Product classification
HS code for High speed steel bars: 7228.10
Steel, alloy, bars and rods, of high speed steel.
Classification of high speed steel bars under HS 7228.10
High speed steel bars are classified under HS code 7228.10 because they represent alloy steel products that meet the specific metallurgical criteria for high speed steel as defined in the Harmonized System. According to Chapter 72, Note 1(d), high speed steels are alloy steels containing, with or without other elements, at least two of the following three elements: tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium, with a combined content by weight of 7% or more, and containing 0.6% or more of carbon and 3% to 6% of chromium. These bars are typically used in the manufacture of drill bits, milling cutters, and other industrial tools that require high heat resistance and hardness. The classification under 7228 specifically applies to bars and rods that are not in irregularly wound coils, distinguishing them from the products in heading 7227. The manufacturing process usually involves hot-rolling or forging, followed by cold-finishing to achieve precise dimensions and surface quality. The classification is determined by the chemical composition and the straight, non-coiled physical form of the product.
- Covers
- Hot-rolled high speed steel bars
- Cold-finished high speed steel rods (straight)
- Forged high speed steel bars
- Tungsten-molybdenum alloy steel bars
- Vanadium-enriched high speed steel rods
- Precision ground high speed steel tool bits
- Also under 7228.10
- Bohler Uddeholm HSS bars
- Erasteel HSS rods
- Hitachi Metals HSS tool steel
- Crucible Industries HSS blanks
Codes often confused with 7228.10
Common mistake. High speed steel bars are frequently misclassified under HS code 7227.10. The primary difference is the physical presentation; 7227.10 is reserved for rods in irregularly wound coils, whereas 7228.10 is for straight bars. Another common error is using 7214.00, which is for non-alloy steel bars. Because high speed steel contains significant amounts of tungsten or molybdenum, it must be classified as alloy steel. Additionally, if the bars are further worked into finished tools, they may be incorrectly classified under Chapter 82, but as raw material bars, they belong in 7228.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722810 (the code used for high speed steel bars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722810 (the code used for high speed steel bars) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 722810, not only high speed steel bars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $120M 24% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $68M 14% of world exports
- 3 France $68M 14% of world exports
World total: $500M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $109M 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $74M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $45M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $551M 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 codes for high speed steel bars
Brazil splits HS 7228.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7228.10.10High speed steel bars, hot-rolled/drawn/extruded
- 7228.10.90Other high speed steel bars
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 high speed steel bars
What is the HS code for High speed steel bars?
The HS code for High speed steel bars is 722810 (Steel, alloy; bars and rods, of high speed steel). The HS code for high speed steel bars is 7228.10, which covers alloy steel bars and rods of high speed steel that are not in coils.
How do I classify High speed steel bars for customs?
High speed steel bars is classified under HS code 722810 — Steel, alloy; bars and rods, of high speed steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the carbon content affect the classification of these bars?
Yes, to be classified as high speed steel under 7228.10, the steel must contain 0.6% or more of carbon by weight, in addition to the required levels of tungsten, molybdenum, or vanadium.
Which countries are the top exporters of high speed steel bars (HS 722810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722810 (the code used for high speed steel bars) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($120M, 24% of world exports), Sweden ($68M) and France ($68M). World exports came to about $500M, 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 high speed steel bars (HS 722810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722810 (the code used for high speed steel bars) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($109M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($74M) and China ($45M). World imports came to about $551M, 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 High speed steel bars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722810 for High speed 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 high speed steel bars in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 722810 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for high speed steel bars depends on the product's details: 7228.10.10 (High speed steel bars, hot-rolled/drawn/extruded), 7228.10.90 (Other high speed steel bars).