HS Code for Stainless steel billets

Classification of stainless steel billets under HS code 7218.91 is determined by the metallurgical composition and the physical geometry of the semi-finished product. To qualify as stainless steel under Chapter 72, the alloy must contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium by weight and a maximum of 1.2% carbon. Heading 7218 is specifically dedicated to stainless steel in primary forms, such as ingots, and semi-finished products. Subheading 7218.91 is reserved for semi-finished products with a rectangular (excluding square) cross-section. These items are typically produced through continuous casting or the primary rolling of ingots and are characterized by a rough surface finish. They are not intended for immediate use but serve as the essential raw material for subsequent hot-rolling or forging processes into finished flat-rolled products. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, the classification is dictated by the terms of the headings and subheadings. The rectangular cross-section is the critical distinguishing factor; the width must be significantly different from the thickness to differentiate it from square billets. These products represent an intermediate stage in the steel manufacturing value chain, where the steel has been cast into a manageable shape but has not yet been processed into a final industrial component.

Products Included

• Rectangular stainless steel billets
• Semi-finished stainless steel slabs of rectangular cross-section
• Continuously cast rectangular stainless steel sections
• Hot-rolled rectangular semi-finished stainless steel forms

Common Misclassification

Misclassification frequently occurs with HS code 7218.99, which covers semi-finished products with cross-sections other than rectangular, such as square or round blooms. Another common error involves HS code 7219, which is for finished flat-rolled products. If the billet has been rolled to a thickness and width that meets the definition of a plate or sheet, it must be moved to 7219. Additionally, if the product has a square cross-section where the width equals the thickness, it falls under 7218.99 rather than 7218.91. It is also important to distinguish these from 7218.10, which is reserved for ingots in their primary cast form before any semi-finishing work has been performed.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Stainless steel billets?

The HS code for stainless steel billets with a rectangular cross-section is 7218.91.

What is the difference between a billet and a slab in this code?

In the context of 7218.91, both are considered semi-finished rectangular products; however, slabs generally have a much higher width-to-thickness ratio than billets, though both are classified here if they are not yet finished products.