Bars and rods, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished

Subheading 7222 20 of the Combined Nomenclature covers bars of stainless steel that have been cold-formed or cold-finished, of circular cross-section with a diameter of 25 to 80 mm. At the TARIC level, bars with a nickel content of at least 2.5% by weight constitute a separate 10-digit code characterising austenitic stainless steels. Stainless steel must meet the definition in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72: at least 10.5% Cr and not more than 1.2% C by weight. Cold finishing encompasses drawing, grinding, polishing or straightening, which improve surface quality, dimensional tolerances and mechanical properties compared to the hot-rolled product. Bars from this subheading are used in precision machining - shafts, pins, spindles, valve components and pump parts requiring high dimensional accuracy and surface quality. The distinction from 7222 11 (hot-rolled) rests solely on the production process - cold finishing determines classification in 7222 20. A mill certificate should indicate the production method, chemical composition and mechanical properties.

Cold-finished stainless steel bars under subheading 7222 20 are subject to full CBAM obligations under Regulation (EU) 2023/956 from 1 January 2026. The importer, as an authorised CBAM declarant, must submit quarterly CBAM declarations with embedded emissions data - expressed in tonnes of CO2 per tonne of product - covering direct emissions from steelmaking (typically EAF) and indirect emissions from electricity consumption during cold finishing. CBAM certificates are purchased from the competent national authority at EU ETS prices and must be surrendered by 31 May of the following year. Additional TARIC Q-series codes are required in the customs declaration. Necessary import documents include: commercial invoice with product description (grade, diameter, tolerances, finish), mill certificate with chemical analysis (Cr, Ni, Mo) and mechanical properties, transport document, proof of origin for preferential rates, EORI number. Stainless steel bars used in the pharmaceutical or food industry may require additional conformity certificates.

Cold-finished stainless steel bars under subheading 7222 20 are subject to EU safeguard measures on steel products. Quarterly TRQs set by the European Commission cover long stainless steel product categories - imports exceeding the limit are subject to an additional 25% duty on the customs value. Anti-dumping measures on cold-finished stainless bars from countries such as China and India may apply with rates varying by producer and exporter - verification in the TARIC database before import is essential. Countervailing duties (CVD) may apply to products from countries where producers benefit from export subsidies. Import of steel products from Russia and Belarus is prohibited under successive EU sanctions packages since 2022, and this prohibition covers stainless steel bars regardless of the degree of processing. Preferential duty rates may apply for imports from FTA partner countries - a EUR.1 certificate, invoice declaration or REX statement is required.

CN code 7222 20 classifies stainless bars, cold-finished, 25–80 mm within Chapter 72 of the Combined Nomenclature. Steel imports into the EU are subject not only to standard TARIC duty rates but also to safeguard measures in the form of tariff-rate quotas. Once the quota volume is exceeded, an additional 25% duty applies. Importers must correctly declare the country of origin, as preferential tariff rates may apply under EU free trade agreements. Anti-dumping duties may also be in force for certain origins. Import VAT is charged on the customs value plus all duties payable.