Product classification
HS code for Free-cutting steel wire rod: 7213.20
Iron or non-alloy steel, bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of free-cutting steel.
Classification of free-cutting steel wire rod under HS 7213.20
Free-cutting steel wire rod is classified under HS code 7213.20 because it meets the specific criteria for iron or non-alloy steel products that are hot-rolled and presented in irregularly wound coils. The designation of "free-cutting" refers to the metallurgical composition, typically involving the addition of elements like sulfur, lead, or phosphorus to improve machinability. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 72 covers iron and steel, and heading 7213 specifically targets bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel in coils. Subheading 7213.20 is reserved for those steels defined as free-cutting, which are distinguished from other non-alloy steels by their chemical analysis, specifically having a higher sulfur or phosphorus content than standard carbon steel to facilitate high-speed automated machining processes.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled free-cutting steel rods in irregularly wound coils
- Sulfurized non-alloy steel wire rods
- Leaded free-cutting steel rods for machining
- Resulfurized and rephosphorized steel rods in coil form
- Non-alloy steel rods with sulfur content exceeding 0.08%
- Also under 7213.20
- Ovako free-cutting steel
- JFE Steel free-cutting wire rod
- SSAB free-cutting solutions
- Hyundai Steel free-cutting products
Codes often confused with 7213.20
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 7213.91 or 7213.99, which cover other bars and rods of non-alloy steel. The distinction lies entirely in the chemical composition; if the steel does not meet the technical definition of "free-cutting" steel as defined in the Chapter 72 legal notes, it must be classified under the "other" subheadings. Additionally, it is often confused with HS code 7214.30. While 7214.30 also covers free-cutting steel, it is strictly for bars and rods that are straight and not in irregularly wound coils. Finally, if the steel contains alloying elements above the thresholds defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72, it must be moved to heading 7227.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721320 (the code used for free-cutting steel wire rod), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721320 (the code used for free-cutting steel wire rod) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 24% 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 721320, not only free-cutting steel wire rod.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $109M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $85M 17% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $77M 16% of world exports
World total: $488M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $138M 24% of world imports
- 2 Germany $64M 11% of world imports
- 3 Dominican Republic $54M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $572M 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 free-cutting steel wire rod
Brazil classifies free-cutting steel wire rod under NCM 7213.20.00: HS 7213.20 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 free-cutting steel wire rod
What is the HS code for Free-cutting steel wire rod?
The HS code for Free-cutting steel wire rod is 721320 (Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of free-cutting steel). The primary HS code for free-cutting steel wire rod in irregularly wound coils is 7213.20.
How do I classify Free-cutting steel wire rod for customs?
Free-cutting steel wire rod is classified under HS code 721320 — Iron or non-alloy steel; bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of free-cutting steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does the shape affect the classification of free-cutting steel?
The shape is a primary determinant; if the product is in irregularly wound coils, it falls under 7213.20. If the product has been straightened and is imported as fixed lengths, it is classified under 7214.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of free-cutting steel wire rod (HS 721320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721320 (the code used for free-cutting steel wire rod) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($109M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($85M) and Switzerland ($77M). World exports came to about $488M, 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 free-cutting steel wire rod (HS 721320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721320 (the code used for free-cutting steel wire rod) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($138M, 24% of world imports), Germany ($64M) and the Dominican Republic ($54M). World imports came to about $572M, 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 Free-cutting steel wire rod the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721320 for Free-cutting steel wire rod 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 free-cutting steel wire rod in Brazil?
In Brazil, free-cutting steel wire rod (HS 721320) is classified under NCM 7213.20.00.