Product classification
HS code for Stainless steel rod: 7222.30
Steel, stainless, bars and rods, n.e.c. in heading no. 7222.
Classification of stainless steel rod under HS 7222.30
Stainless steel rods are classified under HS code 7222.30 when they are bars and rods of stainless steel that are not elsewhere specified within heading 7222. Heading 7222 encompasses other bars and rods of stainless steel, as well as angles, shapes, and sections. The classification 7222.30 specifically targets rods that have been further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded, but are not covered by the subheadings for hot-rolled products (7222.11 and 7222.19) or forged products (7222.20). These rods are typically solid metallic sections that do not meet the definition of flat-rolled products or wire. To be classified as a rod under this heading, the product must have a uniform solid cross-section along its whole length in the shape of circles, segments of circles, ovals, rectangles, squares, triangles, or other convex polygons. The material must meet the metallurgical criteria for stainless steel, which requires a high resistance to corrosion through the addition of chromium. This code is often used for cold-finished rods that have been ground, turned, or polished to precise tolerances.
- Covers
- Cold-finished stainless steel rods
- Polished stainless steel bars
- Ground stainless steel rods for machining
- Stainless steel rods of non-circular cross-section (e.g., hexagonal)
- Bright-drawn stainless steel rods
- Also under 7222.30
- Custom-ordered stainless profiles
- Specialty alloy stainless rods
- Small-batch forged stainless bars
- Prototype stainless steel components
Codes often confused with 7222.30
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs between 7222.30 and 7221.00. HS code 7221.00 is specifically for bars and rods that are in irregularly wound coils. If the rod is in a straight length, it belongs in 7222. If it is in a coil, it belongs in 7221. Another common error is confusing rods with wire (7223.00). Wire is defined as a cold-formed product in coils of any cross-sectional shape, whereas rods under 7222.30 are typically straight lengths. Finally, if the rod is hot-rolled and circular in cross-section, it should be classified under 7222.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722230 (the code used for stainless steel rod), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722230 (the code used for stainless steel rod) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 722230, not only stainless steel rod.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $168M 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $130M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $116M 13% of world exports
World total: $856M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $88M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $69M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $49M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $844M 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 stainless steel rod
Brazil classifies stainless steel rod under NCM 7222.30.00: HS 7222.30 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 stainless steel rod
What is the HS code for Stainless steel rod?
The HS code for Stainless steel rod is 722230 (Steel, stainless; bars and rods, n.e.c. in heading no. 7222). The HS code for stainless steel rods in straight lengths that are cold-finished or further worked is 7222.30. Hot-rolled versions are classified under 7222.11 or 7222.19.
How do I classify Stainless steel rod for customs?
Stainless steel rod is classified under HS code 722230 — Steel, stainless; bars and rods, n.e.c. in heading no. 7222. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a stainless steel bar the same as a rod in the HS system?
Yes, the HS system groups \"bars and rods\" together under the same headings, such as 7222, provided they meet the cross-sectional requirements.
Which countries are the top exporters of stainless steel rod (HS 722230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722230 (the code used for stainless steel rod) in UN Comtrade data were India ($168M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($130M) and Germany ($116M). World exports came to about $856M, 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 stainless steel rod (HS 722230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722230 (the code used for stainless steel rod) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($88M, 10% of world imports), China ($69M) and South Korea ($49M). World imports came to about $844M, 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 Stainless steel rod the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722230 for Stainless steel 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 stainless steel rod in Brazil?
In Brazil, stainless steel rod (HS 722230) is classified under NCM 7222.30.00.