HS Code for Steel slabs

Steel slabs are classified under HS code 7207.12 as semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel. These products must have a carbon content of less than 0.25% and a rectangular (but not square) cross-section where the width is at least twice the thickness. Slabs are the intermediate stage between an ingot and a finished flat-rolled product like a sheet or plate. They are produced either through continuous casting or by the primary rolling of ingots. The classification under 7207.12 is specific to the rectangular shape; if the cross-section were square, it would fall under 7207.11. These slabs are not considered "finished" because they require further hot-rolling to achieve the final dimensions and mechanical properties required for end-use applications. The surface of a slab is typically rough and may show signs of the casting process or primary rolling. They are a critical commodity in the global steel trade, serving as the primary feedstock for mills that produce flat-rolled steel products.

Products Included

• Non-alloy steel slabs
• Continuously cast steel slabs
• Primary rolled rectangular billets
• Low-carbon steel slabs
• Semi-finished flat steel sections

Common Misclassification

Steel slabs are often misclassified as finished plates under heading 7208. However, 7208 is for flat-rolled products that have reached their final thickness. Another common error is using 7207.11, which is reserved for square billets where the width and thickness are approximately equal.

FAQ

What is the HS code for steel slabs?

The HS code for semi-finished, non-alloy steel slabs with less than 0.25% carbon and a rectangular cross-section is 7207.12.

What is the difference between a steel slab and a steel plate?

A slab (7207.12) is a semi-finished product intended for further rolling, while a plate (7208) is a finished flat-rolled product that has been processed to its final thickness.