Wire of stainless steel

Heading 7223 00 covers wire of stainless steel supplied in coils, as distinct from rods and wire rod in coils. The key distinction between wire and wire rod lies in the production process: wire rod is hot-rolled in coils to intermediate diameters, typically above 5.5 mm, and is intended for further drawing; wire is produced by cold or warm drawing through dies to achieve precise small diameters with high dimensional accuracy and flexibility. Note 1(f) defines stainless steel as containing at least 1.2% chromium and not more than 1.2% carbon. A minimum nickel content of 2.5% is an additional criterion for classification under 7223 00 and must be confirmed by chemical analysis. Wire of stainless steel with lower nickel content may require a different tariff heading. Importers should ensure that the mill certificate explicitly states the nickel content to avoid classification disputes at the border.

Stainless steel wire classified under 7223 00 is within the CBAM scope as a steel product manufactured through high-emission processes. From 1 January 2026, importers are required to submit an annual CBAM declaration and purchase CBAM certificates corresponding to the embedded CO2 emissions of the imported wire. Embedded emissions include both direct emissions from electric arc steelmaking and emissions from rolling and drawing operations. Where the exporting country's producer has incurred carbon costs under a domestic ETS or carbon tax, the importer may apply for a reduction in the number of CBAM certificates required, subject to verification. The European Commission provides detailed methodological guidance on system boundaries and calculation methods for drawn steel products. Importers should integrate CBAM data collection into their supplier qualification and procurement processes.

Stainless steel wire under heading 7223 00 is subject to EU steel safeguard measures establishing quarterly TRQs. Within the quota, the additional safeguard duty is zero; once exhausted, a 25% duty applies. Anti-dumping or countervailing measures may apply for imports from specific countries, notably China, accumulating with the safeguard duty. The precise country of origin must be established, which is particularly challenging for supply chains involving Taiwan, South Korea or Vietnam as processing hubs. EU sanctions comprehensively prohibit imports of stainless steel wire originating from Russia and Belarus, and each consignment must be verified against the consolidated list of sanctioned entities and goods. Importers should also be aware of potential circumvention investigations, which can result in extension of anti-dumping measures to third countries through which goods transit.

CN code 7223 00 classifies stainless steel wire in coils 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.