73043100
ARTICLES OF IRON OR STEEL›Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel
Other, of circular cross-section, of iron or non-alloy steel - Cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced)
Classification of cold-drawn seamless tubes - CN 730431
CN code 730431 of the Combined Nomenclature covers seamless steel tubes, cold-drawn or cold-rolled, of circular cross-section, of other than stainless or alloy steel. These are tubes manufactured from a hot-rolled base tube through cold drawing through a die or cold rolling on a pilger mill, providing tight dimensional tolerances, smooth surface finish and enhanced mechanical properties. Applications include mechanical engineering, machine components, hydraulics, pneumatics, heat exchangers and industrial installations. They are produced from carbon or low-alloy steel in grades E235, E355, 16Mo3 and others per EN 10305 (precision tubes) or EN 10216 (pressure tubes). Classification under 730431 requires three criteria: seamless construction, cold working (drawing or rolling) and circular cross-section. From cold-drawn stainless tubes they are distinguished by material (carbon steel), and from hot-finished tubes by the final processing method.
Import requirements and regulations for cold-drawn tubes CN 730431
Importing cold-drawn seamless tubes under CN code 730431 into the EU is subject to Union Customs Code provisions. Required documents include a commercial invoice with technical description (outside diameter, wall thickness, tolerances, steel grade, standard, delivery condition), material certificate EN 10204 (type 2.2, 3.1 or 3.2 depending on application), transport documents and certificate of origin. Tubes for pressure applications are subject to PED 2014/68/EU and require CE marking. Precision tubes for machine components must comply with EN 10305 with appropriate dimensional tolerances. From 1 January 2026, imports may be subject to CBAM. Products must comply with REACH. Correct classification requires unambiguous confirmation of the production method (cold drawing or rolling) in the technical documentation.
Trade defence measures for cold-drawn tubes CN 730431
Cold-drawn seamless tubes under CN code 730431 are subject to EU safeguard measures in TRQ form with an additional 25% duty. Anti-dumping duties on seamless steel pipes from China may cover subheading 730431. Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to EU sanctions prohibitions. AD duties may apply to tubes from India and Turkey. Preferential rates are available under free trade agreements provided rules of origin are met. Cold-drawn tubes are higher value-added products than hot-rolled tubes, used in demanding technical applications. Major suppliers to the European market include producers from China, India, Turkey, Ukraine and EU countries. Total import costs include MFN duty, AD duties, safeguard surcharge, CBAM charges and VAT. Current rates should be verified in TARIC.
Customs classification of cold-drawn seamless steel tubes (CN 7304 31)
CN code 7304 31 of the Combined Nomenclature covers cold-drawn seamless steel tubes within Chapter 73, which deals with articles of iron or steel. Classification in this chapter is based on the type of article, its intended use, manufacturing method (casting, forging, welding, stamping) and base material (cast iron, non-alloy steel, stainless steel or alloy steel). Correct classification requires analysis of technical documentation. Where classification is uncertain, importers can obtain Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from customs authorities, valid for three years throughout the.
Frequently asked questions
How do cold-drawn tubes (730431) differ from hot-finished tubes?
Cold-drawn tubes undergo additional cold working after hot rolling, providing tighter dimensional tolerances, better surface quality and higher mechanical properties. Hot-finished tubes (730439) have wider tolerances and rougher surfaces. The final processing method determines classification - cold drawing qualifies for 730431, absence of cold working for 730439.
What European standards apply to cold-drawn seamless tubes?
Precision cold-drawn tubes are governed by EN 10305 (parts 1-6) specifying dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties and testing requirements. Pressure tubes are regulated by EN 10216. Tubes for mechanical engineering fall under EN 10297. Material certificate EN 10204 is mandatory. For pressure applications, CE marking under PED is required.
Are cold-drawn seamless tubes (CN 730431) subject to CBAM?
From 1 January 2026, CBAM enters its full operational phase. Cold-drawn seamless tubes as steel products under Chapter 73 may be subject to CBAM under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/956. Importers should verify the current CBAM scope and, if covered, comply with registration, emissions reporting and certificate purchase requirements.
What is the EU duty rate for CN code 7304 31 in 2026?
The duty rate for CN code 7304 31 (cold-drawn seamless steel tubes) is set in the TARIC tariff and depends on the country of origin. Preferential rates may apply under EU trade agreements. The current rate can be checked in the European.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Duty & VAT CalculatorCalculate customs duty and VAT for "Other, of circular cross-section, of iron or non-alloy steel - Cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced)" and see the full import cost.CBAM CalculatorCalculate the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) fee for CO2 emissions linked to your import.Import Profitability CalculatorCheck the import profitability of "Other, of circular cross-section, of iron or non-alloy steel - Cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced)" with all costs included.
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