China Export Rank #6

Iron, Steel & Metal Products

China is the world's largest steel producer — accounting for over 54% of global production.

HS Codes

7210.70 Painted, varnished or plastic-coated flat-rolled iron/steel

7308.90 Iron/steel construction parts, scaffolding, poles, profiles

7214.20 Iron/steel bars (ribbed, for reinforced concrete)

7326.90 Other articles of iron or steel (excluding hand tools)

7306.30 Welded profiles and tubes of iron/steel (circular cross-section)

8205.59 Other hand tools (hammers, chisels, punches, vises)

7318.15 Bolts, nuts, washers — of iron or steel

7216.61 Iron/steel profiles (cold-formed)

7312.10 Stranded wire, ropes and cables of iron/steel

7217.20 Zinc-coated (galvanized) iron/steel wires

⚠️ HS codes are for reference only. Final classification depends on product specifics.

China's steel capital — raw materials, slab, hot/cold rolled, profiles

Steel pipe and profile production center — world's largest pipe base

Fastener (bolt, nut, screw) capital — 40% of China's production

Stainless steel — sheet, coil, pipe, profile

Stainless steel processing, cutting center, decorative steel

1.Material certification — chemical composition and mechanical properties spectro analysis
2.Galvanization coating thickness — magnetic gauge measurement
3.Dimensional tolerances — thickness, width, length, diameter measurement
4.Salt spray testing — corrosion resistance (specified in hours)
5.Tensile strength — yield and breaking strength
6.Hardness testing (Rockwell, Brinell)
7.Weld quality — ultrasonic non-destructive testing
8.Surface quality — rust, scratches, dents, delamination inspection

•Low-quality steel — chemical composition differs from certificate. Independent spectrometer testing is mandatory
•Insufficient galvanization thickness — coating below specified microns, early rusting
•High scrap mix in steel — inconsistent mechanical properties
•Poor weld quality — porosity, slag inclusions, insufficient penetration
•Production outside dimensional tolerances — assembly incompatibility, structural risk

•Request independent third-party chemical composition and mechanical test reports for every batch
•Clearly specify micron value for galvanization in the contract (e.g., min 85 microns)
•Specify salt spray test duration for fasteners (min 72h white rust, 240h red rust)
•Check stacking and securing of heavy steel products during container loading with photos
•Request VCI (Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitor) usage for overseas shipping rust prevention

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