7208.53.00.00 - Of a thickness of 3 mm or more but less than 4.75 mm

This HTS classification, 7208.53.00.00, specifically covers flat-rolled products of iron or nonalloy steel that have been hot-rolled, are not clad, plated, or coated, and are neither in coils nor further worked beyond the hot-rolling process. The defining characteristic of this category is its thickness, which must be 3 mm or more but less than 4.75 mm. These are substantial steel sheets or plates, but not as thick as those covered by sibling categories.

To differentiate, 7208.51.00.00 applies to products exceeding 10 mm in thickness, and 7208.52.00.00 covers those with a thickness of 4.75 mm or more but not exceeding 10 mm. Conversely, 7208.54.00.00 is for products with a thickness of less than 3 mm. Therefore, this specific node occupies the middle ground in terms of thickness for hot-rolled, flat steel products that are not further processed.

As a leaf node, 7208.53.00.00 does not have subcategories. Classification within this HTS code is solely determined by the physical dimension of thickness, aligning with the broader scope of Section XV and Chapter 72 concerning base metals. Examples of goods that would fall here include steel plates used in structural applications, shipbuilding, or manufacturing where specific plate thickness is a critical design element.