HS Code for Free-cutting steel bars

Free-cutting steel bars are classified under HS code 7214.30. This classification is situated within Chapter 72, which covers iron and steel. Heading 7214 refers to other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or hot-extruded, but including those twisted after rolling. The specific subheading 7214.30 is reserved for 'free-cutting steel.' Free-cutting steel is defined in the Chapter 72 Subheading Note 1(c) as non-alloy steel containing by weight one or more of the following elements: more than 0.08% sulfur, more than 0.1% lead, more than 0.05% selenium, or more than 0.01% tellurium. These elements are added to improve the machinability of the steel, allowing it to be processed at higher speeds with better surface finishes. To qualify for this code, the bars must be hot-finished; if they undergo subsequent cold-finishing, the classification changes. This code is essential for identifying steel grades like 12L14 or 1117 when they are in their hot-rolled state.

Products Included

• Hot-rolled free-cutting steel round bars
• Hexagonal free-cutting steel rods (hot-rolled)
• Square bars of free-cutting steel for machining
• Hot-extruded free-cutting steel profiles
• Lead-bearing non-alloy steel bars (hot-finished)
• High-sulfur non-alloy steel rods

Common Misclassification

A frequent error is classifying these bars under HS code 7215.50, which covers cold-finished bars. If the free-cutting steel has been cold-drawn or cold-rolled to achieve precise tolerances, it must move to Chapter 7215. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 7228.30, which is for alloy steel bars. Free-cutting steel is generally considered non-alloy steel unless it contains other alloying elements (like chromium or nickel) above the thresholds defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72. Finally, standard hot-rolled bars without the specific sulfur or lead content required for 'free-cutting' status are classified under 7214.91 or 7214.99.

FAQ

What is the HS code for free-cutting steel bars?

The HS code for hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or hot-extruded bars of free-cutting non-alloy steel is 7214.30.

What defines steel as 'free-cutting' for HS classification?

It must contain specific minimum weight percentages of sulfur (0.08%), lead (0.1%), selenium (0.05%), or tellurium (0.01%) as defined in the Chapter 72 notes.