7209.16.00.70 - Annealed

This HTS category, 7209.16.00.70, pertains to flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that have undergone cold-rolling (cold-reduction). These products are specifically characterized by a width of 600 millimeters or more and are not clad, plated, or coated. Crucially, this subcategory focuses on items that are in coils and have not been further worked beyond the cold-rolling process. The material must be of a thickness exceeding 1 millimeter but less than 3 millimeters. The term "Annealed" indicates that the steel has undergone a heat treatment process to soften it and improve its ductility after the cold-rolling, making it more pliable for subsequent fabrication.

This specific classification is distinguished from its sibling category, 7209.16.00.91, by the additional processing step of annealing. While both fall under the broader description of "Other" within the thickness range of more than 1 mm but less than 3 mm, the "Annealed" designation points to a specific heat treatment that alters the steel's metallurgical properties. This annealing process is a key differentiator, impacting the steel's formability and suitability for various end-use applications.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Therefore, classification under 7209.16.00.70 relies entirely on meeting the defined physical characteristics: being a flat-rolled product of iron or non-alloy steel, cold-rolled, 600mm or wider, in coils, not further worked, with a thickness between 1 mm and 3 mm, and having been annealed. It represents a precise point in the classification tree for specific types of semi-finished steel products.