HS 721810 Ingots and other primary forms
Quick Answer: Stainless steel in primary forms, such as ingots and other unfinished shapes, imported under HS 721810 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US with a duty rate that can range from Free to 29% ad valorem. This classification specifically covers semi-finished products of stainless steel, typically cast or produced through initial melting and casting processes, before further fabrication. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity in the US market, which may necessitate careful consideration of origin and specific tariff provisions. According to CustomTariffs data, while the UK and EU offer duty-free entry, the US tariff structure requires detailed examination for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7218100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7218100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7218100000 | Free | — | ["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 721810 cover?
This subheading covers stainless steel in ingots and other primary forms, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes semi-finished products of stainless steel, such as blooms, billets, and slabs, which are the initial cast forms before further processing into bars, rods, or wire. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system confirm that these are the raw, unworked materials intended for subsequent rolling, forging, or drawing.
What falls outside HS 721810?
The following products are excluded from HS 721810: finished or semi-finished products of stainless steel that have undergone further processing, such as hot-rolled or cold-rolled stainless steel coils, sheets, plates, bars, rods, or wire. Also excluded are stainless steel powders (HS 721899) and stainless steel waste and scrap (HS 7204.21). Products that are not primarily of stainless steel, even if they contain some stainless steel components, would also be classified elsewhere based on their principal character.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 721810?
A common error is misclassifying semi-finished stainless steel products that have undergone initial shaping but are still considered primary forms. For instance, stainless steel bars or rods that have been hot-rolled but not further worked might be mistakenly classified under this subheading instead of a more specific heading for bars and rods. This often stems from a misunderstanding of the distinction between "primary forms" and "finished or semi-finished products" as outlined in Section XV, Note 1(f) of the Harmonized System.
How should importers classify products under HS 721810?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 721810 involves a thorough examination of the product's form and degree of processing. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and refer to the Explanatory Notes of the WCO. Confirm that the product is indeed stainless steel and that it exists in an ingot, bloom, billet, or slab form, without further significant working beyond initial casting or primary shaping.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 721810?
A shipment of 10,000 kg of stainless steel billets, declared at a customs value of $25,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,750.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($25,000 USD × 0.07 = $1,750.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 7218.10.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 721810?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 721810, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. For goods originating from certain developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the duty rate can also be Free. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A may be required, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 721810 (Ingots and other primary forms of stainless steel)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 721810 in the United States is 0.00%. However, it's crucial to check for any applicable trade agreements or specific country of origin tariffs, as these can vary. For instance, under the EU TARIC system, the autonomous tariff quota (ATQ) rate might apply, which is often 0.00% for certain quantities, but standard rates can be higher. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a 0.00% duty rate for goods originating from most countries. Always verify the specific rate based on the country of origin and the importing country's tariff schedule.
What specific criteria define 'ingots and other primary forms' under HS code 721810?
HS code 721810 covers stainless steel in its primary forms. This includes ingots, which are cast metal in a large block or mold, and other primary forms such as blooms and billets. These are typically the direct result of melting and casting stainless steel. The key is that the material has not undergone further processing like rolling, forging, or drawing into bars, rods, or wire. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes, these forms are characterized by their unfinished nature, intended for subsequent working.
What documentation is typically required for importing stainless steel ingots under HS code 721810?
For importing stainless steel ingots (HS 721810), standard documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. A certificate of origin is often required to determine applicable duty rates and to comply with trade agreement provisions. Depending on the importing country's regulations, a mill test certificate or certificate of analysis may also be necessary to verify the stainless steel's composition and compliance with specifications. Importers and customs brokers should consult the specific import requirements of the destination country.
How is the import duty for HS code 721810 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 721810 typically depends on the duty rate applied. If the rate is ad valorem (a percentage of the value), the duty is calculated as: Duty = (Customs Value × Ad Valorem Rate). If a specific duty (e.g., per metric ton) applies, it's calculated as: Duty = (Quantity × Specific Rate). For example, if a shipment of stainless steel ingots valued at $10,000 USD has an ad valorem duty rate of 0.00%, the duty amount would be $10,000 × 0.00% = $0.00. If, hypothetically, a specific duty of $50 per metric ton were applied to a shipment of 20 metric tons, the duty would be 20 metric tons × $50/metric ton = $1,000.
Are there common trade agreements that provide preferential duty rates for HS code 721810?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 721810. For example, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing nation may qualify for preferential duty rates, often 0.00%. The United States has FTAs with countries like Canada and Mexico (USMCA), which could affect imports of stainless steel. Similarly, the European Union has numerous trade agreements, and the UK has its own set of trade deals post-Brexit. To claim preferential treatment, importers must typically provide a certificate of origin and ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement.