HS 721891 Other
Quick Answer: Stainless steel bars and rods, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-drawn, not coiled, enter the UK and EU duty-free, while the US imposes a 29% ad valorem duty under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification, HS 721891, specifically covers "other" stainless steel bars and rods that do not fit more specific subheadings within Chapter 72. Importers should note the significant duty differential between the US and other major markets. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific national tariff schedules for accurate landed cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7218911000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7218910000 | — | — | — |
| 7218918000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7218911000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7218910000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7218918000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72189100 | Free | — | — |
| 7218910030 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7218910015 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7218910060 | — | — | ["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 721891 cover?
This subheading covers "other" stainless steel bars and rods, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-drawn, and not coiled. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, it specifically includes items that do not fit into the more precisely defined categories within heading 7218. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) defines this category by exclusion, meaning any stainless steel bars and rods meeting the general criteria of heading 7218, but not otherwise specified, fall here. This often includes items with specific cross-sectional shapes or surface finishes that are not explicitly covered elsewhere.
What falls outside HS 721891?
The following products are excluded from HS 721891: stainless steel bars and rods that have undergone further working beyond cold-forming or cold-drawing, such as threading, grooving, or machining. Also excluded are coiled stainless steel bars and rods, which are typically classified under other subheadings within heading 7218. Products that are not made of stainless steel, or those that are not in bar or rod form (e.g., wire, sheets, plates), are also not covered by this subheading. For example, stainless steel wire, even if cold-drawn, would be classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 721891?
A common error is misinterpreting the "not further worked" clause. Importers may incorrectly classify stainless steel bars and rods that have undergone minor machining operations, such as cutting to specific lengths or deburring, under this subheading, when such operations might warrant classification under a more specific provision or even a different heading altogether, depending on the extent of the work. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and GRI 3 is crucial, ensuring the most specific description is applied first.
How should importers classify products under HS 721891?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 721891 involves a systematic approach. First, confirm that the product is indeed stainless steel in bar or rod form. Second, verify that it has been cold-formed or cold-drawn but not further worked beyond these processes, and is not coiled. Consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, to ensure no more specific subheading accurately describes the item. If it meets all criteria and is not otherwise specified, HS 721891 is appropriate.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 721891?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of 304 stainless steel bars, cold-drawn, with a declared customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 3.5% of $5,000 USD = $175.00. This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 7218.91.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 721891?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 721891, 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 goods from certain developing countries, such as Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and importing jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 721891?
HS code 721891 covers 'Other' stainless steel bars and rods, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is 0.00%. However, it is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the most current rates, as these can change. Preferential duty rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to which the US is a party, potentially reducing or eliminating duties for goods originating from those partner countries.
How is the duty for HS code 721891 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 721891 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the imported goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 0.00% and you import 1,000 kilograms of stainless steel bars valued at $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: 0.00% of $5,000 USD = $0.00 USD. If a specific duty rate were applicable (e.g., $0.10 per kg), the calculation would be: 1,000 kg * $0.10/kg = $100.00 USD. Always verify the specific duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the HTSUS.
What specific criteria define 'Other' under HS code 721891 for stainless steel bars and rods?
HS code 721891 falls under heading 7218, which covers 'Stainless steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of stainless steel.' Subheading 7218.91 specifically applies to 'Other' stainless steel bars and rods that have been semi-finished and then further worked by cold-forming or cold-finishing. This means they are not in their primary ingot form and have undergone processes like cold drawing or cold rolling to achieve specific dimensions, surface finishes, or mechanical properties, but have not been further worked, such as by machining or twisting.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 721891?
For imports under HS code 721891, standard documentation includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, importers must provide a declaration of origin to claim any preferential duty rates under FTAs. Depending on the country of origin and the specific product, additional certifications, such as mill test certificates verifying the stainless steel composition and compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ASTM, EN), may be required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or other relevant authorities.
Which trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 721891 imports into the United States?
The United States has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that could provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 721891, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in each agreement. Examples include the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Importers must verify the specific origin of their stainless steel bars and rods and consult the relevant FTA text or the HTSUS, which often details preferential rates and requirements, to determine eligibility. The origin of the goods is paramount; simply being imported from a partner country is insufficient if the goods do not meet the origin criteria.