HS Code for Steel ingots

Steel ingots are classified under HS code 7206.10. This heading covers iron and non-alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms. Ingots are the primary shape resulting from the casting of molten steel into molds, intended for further processing such as rolling or forging. This classification is fundamental to the steel industry as it represents the first solid state of the metal after smelting and refining. Heading 7206 excludes products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore (which fall under 7203) and semi-finished products like billets or slabs (which fall under 7207). The classification 7206.10 is strictly for the ingot form. The chemical composition must meet the definition of non-alloy steel as per the Chapter 72 notes, meaning the levels of elements like manganese, silicon, and copper must stay below specified weight percentages. If the steel contains alloying elements above these limits, it would be classified under 7224.10. Ingots are typically large, heavy blocks and are not considered finished goods; they are raw materials for the subsequent stages of steel production.

Products Included

• Non-alloy steel ingots
• Iron ingots (excluding those of heading 7203)
• Primary form cast steel blocks
• Remelted scrap ingots (if meeting purity standards)
• Cast steel for further rolling

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is between 7206.10 (ingots) and 7207 (semi-finished products). While ingots are primary forms cast into molds, 7207 covers products like billets, blooms, and slabs that have already undergone some initial rolling or continuous casting. Another error involves 7203, which covers "pigs" or other primary forms of iron obtained by direct reduction; these are chemically different from the refined steel ingots found in 7206. Finally, alloy steel ingots must be moved to 7224.10 to avoid customs disputes regarding material composition.

FAQ

What is the HS code for steel ingots?

The HS code for iron or non-alloy steel ingots is 7206.10.

Are steel billets classified under 7206.10?

No, steel billets are considered semi-finished products and are classified under heading 7207.