7215.50.00 - Other, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished

HTS code 7215.50.00 encompasses "Other bars and rods of iron or nonalloy steel, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished." This classification applies to iron or nonalloy steel bars and rods that have undergone cold working processes, such as cold drawing, cold rolling, or cold forging, which alter their shape or dimensions without significant heating. These processes result in improved surface finish, closer dimensional tolerances, and increased strength. The key characteristic is that no further significant working operations, beyond these initial cold forming or finishing techniques, have been performed on the material.

This category is distinguished from its sibling, 7215.10.00, which specifically covers "Of free-cutting steel, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished." Therefore, 7215.50.00 applies to all other iron or nonalloy steel bars and rods that meet the cold-formed or cold-finished criteria but are *not* made of free-cutting steel. The distinction hinges on the material composition and its specific properties related to machinability.

The subcategories within 7215.50.00 further differentiate these cold-worked bars and rods based on their carbon content, a critical factor influencing the steel's mechanical properties. These subdivisions include material containing less than 0.25 percent carbon, material containing between 0.25 percent and 0.6 percent carbon, and material containing 0.6 percent or more carbon (classified under 7215.50.00.90). This granular breakdown allows for precise classification based on the metallurgical composition, impacting the intended applications and value of the steel products.