Bars and rods, not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded - Of circular cross-section

Subheading 7222 11 of the Combined Nomenclature covers bars of stainless steel, hot-rolled, of circular cross-section and a diameter of less than 80 mm. At the TARIC level, a nickel content of at least 2.5% by weight is a separate 10-digit code, characteristic of austenitic stainless steels (AISI 304, 316, 321, 347 and related grades). Stainless steel under Note 1(f) to Chapter 72 must contain at least 10.5% Cr and not more than 1.2% C. The 2.5% Ni threshold at TARIC level separates austenitic grades from ferritic and duplex grades with lower nickel content. Hot-rolled circular bars below 80 mm diameter are among the most widely used semi-finished products for further machining - turning, milling and drilling - into fasteners, valves, shafts, spindles and other components. Bars with a diameter of 80 mm and above are classified under 7222 19. The distinction from cold-drawn bars (7222 20) and forged bars (7222 30) rests on the production method. A mill certificate must confirm steel grade, chemical composition (Cr, Ni, Mo, Mn) and mechanical properties.

Hot-rolled stainless steel bars under subheading 7222 11 are subject to full CBAM obligations from 1 January 2026. The importer, as an authorised CBAM declarant, must submit quarterly CBAM declarations with embedded emissions data in tonnes of CO2 per tonne of product - covering both direct emissions from electric arc furnace steelmaking (EAF) and indirect emissions from electricity consumption. Emission data should be supplied by the producer; European Commission default values are applied only where actual data is unavailable. CBAM certificates are purchased at EU ETS prices and 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 grade, diameter and length description, mill certificate with chemical analysis and mechanical properties (tensile strength, yield strength), transport document, proof of origin for preferential rates, EORI number.

Hot-rolled stainless steel bars under subheading 7222 11 are subject to EU safeguard measures on steel. Quarterly TRQs managed by the European Commission include a separate category for long stainless steel products. Imports exceeding the quarterly limit are subject to an additional duty of 25%. Anti-dumping measures on stainless bars from China, India and Taiwan may apply with varying rates for individual producers - current status must be verified in the TARIC database before completing an import transaction. Import of steel products from Russia and Belarus is prohibited under the EU sanctions packages in force since 2022. Sanctions may also cover stainless steel products containing raw materials or components originating from those countries. Preferential duty rates may be applied on imports from FTA partner countries, provided a valid proof of origin is supplied.

CN code 7222 11 classifies stainless bars, hot-rolled, d < 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.