HS 721699 Other
Quick Answer: Steel bars, rods, angles, shapes, and sections, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished, imported under HS 721699, enter the UK and EU duty-free, while the United States imposes a 20% ad valorem duty under the MFN rate. This residual classification applies to items within Chapter 72 that do not fit into more specific subheadings for angles, shapes, and sections of iron or non-alloy steel. Importers should carefully verify the specific product characteristics against the more detailed descriptions within HS 7216 to ensure correct classification and avoid potential duty discrepancies. According to CustomTariffs data, the zero-duty rates in the UK and EU reflect a broad coverage for these specific steel products.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7216990000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7216990010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7216990090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7216990010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7216990000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7216990090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7216990010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 72169900 | Free | — | — |
| 7216990090 | — | — | ["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 721699 cover?
This subheading covers "Other" bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, which have been further worked after rolling or extrusion but do not fall under more specific subheadings within heading 7216. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes items like twisted bars, bars with decorative finishes, or those with specific surface treatments not covered elsewhere, provided they meet the general criteria for bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel as defined by Chapter 72 notes and are not specifically excluded by General Interpretative Rule 1 or 3. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system align with this broad residual category for worked bars and rods.
What falls outside HS 721699?
The following products are excluded from HS 721699: bars and rods that have undergone simple cold working (like bending or straightening) without significant alteration of their cross-section, which may remain classified under more specific subheadings of 7216 if they meet those criteria. Also excluded are finished articles made from these bars and rods, such as screws, bolts, or nails, which are classified in their respective headings. For instance, wire, which is typically a cold-formed product with a circular cross-section of a constant diameter, is classified under heading 7217 and not 7216.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 721699?
A common error is misclassifying products that have undergone minor working as "other" when they might fit a more specific subheading within 7216, such as those with specific cross-sectional shapes or those that have been hot-rolled or cold-formed into specific profiles. Another mistake is classifying finished goods made from these bars and rods under 721699 instead of their dedicated headings, contrary to General Interpretative Rule 3(a) which prioritizes the most specific description. Importers must carefully examine the exact nature of the working applied and the final form of the product.
How should importers classify products under HS 721699?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 721699 involves a systematic approach, starting with the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI). Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the product is a "bar or rod" of iron or non-alloy steel. Subsequently, they must review all subheadings within heading 7216 to ascertain if a more specific classification exists based on the product's characteristics, such as its cross-sectional shape, method of production (hot-rolled, cold-formed), or further working. Only if no more specific subheading applies should 721699 be considered.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 721699?
A shipment of 10,000 kg of twisted reinforcing bars for concrete, declared at a customs value of $8,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $480.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 6.00% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 6.00% × $8,000 USD = $480.00. This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 7216.99.0000, which often uses ad valorem rates for such products.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 721699?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 721699, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The General System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer duty-free entry for eligible products from certain developing countries. 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 requirements of the importing country's customs authority.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 721699, and how are preferential rates applied?
HS code 721699, classified as 'Other' bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, often carries a 0.00% Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in many major economies like the United States (USITC) and the European Union (TARIC). However, specific preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can vary. For instance, under certain FTAs, the duty might remain free. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment by obtaining a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter.
What specific criteria define items classified under HS code 721699 as 'Other'?
HS code 721699 is a residual category for bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel that do not fit into the more specific subheadings within 7216. This typically includes items that are not cold-formed or cold-finished, or those with specific cross-sectional shapes or surface treatments not covered elsewhere. For precise classification, importers and brokers must carefully review the Explanatory Notes and the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRIHS) provided by the World Customs Organization (WCO), alongside national tariff interpretations.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 721699?
Standard import documentation for HS code 721699 generally includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a 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. Specific national regulations might also necessitate import licenses, safety certificates, or compliance declarations, especially if the steel products are intended for construction or safety-critical applications. Always consult the customs authority of the destination country for a definitive list.
How is the import duty for HS code 721699 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation depends on the specific duty rate applied. If the rate is ad valorem (a percentage of the value), the duty is calculated as: (Customs Value × Ad Valorem Rate). If there is a specific duty (per unit of weight or measure), it's calculated as: (Quantity × Specific Duty Rate). For example, if a shipment of steel rods under HS 721699 has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 3.5% ad valorem, the duty would be $10,000 × 0.035 = $350. If there were a specific duty of $0.10 per kilogram and the shipment weighed 5,000 kg, the duty would be 5,000 kg × $0.10/kg = $500. It is crucial to identify the correct duty rate (MFN, preferential, etc.) and the basis of valuation or quantity.
Which common trade agreements might offer reduced or zero duty rates for products classified under HS code 721699?
Products classified under HS code 721699 may benefit from reduced or zero duty rates under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, goods originating from countries party to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or the EU's FTAs with countries like Canada or Japan might qualify for preferential treatment. Similarly, the UK's FTAs post-Brexit could impact duty rates. Eligibility is contingent on meeting the rules of origin stipulated in each specific trade agreement. Importers must obtain proof of origin, such as a Certificate of Origin, from the exporter to claim these benefits.