Stainless Steel Coil Export Standards and Certifications

You are exporting stainless steel coils. The buyer asks for the HS code¹. The customs broker needs a certificate of origin². You need to know the rules to avoid delays.

Stainless steel coil exports require correct HS code¹ classification, export licenses (for certain steel products), mill test certificates (MTCs), and certificates of origin. For cold-rolled coils (width ≥600mm), HS code¹s fall under 7219.33–7219.35 based on thickness. Since January 1, 2026, China requires export licenses for certain steel products.

I have exported stainless steel coils to many countries. A shipment to the UAE required a certificate of origin². A shipment to the US needed mill test reports. Let me walk you through the export standards and certifications.

What is the HTS code for stainless steel coils¹?

The HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code for stainless steel coils¹ depends on the thickness, width, and processing method. For cold-rolled coils (width ≥600mm), codes are 7219.31–7219.35. For hot-rolled coils, codes are 7219.11–7219.24.

Cold-rolled stainless steel coils¹ (width ≥600mm) use HS 7219.31 (≥4.75mm), 7219.32 (3–4.75mm), 7219.33 (1–3mm), 7219.34 (0.5–1mm), and 7219.35 (<0.5mm)[citation:3][citation:8]. For coils narrower than 600mm, use HS 7220. Hot-rolled coils use HS 7219.11–7219.24[citation:3].

HS Code Classification for Stainless Steel Coils

Let me provide the complete HS code² classification.

Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel Coils (Width ≥600mm)

HS Code	Thickness	Description
7219.31	≥4.75 mm	Thickest coils for heavy industry
7219.32	3–4.75 mm	Medium structural use
7219.33	1–3 mm	Common manufacturing grade
7219.34	0.5–1 mm	Precision appliance sheets
7219.35	<0.5 mm	Thin foils for electronics

Hot-Rolled Stainless Steel Coils (Width ≥600mm)

HS Code	Description
7219.11–7219.24	Hot-rolled, not further worked

Narrow Stainless Steel Coils (Width <600mm)

HS Code	Description
7220.90.00	Flat-rolled products, width <600mm

304 Stainless Steel Coil Classification

A 2mm thick 304 coil (cold-rolled) = HS 7219.33
A 1.2mm thick 304 coil = HS 7219.34
A 4mm thick 304 coil = HS 7219.32

My Experience
For a shipment of 2mm 304 cold-rolled coil, we used HS code² 7219.33. The customs clearance was smooth because the code matched the product.

What is the steel export license¹ in China?

Since January 1, 2026, China requires export license¹s for certain steel products, including some stainless steel coils. Exporters must apply for a license through the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) system.

The export license¹ requirement applies to certain steel products listed in the "Export License Management Goods Catalog." To obtain a license, exporters need a valid business license, an export contract, and a product quality inspection certificate from the manufacturer. The license is issued through the MOFCOM online platform²[citation:2][citation:7].

China Steel Export License Requirements

Let me explain the requirements for exporting steel from China.

Effective Date

January 1, 2026: New export license¹ requirements for certain steel products[citation:2]

Required Documents

Document	Purpose
Business license	Proof of legal registration
Export contract	Signed with foreign buyer
Product quality inspection certificate	From manufacturer
Electronic key	For MOFCOM platform access

Application Process

Register for electronic key (xkzj.mofcom.gov.cn)
Log into MOFCOM unified platform
Complete export license¹ application
Upload required documents
Submit for approval

License Types

One-time license: For a single shipment (most common)
Multi-use license: For processing trade (max 12 uses, valid 6 months)

Products Subject to License

Not all steel products require licenses
Check the current "Export License Management Goods Catalog"
Some stainless steel products are included

My Experience
Since January 2026, we have applied for export license¹s for our steel coil shipments. The process takes 3-5 days, so we plan ahead.

What is the HS code¹ for stainless steel coils 304?

The HS code¹ for 304 stainless steel coils² depends on thickness. For cold-rolled 304 coils (width ≥600mm), use 7219.31 (≥4.75mm), 7219.32 (3–4.75mm), 7219.33 (1–3mm), 7219.34 (0.5–1mm), or 7219.35 (<0.5mm).

A 2mm thick 304 cold-rolled coil is classified under HS 7219.33. A 1.2mm thick 304 coil is under HS 7219.34. The material grade (304) does not change the HS code¹—only the dimensions and processing method matter[citation:3][citation:5][citation:8].

304 Coil HS Code by Thickness

Let me provide the specific HS code¹s for 304 stainless steel coils².

Cold-Rolled 304 Coils (Width ≥600mm)

Thickness	HS Code	Typical Use
2.0 mm	7219.33	General fabrication
1.5 mm	7219.34	Kitchen equipment
1.2 mm	7219.34	Sinks, appliances
1.0 mm	7219.34	Light fabrication
0.8 mm	7219.34	Thin stampings
4.0 mm	7219.32	Heavy equipment

Hot-Rolled 304 Coils (Width ≥600mm)

Thickness	HS Code
3-5 mm	7219.22
>5 mm	7219.21

Narrow 304 Coils (Width <600mm)

Product	HS Code
Cold-rolled, width <600mm	7220.20
Hot-rolled, width <600mm	7220.11

My Experience
For a shipment of 2mm 304 cold-rolled coil, we declared HS code¹ 7219.33. The customs broker confirmed the code was correct.

What is the HS code for prepainted steel coils?

The HS code for prepainted steel coils depends on the base material (stainless or carbon steel) and dimensions. For prepainted carbon steel coils¹, codes typically fall under 7210 (flat-rolled, plated or coated). For prepainted stainless steel coils², codes fall under 7219 or 7220.

Prepainted steel coils are classified based on the base metal and coating type. For carbon steel coils with organic coatings (paint), HS 7210.70 applies. For stainless steel prepainted coils, the same thickness-based codes (7219.31–7219.35) apply, with the prepainted finish noted in the product description[citation:4][citation:9].

Prepainted Coil Classification

Let me explain the HS code classification for prepainted steel coils.

Carbon Steel Prepainted Coils

HS Code	Description
7210.70	Flat-rolled, plated or coated with organic coatings
7210.70.10	Of a thickness of less than 3mm
7210.70.90	Of a thickness of 3mm or more

Stainless Steel Prepainted Coils

HS Code	Description
7219.31–7219.35	Same as uncoated stainless coils
Prepainted finish noted in product description	—

Important Notes

Prepainted refers to coils coated with organic paint (polyester, PVDF, epoxy)
The base metal determines the primary HS code
Coating type may affect tariff rates in some countries

My Experience
For a shipment of prepainted carbon steel coil, we used HS code 7210.70. The customs broker required the coating specification (polyester) on the commercial invoice.

Conclusion

Stainless steel coil exports require correct HS codes¹ (7219.33 for 2mm 304 coil), export licenses² (China requires since 2026), mill test certificates, and certificates of origin. Always verify current requirements with your customs broker.

Understanding HS codes is crucial for smooth international trade and compliance with regulations. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
Exploring export license requirements can help ensure compliance and avoid costly delays in shipping. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩