Product classification
HS code for Stainless steel wire: 7223.00
Steel, stainless, wire.
Classification of stainless steel wire under HS 7223.00
Stainless steel wire is classified under HS code 7223.00. In the context of the Harmonized System, wire is defined as a cold-formed product in coils, of any cross-sectional shape, that does not meet the definition of flat-rolled products. This definition is found in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72. To be classified here, the material must be stainless steel, meaning it contains at least 10.5% chromium by weight. Unlike many other steel headings, 7223.00 is a single-level heading in the international 6-digit system, meaning it covers all diameters and shapes of stainless steel wire, provided they are cold-formed and in coils. The manufacturing process is the primary determinant; the metal is pulled through a series of dies at room temperature to achieve the desired gauge and mechanical properties. This distinguishes it from wire rod, which is a hot-rolled product.
- Covers
- Cold-drawn stainless steel round wire
- Stainless steel spring wire in coils
- Stainless steel welding wire (not coated with flux)
- Shaped stainless steel wire (square, hexagonal, or rectangular)
- Also under 7223.00
- Sandvik stainless wire
- Bekaert stainless steel wire
- Kiswire stainless wire
- Nippon Steel stainless wire products
Codes often confused with 7223.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7221.00, which covers stainless steel wire rod. The difference is that wire rod is hot-rolled, whereas wire (7223.00) is cold-formed. Another error involves 8311.10 or 8311.20, which are used for coated electrodes or cored wire for electric arc-welding. If the wire is coated with flux or has a hollow core filled with flux, it must be moved to Chapter 83. Straightened wire (not in coils) may also be classified as bars under 7222.
Top exporters and importers of HS 722300 (the code used for stainless steel wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 722300 (the code used for stainless steel wire) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 722300, not only stainless steel wire.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $411M 17% of world exports
- 2 China $248M 10% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $204M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $298M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $220M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 China $156M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 wire
Brazil classifies stainless steel wire under NCM 7223.00.00: HS 7223.00 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 wire
What is the HS code for Stainless steel wire?
The HS code for Stainless steel wire is 722300 (Steel, stainless; wire). The international HS code for all stainless steel wire is 7223.00, provided it is cold-formed and in coils.
How do I classify Stainless steel wire for customs?
Stainless steel wire is classified under HS code 722300 — Steel, stainless; wire. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is stainless steel welding wire classified here?
Only if it is solid and uncoated. If the welding wire is flux-cored or coated with fluxing material, it is classified under HS code 8311.
Which countries are the top exporters of stainless steel wire (HS 722300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 722300 (the code used for stainless steel wire) in UN Comtrade data were India ($411M, 17% of world exports), China ($248M) and South Korea ($204M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 wire (HS 722300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 722300 (the code used for stainless steel wire) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($298M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($220M) and China ($156M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 722300 for Stainless steel wire 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 wire in Brazil?
In Brazil, stainless steel wire (HS 722300) is classified under NCM 7223.00.00.