7218.10.00.00 - Ingots and other primary forms

This HTS category, 7218.10.00.00, specifically covers stainless steel in its most basic, unworked forms, such as ingots and other primary shapes. These are typically the first outputs from the steelmaking process, intended for further processing into semi-finished or finished products. Ingots are usually cast into large blocks, while other primary forms may include certain types of molds or slabs that have not yet undergone significant shaping. The defining characteristic is the material – stainless steel – which is an alloy of iron containing chromium, often with other elements like nickel and molybdenum, conferring corrosion resistance.

This category is distinguished from its sibling, "Other" (which would likely encompass any stainless steel primary forms not specifically enumerated elsewhere), by its definitive listing. While the sibling category is a residual one, this entry precisely defines the initial cast and basic forms of stainless steel. It is important to note that at this level, the products are not yet shaped into bars, rods, angles, or other more processed forms.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification within 7218.10.00.00 hinges entirely on whether the imported or exported material is indeed stainless steel and whether it is presented in the form of ingots or other similarly unworked primary shapes, as opposed to semi-finished or finished products.