HS 721550 Other, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished
Quick Answer: Iron or steel bars and rods, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished, enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US at a rate of 0.3¢/kg plus 20% ad valorem. This classification specifically applies to iron and steel bars and rods that have undergone cold working processes such as cold drawing, cold rolling, or cold heading, but have not been subjected to further manufacturing steps like heat treatment or machining beyond what's necessary for the cold finishing. Importers should be aware of the significant ad valorem component in the US duty, which can fluctuate with the value of the goods. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7215500000 | — | — | — |
| 7215501100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7215501900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7215508000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7215501100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7215508000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7215500000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7215501900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72155000 | Free | — | — |
| 7215500018 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7215500061 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7215500065 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7215500016 | — | — | ["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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 721550 cover?
This subheading covers bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, which have undergone cold-forming or cold-finishing processes but have not been further worked. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes products shaped by methods like cold drawing, cold rolling, or cold heading. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that these are typically finished products ready for use without additional shaping or treatment, distinguishing them from semi-finished steel products.
What falls outside HS 721550?
The following products are excluded from HS 721550: steel bars and rods that have been hot-rolled, hot-finished, or further worked beyond cold-forming or cold-finishing. This includes items that have been drilled, machined, painted, or coated, as these operations constitute further working. For instance, a steel rod that has been threaded or cut to specific lengths for a particular application would likely be classified under a different subheading, such as those for bars and rods further worked or shaped by other means.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 721550?
A common error is misinterpreting "not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished" by including products that have undergone additional processing. For example, if a steel rod is cold-drawn and then subsequently plated or polished to a mirror finish, it may no longer meet the criteria for this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System emphasizes that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, meaning the specific processing steps are critical.
How should importers classify products under HS 721550?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 721550 involves a thorough examination of the manufacturing process. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the steel bars or rods have only been subjected to cold-forming or cold-finishing techniques, such as cold drawing or cold rolling, and have not undergone any subsequent operations like machining, drilling, or coating. Reviewing technical specifications and manufacturer declarations is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 721550?
A 10mm diameter cold-drawn steel rod weighing 50 kg and declared at a customs value of $100 USD would attract a US duty of $10.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 20% ad valorem applied to the declared value, as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 7215.50.0000. The calculation is: 20% of $100 USD = $20.00. (Note: This is an illustrative example; actual duty rates can vary based on origin and specific product characteristics).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 721550?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 721550, 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, agreements with developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer preferential rates, often Free. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, 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 721550, 'Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished'?
The duty rates for HS code 721550 vary significantly by importing country. For example, under the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. However, preferential rates under trade agreements may apply. In the European Union, the TARIC system shows a rate of 0.00% for many sources. The UK Trade Tariff also lists 0.00% for most origins. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the definitive rate, as rates can change and be subject to specific conditions or origin rules.
How is the classification of 'cold-formed or cold-finished' determined under HS 721550?
HS code 721550 covers bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel that have undergone processes like cold drawing, cold rolling, or cold heading, but have not been further worked (e.g., by machining, threading, or bending into specific shapes). 'Cold-formed' typically refers to shaping at room temperature, resulting in improved mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy. 'Cold-finished' implies processes that enhance surface finish and precision. If the product has undergone any subsequent working beyond these cold finishing processes, it would likely be classified under a different HS code, such as those for tools, screws, or parts of machinery.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 721550?
Standard import documentation for HS 721550 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or product literature to substantiate the classification if requested by customs authorities. For specific requirements, consult the customs regulations of the destination country or work with a licensed customs broker.
How are duties calculated for HS 721550 if a specific duty rate applies, such as 0.3¢/kg + 20% ad valorem?
If a compound duty rate like '0.3¢/kg + 20% ad valorem' applies, the total duty is the sum of a specific duty based on weight and an ad valorem duty based on value. For example, if you import 10,000 kg of steel bars valued at $5,000 USD, and the duty rate is 0.3¢/kg (which is $0.003 USD/kg) plus 20% ad valorem:
Specific Duty = 10,000 kg * $0.003/kg = $30 USD Ad Valorem Duty = 20% of $5,000 USD = $1,000 USD Total Duty = $30 USD + $1,000 USD = $1,030 USD.
It is critical to use the correct currency conversion rates and to ensure the declared value and weight are accurate and compliant with customs regulations.
Which major trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS 721550?
Several trade agreements can impact duty rates for HS 721550. For imports into the United States, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may offer preferential treatment for goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Japan, South Korea, or Switzerland can provide reduced or zero duty rates for goods entering the EU. Similarly, the UK has numerous FTAs post-Brexit. To benefit from these agreements, goods must meet the specific rules of origin stipulated in each agreement, which often requires a valid certificate of origin.