HS Code for Steel blooms

Steel blooms are classified under HS code 7207.12 as semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel. This specific subheading is designated for products containing less than 0.25% carbon by weight and possessing a rectangular (other than square) cross-section. In the hierarchy of steel production, blooms are intermediate products resulting from the primary rolling or continuous casting of ingots. They are characterized by a solid cross-section that is not yet shaped into a finished product like a beam or plate. The classification under 7207.12 is strictly governed by the carbon content and the geometry of the cross-section. If the width is more than twice the thickness, the product might be considered a slab, but for the purposes of 7207.12, the rectangularity is the defining feature. These products are intended for further processing, such as re-rolling into bars, rods, or sections. The absence of further surface work beyond primary casting or rolling is essential for this classification.

Products Included

• Low-carbon steel blooms with rectangular cross-sections
• Semi-finished non-alloy steel slabs with <0.25% carbon
• Continuously cast rectangular steel sections for re-rolling
• Rectangular blooms used in the production of heavy steel plates

Common Misclassification

A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 7207.11, which is specifically for products with a square cross-section. If the carbon content exceeds 0.25%, the product must be classified under 7207.20. Furthermore, if the steel is alloyed (such as stainless steel), it falls under 7218.91 or 7224.90. Importers also confuse blooms with finished thick plates under 7208, but blooms are distinguished by their lack of precise dimensional finishing and their intended use as a raw material for further rolling.

FAQ

What is the HS code for steel blooms?

The HS code for semi-finished rectangular steel blooms containing less than 0.25% carbon is 7207.12.

What is the difference between a bloom and a billet in HS coding?

While both are semi-finished, blooms generally have a larger, rectangular cross-section (7207.12), whereas billets are typically smaller and square (7207.11). The distinction is based on the dimensions and the ratio of width to thickness.