HS 720390 Other
Quick Answer: Ferrous materials imported under HS 720390 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free (MFN) or $2.21 per tonne. This residual classification covers other unwrought or powdered forms of ferro-alloys and other products of iron or non-alloy steel not specifically listed in preceding headings of Chapter 72. Importers should carefully verify the specific composition and form of their goods to ensure accurate classification, as this code is a catch-all. According to CustomTariffs data, the US also has a specific per-tonne duty in addition to the ad valorem rate, which can significantly impact landed costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7203900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7203900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7203900000 | Free | — | ["t"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 720390 cover?
This subheading covers "other" unwrought or powder forms of iron or non-alloy steel not specifically enumerated in preceding subheadings of heading 7203. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this residual category is for iron or non-alloy steel products that do not fit into categories like ferro-alloys or granulated iron. For example, in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), it would encompass items like iron sponge or iron powder not elsewhere specified within Chapter 72.
What falls outside HS 720390?
The following products are excluded from HS 720390: all forms of ferro-alloys (classified under heading 7202), granulated iron and sponge iron specifically covered by other subheadings within 7203, and all finished or semi-finished iron and steel products (e.g., bars, rods, sheets, plates, wire) which are classified in subsequent chapters of the Harmonized System. For instance, iron powder intended for powder metallurgy applications might be classified elsewhere depending on its specific form and intended use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 720390?
A common error is misclassifying finished or semi-finished iron and steel products under this "other" subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System mandates classification based on the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly assign products that are clearly shaped or processed beyond the unwrought or powder stage, such as iron bars or steel wire, to 720390 when they belong to later headings in Chapter 72 or other chapters.
How should importers classify products under HS 720390?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 720390 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics and its intended form. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the product is indeed unwrought iron or non-alloy steel in powder or other forms not specifically listed in preceding subheadings of heading 7203. Consulting the official WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, is crucial for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 720390?
A shipment of 10,000 kilograms of iron sponge, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,000.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 10% = $500 USD), plus a specific duty of $0.50 per 10 kg ($0.50/10kg × 10,000 kg = $500 USD), totaling $1,000.00, as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for certain iron sponge classifications.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 720390?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 720390, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products from developing countries. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 720390, and how are they applied?
HS code 720390, classified as 'Other' semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, often carries a 0.00% duty rate under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. However, specific rates can vary significantly based on the importing country's tariff schedule and any applicable trade agreements. For instance, under the EU's TARIC system, the rate is typically Free. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country. Duty calculation is usually ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit of weight or volume). For example, if a shipment of 10 metric tons (t) of a product classified under a hypothetical specific duty of $2.21/t were imported, the total duty would be 10 t * $2.21/t = $22.10.
What criteria distinguish products classified under HS 720390 from other semi-finished steel products?
HS code 720390 is a residual category for semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel that do not fit into more specific subheadings within Chapter 72 of the Harmonized System. This typically includes products like ingots, blooms, billets, and slabs of iron or non-alloy steel that have undergone initial shaping processes but are not yet finished goods. Classification hinges on the material composition (iron or non-alloy steel) and the form (semi-finished). If a product meets the definition of semi-finished steel but is not specifically covered by headings like 7201 (pig iron and spiegeleisen), 7202 (ferro-alloys), or other more defined categories within 7203, it would likely fall under 720390.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 720390?
Standard import documentation for goods classified under HS 720390 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transport; and a certificate of origin. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the steel product, additional documentation such as mill test certificates verifying the steel's composition and quality may be required. It is crucial for importers and customs brokers to verify the exact requirements with the customs authorities of the destination country.
How do preferential trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, impact the duty rates for HS code 720390?
Preferential trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods classified under HS code 720390, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, if a product originating from a country that is party to the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) qualifies under its rules of origin, it may be eligible for a preferential duty rate, often 0.00% or Free, when imported into the US, Mexico, or Canada. Similarly, trade agreements between the EU and other nations can offer reduced tariffs. Importers must obtain a valid certificate of origin from the exporter to claim preferential treatment.
Can you provide a practical example of how a specific duty rate, like $2.21 per ton, would be calculated for HS 720390?
Certainly. If a country imposes a specific duty of $2.21 per metric ton (t) on products classified under HS 720390, and an importer brings in a shipment weighing 50,000 kilograms (which is equal to 50 metric tons), the duty calculation would be straightforward. The total duty amount would be the weight of the goods in metric tons multiplied by the specific duty rate: 50 t * $2.21/t = $110.50. This calculation demonstrates how specific duties are applied based on quantity rather than the value of the goods, unlike ad valorem duties.