7209.18.25 - Of a thickness of less than 0.361 mm (blackplate)

This HTS category, 7209.18.25, specifically classifies flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel that have been cold-rolled (cold-reduced) and are supplied in coils. Crucially, these products are characterized by their thickness, which must be less than 0.361 mm. This thickness range often refers to "blackplate," a term commonly used for steel intended for further processing, such as tinning or coating. The material has not undergone any cladding, plating, or coating at this stage and has a width of 600 mm or more.

The primary distinction of this subcategory lies in its precise thickness threshold. While the parent category 7209.18 covers cold-rolled flat products in coils with a thickness less than 0.5 mm, this specific heading narrows the scope to thicknesses below 0.361 mm. This differentiates it from the sibling category 7209.18.60, which would encompass other products within the less than 0.5 mm thickness range that do not meet the < 0.361 mm criterion.

Within this classification, further subdivisions exist to denote specific processing states. The subcategory 7209.18.25.20 is dedicated to products that have undergone an annealing process, a heat treatment designed to soften the steel and improve its workability. Conversely, the subcategory 7209.18.25.85 covers all other cold-rolled steel coils within the defined thickness that are not specifically annealed. These distinctions are vital for determining the precise tariff treatment based on the material's readiness for subsequent manufacturing steps.