HS 731450 Expanded metal
Quick Answer: Expanded metal imported under HS 731450 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at a Free rate under the MFN tariff. This classification covers metal sheets that have been slit and expanded to create diamond-shaped openings, commonly used for fencing, gratings, and protective screens. Importers should be aware of potential anti-dumping duties that may apply to expanded metal from certain origins in the US, which can significantly increase the effective duty rate beyond the stated MFN rate. CustomTariffs aggregates this duty information for global trade.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7314500000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7314500000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7314500000 | Free | — | ["m<sup>2</sup>","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 731450 cover?
This subheading covers expanded metal made from iron or steel, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. Expanded metal is produced by slitting and stretching a metal sheet, creating a diamond-shaped pattern of openings. Official definitions, such as those found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, specify that this category includes expanded metal sheets and plates, regardless of their specific dimensions or the thickness of the original metal sheet, provided they are formed through this expansion process.
What falls outside HS 731450?
The following products are excluded from HS 731450: woven wire cloth (classified under HS 731414 or 731419), welded mesh (classified under HS 731420), and perforated metal sheeting (classified under HS 731431 or 731439). While all are forms of metal mesh or sheeting, the manufacturing process is distinct. For instance, woven wire cloth is created by interlacing wires, and welded mesh is formed by joining wires at intersections, differentiating them from the "expanded" nature of products under 731450.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 731450?
A common error is misclassifying expanded metal when it has undergone further processing, such as being cut into specific shapes or having edges finished. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 2(a), an incomplete or unfinished article is classified as if it were the complete or finished article if it has the essential character of the finished article. Therefore, simply cutting expanded metal to size does not typically change its classification from 731450, but significant further fabrication might lead to classification under a different heading.
How should importers classify products under HS 731450?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 731450 involves first identifying the material as iron or steel and confirming it is "expanded metal" produced by slitting and stretching. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to verify the definition and any specific subheadings. They must then ensure the product's form and intended use align with the description for expanded metal, paying attention to any notes or exclusions within Chapter 73.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 731450?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of expanded steel mesh for industrial fencing, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($2,500 USD × 0.05 = $125.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 731450.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 731450?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 731450, 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 preferential duty rates, often Free, for eligible goods from designated developing countries. 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 jurisdiction and agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for expanded metal (HS 731450) into the United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom?
For the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for expanded metal under HS 731450 is 0.00%. In the European Union, the rate is also 0.00% under the TARIC system. For the United Kingdom, the rate is Free. It's crucial to verify these rates against the latest official tariffs as they can change. Importers should always consult the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the EU's TARIC database, and the UK's Trade Tariff for the most current and specific information, especially considering potential trade agreements.
What specific criteria define 'expanded metal' for HS classification under 731450?
Expanded metal, classified under HS 731450, is a metal sheet that has been slit and stretched, creating diamond-shaped or other openings. It is typically produced from a single sheet of metal (steel, aluminum, etc.) without any welding or joining of separate pieces. The key characteristic is the process of cutting and stretching to form an integral mesh structure. This distinguishes it from other forms of metal mesh or grating that might be manufactured by weaving, welding, or other methods.
What documentation is typically required when importing expanded metal (HS 731450)?
When importing expanded metal (HS 731450), standard import documentation is required. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. For expanded metal, it's also advisable to have documentation from the manufacturer that clearly describes the product, its material (e.g., type of steel, aluminum), and the manufacturing process (slit and stretched) to support the HS classification.
How do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, impact the duty rates for expanded metal (HS 731450)?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duty rates for expanded metal (HS 731450). For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), expanded metal originating from Canada or Mexico might qualify for preferential duty rates, potentially reducing the rate from the standard MFN rate. Similarly, the EU has numerous trade agreements with third countries that could offer reduced or zero duties. To benefit from these agreements, importers must ensure the expanded metal meets the rules of origin specified in the relevant trade agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation, such as a certificate of origin.
How is the import duty for expanded metal (HS 731450) calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for expanded metal (HS 731450) depends on the specific duty rate applied by the importing country. If the duty is an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value), the calculation is straightforward. For example, if the MFN duty rate for expanded metal into the US is 0.00% ad valorem, and the declared customs value of a shipment is $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 * 0.00% = $0.00. If a country applied a specific duty rate (e.g., per unit of weight or area), the calculation would be based on that metric. Importers and customs brokers must refer to the specific tariff schedule of the importing country to determine the applicable duty calculation method.