HS 720720 Containing by weight 0,25 % or more of carbon
Quick Answer: Iron or non-alloy steel products containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon imported under HS 720720 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at 20% under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel that have a carbon content of 0.25% or more by weight. These are typically ingots, blooms, billets, and slabs, which are intermediate forms used in the production of finished steel products like bars, rods, and wire. Importers should be aware of the significant duty differential between the EU/UK and the US for these goods. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific tariff rates for each destination market.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7207201100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7207201500 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7207200000 | — | — | — |
| 7207205200 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7207205900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7207200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7207201500 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7207201900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7207203900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7207205900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7207200025 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7207200075 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 72072000 | Free | — | — |
| 7207200045 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7207200090 | — | — | ["kg"] |
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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 720720 cover?
This subheading covers semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes products like blooms, billets, and slabs that have undergone initial shaping from the molten state but require further processing. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristic for classification under 720720 is the carbon content exceeding 0.25% by weight, distinguishing them from lower carbon content semi-finished products.
What falls outside HS 720720?
The following products are excluded from HS 720720: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel containing less than 0.25% by weight of carbon, which are classified under HS 720711 or 720719. Additionally, finished articles of iron or non-alloy steel, such as bars, rods, or wire, that have undergone their final shaping are not covered. Ingots of iron or non-alloy steel, which are the initial cast products before any significant shaping, are also classified elsewhere, typically under HS 7206.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 720720?
A common error is misinterpreting the carbon content threshold, leading to incorrect classification between HS 720720 and subheadings for lower carbon content. Another mistake involves confusing semi-finished products with finished products; for instance, classifying a finished steel bar intended for direct use as a semi-finished product. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 720720?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 720720 involves a two-step process. First, determine if the product is a semi-finished product of iron or non-alloy steel. Second, ascertain its carbon content by weight. If the carbon content is 0.25% or more, it falls under this subheading. Importers and customs brokers must consult the product's technical specifications and, if necessary, laboratory analysis to confirm the carbon percentage accurately.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 720720?
A slab of non-alloy steel weighing 10,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD would attract a US duty of $350. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 3.5% × $5,000 = $175. However, if the slab's carbon content is 0.25% or more, and it falls under HTSUS 7207.20.0000, the duty is 3.5% ad valorem. For a 10,000 kg shipment valued at $5,000, the duty would be $175 (3.5% of $5,000). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 720720?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 720720. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), originating goods may receive a duty rate of Free. Similarly, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) can offer preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Japan. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement or a certificate of origin, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 720720, 'Semifinished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0,25 % or more of carbon'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 720720 is generally 0.00% in many major trading economies, including the United States (USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule) and the United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff). However, specific preferential agreements or retaliatory tariffs can influence the final duty. For instance, while the EU TARIC database also shows a 0.00% duty for standard MFN treatment, importers should always verify current rates based on the country of origin and any applicable trade agreements. Some countries may apply higher rates under specific circumstances or for certain origins.
How is the classification of HS code 720720 determined, specifically the 'containing by weight 0,25 % or more of carbon' criterion?
The classification under HS code 720720 hinges on two primary factors: the product being a 'semifinished product of iron or non-alloy steel' and its carbon content. 'Semifinished products' typically include ingots, blooms, billets, and slabs. The critical criterion is the carbon content, which must be 0.25% or more by weight. Importers must rely on the manufacturer's certificate of analysis (CoA) or mill test certificate, which accurately details the chemical composition, including the precise percentage of carbon. This documentation is crucial for customs authorities to verify compliance with the 0.25% threshold.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 720720?
For HS code 720720, standard import documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Crucially, a certificate of analysis (CoA) or mill test certificate is essential to substantiate the carbon content of the steel, confirming it meets the '0,25 % or more of carbon' requirement. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may also be required, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed under a free trade agreement. Importers should consult the specific customs regulations of the destination country for a comprehensive list.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 720720 if a duty rate other than 0.00% applies?
If a non-zero duty rate applies, the calculation for HS code 720720 is typically an ad valorem duty, meaning it's a percentage of the goods' value. For example, if a country imposes a 5% ad valorem duty on HS 720720, and the declared customs value of a shipment of steel billets is $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 USD (Customs Value) × 5% (Duty Rate) = $500 USD (Duty Amount). Some countries might also have specific duties (e.g., per metric ton), but ad valorem is more common for this code. Always verify the specific duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the importing country's tariff schedule.
Do common trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, impact the duty rates for HS code 720720?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 720720. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may benefit from preferential duty rates, often 0.00%, provided they meet the agreement's rules of origin. Similarly, the European Union has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries, which can reduce or eliminate duties on originating goods classified under 720720. Importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter to claim these preferential rates and must ensure the goods strictly adhere to the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement.