shaped using localized compressive forces, typically from a hammer or a die. This process alters the grain structure of the steel, providing superior strength compared to casting or machining. To qualify for this code, the steel must meet the definition of \"alloy steel\" as defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72, which requires specific weight percentages of elements such as aluminum, chromium, cobalt, copper, or manganese. The forged state is a critical distinction, as it excludes items that have undergone further cold-finishing or those that remain in the hot-rolled state.
- Covers
- Hot-forged alloy steel bars
- Cold-forged alloy steel rods
- Forged tool steel bars
- Forged high-speed steel rods
- Forged hollow drill bars of 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. Forged alloy steel rods are frequently confused with HS code 7228.30, which covers bars and rods that are only hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded. Another common error is classifying them under 7228.50, which is reserved for alloy steel bars that are cold-formed or cold-finished. If the steel does not meet the chemical requirements for alloy steel, it may be misclassified under 7214.10, which covers forged rods of non-alloy steel. It is essential to verify both the metallurgical assay and the production method before assigning the code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722840 (the code used for forged alloy steel rods), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722840 (the code used for forged alloy steel rods) 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 rods.
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 rods
Brazil classifies forged alloy steel rods 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 rods
What is the HS code for Forged alloy steel rods?
The HS code for Forged alloy steel rods is 722840 (Steel, alloy; bars and rods, forged). The primary HS code for forged alloy steel rods is 7228.40.
How do I classify Forged alloy steel rods for customs?
Forged alloy steel rods is classified under HS code 722840 — Steel, alloy; bars and rods, forged. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does forging differ from hot-rolling in HS classification?
Forging (7228.40) involves shaping metal through impact or pressure, whereas hot-rolling (7228.30) involves passing the metal through rollers to achieve a specific profile. The two processes result in different internal grain structures and are distinguished at the subheading level.
Which countries are the top exporters of forged alloy steel rods (HS 722840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722840 (the code used for forged alloy steel rods) 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 rods (HS 722840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722840 (the code used for forged alloy steel rods) 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 rods the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722840 for Forged alloy steel rods 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 rods in Brazil?
In Brazil, forged alloy steel rods (HS 722840) is classified under NCM 7228.40.00.