HS Code for Stainless steel blooms

HS code 7218.99 is the specific classification for semi-finished products of stainless steel that do not possess a rectangular cross-section. This includes square, round, or polygonal shapes. Under the Harmonized System, stainless steel is defined by its chromium content, which must be at least 10.5% by weight. Heading 7218 covers primary forms and semi-finished products of this material. While 7218.10 covers ingots and 7218.91 covers rectangular semi-finished products, 7218.99 acts as the residual category for all other geometric shapes. These products, often referred to as blooms or round billets, are intermediate goods produced via continuous casting or the initial breakdown of ingots in a blooming mill. They are destined for further transformation into long products such as bars, rods, or wires. The classification is strictly based on the cross-sectional geometry and the semi-finished state. If a product has been further worked beyond primary rolling or casting—for example, by cold-drawing or grinding to a specific tolerance—it may no longer qualify as "semi-finished" and could be reclassified under heading 7222. Customs officials look for the absence of a finished surface and the presence of primary processing marks to confirm classification under 7218.99, ensuring the product is truly an intermediate stage of manufacture.

Products Included

• Square stainless steel blooms
• Round stainless steel billets
• Hexagonal semi-finished stainless steel sections
• Stainless steel tube rounds for seamless pipe production
• Octagonal semi-finished stainless steel forms

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 7218.91, which is reserved exclusively for rectangular cross-sections. Importers often confuse square blooms with rectangular ones; however, if all sides are equal, 7218.99 is the correct code. Another common mistake is using 7222.11 or 7222.19, which are for finished hot-rolled bars. If the product has reached the stage of a finished bar with specific dimensional accuracy or surface treatment, it leaves the "semi-finished" category of 7218. Furthermore, if the product is still in its initial cast state without any shaping, it may belong under 7218.10.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Stainless steel blooms?

Stainless steel blooms with a square or non-rectangular cross-section are classified under HS code 7218.99.

Can round billets be classified under 7218.99?

Yes, round semi-finished sections of stainless steel are classified under 7218.99 because they are defined as "other than rectangular" in the HS nomenclature.